Southern Connecticut State University is mourning the sudden passing of Tim Quill, longtime head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, whose legacy helped shape one of the most successful eras in university athletics history.
Under his leadership, the Owls captured dozens of conference championships and achieved some of the strongest national finishes in program history. With 34 Northeast-10 Conference Championships and 121 NCAA All-America selections under his guidance, Quill transformed Southern Connecticut Swimming & Diving into a national powerhouse.
His teams consistently competed among the best in NCAA Division II, while hundreds of athletes claimed conference titles and rewrote university and league record books. Beyond the accolades, Quill was widely respected for the culture he built — one rooted in discipline, accountability, mentorship, and care for student-athletes as people first.
In a message to the campus community, Interim President Sandy Bulmer reflected on Quill’s impact.
“For nearly three decades, Tim devoted his life to the sport he loved and to the students he mentored. He built one of the most successful athletic programs in Southern history and in the Northeast-10 Conference,” said Bulmer. “Those who knew Tim understood that he was, above all, a husband and father, a mentor and a teacher. He offered a steady, compassionate presence in the lives of generations of student-athletes.”
“Tim embodied everything we strive for at Southern Connecticut State University,” said Terrance Jones, director of athletics and recreation. “His commitment, his steadiness, and his genuine care for our student athletes made him a pillar of this community. Tim’s legacy is one of service, mentorship, and heart. We honor his life, his work, and the profound mark he left on every student he coached.”
Quill’s influence extended well beyond Southern. Prior to his arrival, he coached at the Cheshire YMCA and later led the SoNoCo Swim Club, where he developed nationally ranked swimmers and future international competitors. A graduate of Alfred University and former All-America swimmer himself, Quill remained active in national coaching circles throughout his career.
Click here for a tribute from SCSU Athletics.
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