On March 31, after nearly half a century of service and mentorship, Jim Zotz, one of the longest-tenured figures in Brandeis University’s athletics history, announced his retirement. Effective May 30, 2025, Zotz will step away from his role following an extraordinary 46-year-long career that left a significant mark on the university, serving as the head coach of the swimming and diving program and, for the last 15 years, in an administrative role.

Coach Zotz began his Brandeis journey in 1978 after graduating from Niagara University ‘76 and earning a master’s degree from Springfield College ‘78. He was tasked with many roles upon his start at Brandeis in the late 70s: swim coach, aquatics director, women’s cross country coach, women’s track coach and physical education instructor. Despite this, his commitment to his athletes and his passion for community remained constant.

Over his 32 years as head coach of the Brandeis Swimming and Diving Team, Zotz compiled an impressive 275 dual meet victories, earned two University Athletic Association Coach of the Year and New England Coach of the Year honors. Under his leadership, Brandeis teams were named College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America All-Academic 44 times.

Coach Zotz’s impact is not just in wins and accolades. He coached 20 All-Americans, 44 Academic All-Americans, 71 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division III National Championship qualifiers and 118 All-New England Intercollegiate Swimming and Diving Association performers. 

According to Brandeis Swim alum and swim coach Matt Goldberg ’94 when interviewed by Brandeis Athletics, Zotz was nothing short of a life-changing mentor. In a March 31 Brandeis University Athletics article, Goldberg explained that “Coach Zotz was one of the most influential people in [his] life at Brandeis” and that he “still use[s] some of the same training sets [he] learned in [his] time there. But more importantly, [he] tr[ies] to embody [Zotz’s] empathy."

In 2016, Zotz was inducted into the Brandeis Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2020, the university unveiled the Jim Zotz Wall of Recognition at the Joseph M Linsey Pool at Gosman Sports and Convocation Center to honor his contributions.

“Brandeis University is an amazing place because of people like Jim Zotz,” said Director of Athletics Jessica Chapin ‘10 to Brandeis Athletics, emphasizing that he was a “Hall of Fame coach and a world-class human.” In an interview with Brandeis athletics, Zotz recalled, "There is no doubt that my 46 years at Brandeis University have instilled in me a strong sense of commitment and loyalty to the entire University community.” He also thanked those he worked with, saying, “I want to thank all of the students and student-athletes I have interacted with for their trust and confidence in me as a teacher, coach, and mentor."

Brandeis will celebrate Coach Zotz’s remarkable career during Homecoming Weekend in 2025. Although Zotz will be retiring following the conclusion of the Spring 2025 semester, the impact that he leaves after 46 years of service will continue to ripple through the lives of those he mentored, coached and worked alongside.