SEWANEE, Tenn. - Announced on Monday,
Max Obermiller, head coach of the University of the South's swimming and diving teams for nearly three decades, will step down from his post to accept a new role on campus with Sewanee Fitwell.
In 29 seasons at the helm of the swimming and diving programs, Obermiller clinched four conference championships in his time on the Domain. Coaching 10 All-Americans in the pool, he has also seen 12 student-athletes earn conference Swimmer or Diver of the Year awards.
"Coach Obermiller has served Sewanee Athletics and the community faithfully and with great skill as a coach, mentor, and friend for nearly three decades. Thousands of college student-athletes, children on the plateau, and a wide group of dedicated swimmers have passed through the Fowler Center Natatorium under his watchful eye. We are deeply indebted to Max for his service to our athletes and to the university in his 29 years as head coach," said Director of Athletics John Shackelford.
Obermiller was instrumental in the foundation of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Swimming and Diving Invitational from 1996-98. In 1999, the league started sponsoring swimming and diving as a championship sport. Not only did the University of the South win the inaugural championship, but Obermiller was chosen as the SCAC Coach of the Year.
From a stretch from 1999-2004, the University of the South was garnered the SCAC Swimmer of the Year Award. Jane Chapman C'01 won the first three (1999-2001), and Elizabeth Land C'04 snagged the final three (2002-04).
Also, from 2019-22, Sewanee won four straight Southern Athletic Association (SAA) Diver of the Year Awards, including back-to-back years by Noel Whitlock C'20, followed by
Paisley Simmons C'21 and
Olivia Durfee C'22.
Obermiller has coached 136 All-Conference members between the SCAC and SAA.
Along with the 10 All-Americans he has coached, he has seen four individuals inducted into the Sewanee Athletics Hall of Fame and the 1999 team that he coached to a SCAC Championship.
"A coaches' record is far more than just the sum total of championships, coaching awards, and All-Americans. Max has touched the lives of so many untold individuals that benefited from his wisdom, integrity and grace. I often remind our students that a bird never gets to see the tree grow long after it has dropped the seed from the sky. Max has left a rainforest in his wake," added Shackelford.
In the classroom, the program achieved the Scholar All-America Team honors each year he has been at the helm. In addition, he has coached seven that earned the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.
Coaching over 45 years, he led the Goucher College (Md.) swimming and diving program from 1990-94, followed by a stint at Eastern Carolina University, where he was the head coach of the women's swimming and diving program. In 1990, his team won the Colonial Athletic Conference Championship.
The University of the South will conduct a national search for the program's next head coach.
For the latest news on the Sewanee Tigers, follow @SewaneeTigers on
Twitter and
Instagram, and like us on
Facebook.
Quotes from Sewanee Swimming and Diving Alumni:
"Swimming for Sewanee is easily one of the best decisions I ever made, and for that I will forever be indebted to Max. He was more than just a coach; he was a friend, a boss, a mentor, and occasionally a disciplinarian. He had the innate ability to meet each swimmer's individual needs, allowing them to grow both athletically and personally. He always managed to bring joy and fun to the pool deck with his inside jokes and nick names, even during difficult winter practices or disappointing swims.
While his accolades as a coach speak for themselves, his successes go far beyond the pool deck. He created a swimming family, that not only kept swimmers returning year after year but also created lifelong friendships His influence shaped hundreds of swimmers to become resilient and highly successful adults. Max, we are forever grateful for your dedication and support, and I hope you enjoy your well earned retirement to the fullest!"
Sara Neil (Layman) C'13 - 2013 recipient of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
"Coach Obermiller was not just a coach—he was a mentor, confidant, and a pillar of strength. Through the grueling practices, the exhilarating races, and the triumphs and setbacks, Coach Obermiller was the guiding force that propelled us forward. Beyond the wins and records, it was his unwavering support and genuine care—both in and out of the water—that inspired us to become the best versions of ourselves.
Max, your retirement may mark the end of your coaching career, but your impact will continue to shape the lives of athletes who have been fortunate enough to experience your guidance. May your retirement be filled with joy, fulfillment, and the knowledge that you have left a lasting mark on generations of Sewanee athletes."
Phil Link C'13 - 2013 SAA Man of the Year Winner; recipient of the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship
