If you have not already heard the big news, Saginaw Valley State University is starting an intercollegiate women’s and men’s swimming and diving program! The women’s program is slated to begin competition in the fall of 2014 and the addition of a men's program is pending. My name is Bruce Zimmerman and I am the newly appointed Head Coach of the program. I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit about myself, my philosophies and the swim program here at SVSU.
As a coach, I strive to provide opportunities for my student-athletes to excel academically and athletically in an environment that stresses hard work, honesty, integrity and a strong desire to achieve one’s goals. I see myself as a teacher, motivator, guidance counselor and mentor for the student-athletes I have the opportunity to work with. Through the sport of swimming and diving, I try to create an environment that helps my athletes develop the skills, values, emotional strength and philosophies that will help them be successful in all aspects of life. My number one priority is to have all of the student-athletes in our program get a quality education and graduate from Saginaw Valley State University. Secondly, I work very hard to provide a swimming and diving program that gives our members the opportunity to achieve their personal athletic goals. Finally, I want our team members to have a life outside of their academic and athletic endeavors. To accomplish these goals, we will provide a balanced program to ensure that all of our student-athletes have a fulfilling college experience. My coaching style is very simple. I am very honest and straightforward with my team members and I expect them to be the same with me. I expect my student-athletes to give 100% every day, both academically and athletically. I expect everyone to make responsible, mature decisions socially and put themselves in a position to perform at their best every day. Ultimately, I expect everyone to represent Saginaw Valley State University and our program with pride and honor.
As we prepare to embark on a new era of competitive swimming and diving at SVSU, we have set some very clear goals and objectives for the program. First, we expect every student-athlete to receive a quality education and graduate from Saginaw Valley State University. Secondly, we will offer to every student-athlete a well-rounded, positive collegiate experience that encompasses academics, athletics and social interaction. Our third objective is to have a program that will be active in the college community and the Great Lakes Bay Region through participation in community service projects. This will provide valuable resources to the area and result in a positive image for the program and institution. Lastly, we will compete at the highest levels, both in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) and nationally. Athletically, it is the mission of the Saginaw Valley State University Swimming & Diving program to consistently contend for and win our conference championship. Another mission is to qualify swimmers and divers to compete in the NCAA Division II Swimming and Diving Championships. Everything we do in our program is aimed at accomplishing these goals.
If you feel like this is a school and program that could be a good fit for you and you would like to learn more about Saginaw Valley State University and its swimming & diving program, please fill out and submit the recruit form that can be found on the swimming & diving home page. We will review the information you provide and respond accordingly soon after.