NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Southern Connecticut State University is mourning the unexpected loss of Tim Quill, the longtime head coach of men’s and women’s swimming and diving at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), has died unexpectedly, university officials confirmed Wednesday. He spent 28 years building one of the most successful programs in Northeast-10 Conference history.
In a statement, Athletics Director Terrance Jones described Quill as “the embodiment of everything we strive for at Southern,” noting that his leadership extended far beyond competition. “For nearly three decades, he poured his heart into our swim and diving program, shaping not only champions in the pool but remarkable young people beyond it,” Jones said.
Quill’s record speaks to sustained excellence. Under his guidance, the Owls captured 34 Northeast-10 Conference Championships — evenly split with 17 men’s and 17 women’s titles — along with hundreds of individual conference crowns. His peers recognized his consistency and competitive standards, naming him Coach of the Year 28 times.
Beyond collegiate success, Quill coached the SoNoCo Swim Club, mentoring athletes who advanced to the U.S. Olympic Trials and the Pan American Games. Such achievements reflect a broader trend in collegiate athletics, where coaches often serve as key developers of elite talent while balancing academic and personal growth.
Former swimmers described Quill as both demanding and deeply supportive. “He pushed us to be accountable — in practice, in school, in life,” one alum said. “He cared about who we were becoming, not just how fast we swam.”
A 1989 graduate of Alfred University and a four-time All-American swimmer, Quill brought firsthand competitive experience to his coaching philosophy. He is survived by his wife, Brenda, and their children, Lilianna and Timothy V, both students at SCSU.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. As the campus community reflects, Quill’s influence endures in record books — and in the lives shaped by his steady presence on deck.
