Mike Kotch named coach of swimming, diving team

Judges to resume competition in 2012-2013 after extensive pool renovations

Photo/Mike Lovett

Mike Kotch

With the Linsey Pool undergoing renovations, Director of Athletics Sheryl Sousa '90 announced Monday that Brandeis University has hired Mike Kotch as the new head coach of the men's and women's swimming and diving programs. Kotch has served as head coach and director of aquatics at Regis College since 2008.

Kotch will succeed Jim Zotz, who was named an assistant director of athletics at Brandeis in the summer of 2010 after 32 years as head coach. While at Regis, Kotch was instrumental in aiding Brandeis's program during the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 seasons, when the Judges alternated practices in Weston and at cross-town institution Bentley University because of mechanical problems with the pool.

The Board of Trustees approved a renovation plan for the Linsey Pool facility on March 31. Senior Vice President for Administration Mark Collins said the $3 to $3.5-million project includes new mechanical and electrical infrastructure, new locker rooms, repairs to the pool and pool deck, a new entryway and updates to the lobby.

"Having worked with Mike in the past, I am confident he will be an outstanding fit at Brandeis," Sousa said. "He understands the challenges and rewards of coaching Division III and working with student athletes who are among the best in the pool and in the classroom. Mike will be an asset to our program as he rebuilds the swimming and diving program."

Brandeis recently hired Commodore Builders to work on the pool, according to Peter Shields, associate vice president for facilities. The contractors are finalizing the design process and expect to begin construction work within 30 days. The pool will be open for the first day of the Spring 2012 semester, Shields said.

In the meantime, Kotch will begin recruiting and building a team at Brandeis on August 1. The Judges will resume competition in the 2012-2013 season.

"Everything about Coach Zotz and the Brandeis University swim program had been first class," Kotch said. "I look forward to the challenge of not only re-establishing the high standards that were set the first time around, but to hopefully being lucky enough to recruit young men and women over time that help surpass those high standards that are representative of the current Brandeis athletic department."

Kotch, in three years as head coach at Regis, developed 19 school-record holders and built the Pride men's program up from two swimmers in 2007. Kotch was Regis's staff liaison to their Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and served on the College's Judicial Board. He also served as treasurer for the New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association (NEISDA).

Kotch holds two degrees from Bentley, receiving a B.S. in accountancy in 1998 and an M.B.A. in 2004. He served as the Falcons' assistant coach from 2002 to 2008, leading recruiting efforts, including two Division II All-Americans, and helping the team win 11 NEISDA championships between the men's and women's squads.