Tom Groden, who was the first-ever swimming and diving head coach at Boston College, died on June 26th at his home in Massachusetts. He was 77 years old.
A Boston College alum himself, Groden started the school’s swimming and diving program following his graduation in 1972. He served as the head coach of both the men’s and women’s teams for 45 years.
Groden was born in Cambridge, Mass., on August 24th, 1948. He spent most of his younger years at Lewis Farm in Walpole with his parents and fifteen siblings, attending Walpole High School before heading off to Boston College.
After receiving an undergraduate degree in teaching from the university, Groden stayed on as the head swimming and diving coach, pool director and water polo coach. He fostered his athletes’ success in and out of the pool, building lasting relationships with fellow coaches and former swimmers.
Groden was credited as being the reason for many of his swimmers’ continued love of the sport.
Matthias Schildwachter, who swam under Groden at Boston College from 1999-2003 and was team captain for his last two years, spoke on Groden’s impact on his swimmers and the sport.
“When people reflect on Tom and their experience with BC Swimming & Diving, the first thing they almost always mention is the extraordinary sense of family and community he created,” Schildwachter told SwimSwam. “Year after year, he fostered an environment that built lasting friendships and strong connections. More than anything, he cared about developing his athletes as people and as students, not just as swimmers. His impact on so many lives will endure, and he will be deeply missed.”
Groden resigned from his post at Boston College in December 2016 after racking up a total of 773 victories across both the men’s and women’s programs during his time at the helm. He was the first NCAA coach to record 300 wins with both a men’s and women’s program at the same institution.
Groden eventually returned to Lewis Farm with his wife, Sara, to raise their daughters. He is survived by Sara, his daughters Susan and Abigail, and his grandchildren Abigail and Henry, in addition to many nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.
A service will be held at Saint Mary’s Church in East Walpole on August 22nd, followed by a celebration of life at the family’s home. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting memorial donations be made in Groden’s name to Swim Across America.
God Bless you Tom. RIP