The swimming world mourns the death of Kim Bierwert, a giant in the sport.
Highlights
- Kim Bierwert dedicated over four decades to coaching swimming and diving at Smith College, developing three national champions and 31 All-Americans while creating a team culture affectionately known as “The Wild Bunch.”
- Beyond his collegiate coaching success, Kim had a profound impact on water safety and community recreation through his leadership at the Northampton Swim Club, where his swimming lessons became legendary.
- Kim’s passing on February 22, 2025, marked the end of a remarkable life that seamlessly blended academic excellence (MIT graduate), athletic achievement, and a passion for helping others excel in water sports of all kinds.
For over four decades, Kim Bierwert stood as a pillar of strength, wisdom, and guidance at Smith College.
As the longest-tenured member of the Smith coaching staff, Bierwert dedicated his career to swimming and diving since 1977, transforming countless lives both in and out of the pool.
Bierwert’s coaching prowess produced remarkable results throughout his illustrious career.
He guided three national champions and 31 All-Americans, including five exceptional athletes who earned All-American honors every year: Lisa Marlow ’83, Maureen McMahon ’84, Monique Fischer ’86, Adele Burgess ’88, and Dawn Gerken ’96.
Under his watchful eye, Barbara King became a two-time diving national champion, while McMahon claimed the national title in the 100 fly in 1984, and Fischer secured the 200 backstroke national championship in 1986.
His teams consistently performed at the highest levels, reaching nationals 21 times in a 30-year span.
The pinnacle of these achievements came with top-10 finishes in 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, and 1986.
The swimming community recognized Bierwert’s exceptional talent, honoring him as the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference Diving Coach of the Year in 2006 and the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association Diving Coach of the Year in both 1994 and 1997.
A graduate of MIT, where he competed in swimming and diving for four years, Bierwert’s influence extended far beyond Smith College.
He served as president of the Western Massachusetts Swimming League and the New England Women’s Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association.
His leadership extended to the board of directors of the College Swim Coaches of America Association and the New England United States Swimming Committee.
For four years (2011-2015), he contributed his expertise to the NCAA Division III Swimming & Diving Committee, including two years as chair.
During the 2015-16 season, Bierwert demonstrated his continued excellence by guiding CeCe Arrison ’16 to the 2016 NCAA Swimming and Diving tournament on both the 1m and 3m board, further cementing his legacy as an exceptional coach.
Kim Bierwert’s Death Marks the End of an Era in Aquatic Excellence
On February 22, 2025, the swimming world lost a giant when Kim Gare Bierwert passed away suddenly at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
Born in Northampton, Massachusetts, to Donald Vincent Bierwert and Jessie Gare Bierwert, Kim grew up with an innate connection to water.
His swimming journey began formally in 1962 when he joined his first swim team and emerged as the sole local winner at the NE AAU Championships in the 100m backstroke.
He continued this athletic excellence at MIT, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Colleagues and students alike recognized Bierwert as a genius whose brilliance shone brightest when he married his knowledge of physics with his passion for watersports.
His exceptional teaching abilities allowed students to learn more in a 15-minute swimming lesson with him than they might in an entire season elsewhere.
Before finding his home at Smith College, Bierwert honed his coaching skills at Northampton High School and Hampshire Regional YMCA in the early 1970s.
At Smith, his team affectionately became known as “The Wild Bunch” – like bananas that develop as a bunch while remaining individuals.
He created a family atmosphere where everyone felt valued as both a person and an athlete.
His coaching extended beyond the pool – he successfully guided seven Smith swimmers across the English Channel between 1984 and 2017.
Water safety remained a lifelong passion for Bierwert, beginning with his role as a lifeguard at the Northampton Swim Club in 1966.
In the early 1980s, he and his father transformed the Club into a community cornerstone, with his famous swimming lessons and Fourth of July games becoming summer highlights for generations.
After retirement, Bierwert and his wife enjoyed traveling and exploring SCUBA diving in Jamaica, Bonaire, Egypt, the Philippines, Bali, and Australia.
He cherished time with his family, supported the Celtics, tackled home improvement projects with his children, and maintained his connection to the swimming community by coaching Masters Swimming twice weekly.
He continued waterskiing on the Connecticut River whenever possible.
Kim Bierwert is survived by his wife, Lou Ann Bierwert, daughter Lindsay Bierwert, son Joel Bierwert, daughter-in-law Tiana Bierwert, and sisters Crisca and Karen Bierwert.
Calling hours will be held at Czelusniak Funeral Home on Thursday, February 27, from 2:00 to 4:30 PM, with remembrances from 4:30 to 5:00 PM.
A private burial at Spring Grove Cemetery will occur at the family’s convenience.
Additional Information
- Kim began his aquatic journey early in life, becoming the sole local champion at the New England AAU Championships in the 100m backstroke as a youth swimmer in 1962.
- Beyond his coaching at Smith College, Kim was deeply committed to community service through the Northampton Swim Club, which he and his father transformed into a beloved local institution known for its swimming programs.
- At Northampton High School, Bierwert excelled in both Track and Field (pole vault and javelin) and Swimming and Diving, earning a spot on the Western Mass.
