About this episode
Episode #66 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide Small-school recruiting, inspiring youth through swimming, international outreach, and Kyle's unique journey in swim development. UPJ Might Be the Best Kept Secret in College Swimming. D2 schools can attract elite talent, and Coach Kile Zimmer is building at UPJ. He might change your mind about the value of a branch campus! From Dubai to Johnstown – This Coach is Recruiting Worldwide too. Coach Kile Zimmer isn't just building a swim team, he's crafting a campus community. Hear how he's reaching athletes from India, France, Brazil, and beyond. Many Coaches Don't Talk About This. Understand what makes a coach go from good to unforgettable. Coach Zimmer reveals the one thing most coaches overlook, but he lives by. The #1 Cause of Death for Kids Under 8… And What This Coach is Doing About It This episode goes deeper than college competition. Coach Zimmer is on a mission from God to prevent childhood drowning. In his past position in an assistant at a rural college campus, he taught 200 kids to swim. How a Small Swim Team went on a Pathway to National Recognition One of his prior club swim teams, with just 48 swimmers, produced elite athletes who dominated at Spring Juniors? Coach Zimmer shares how he built a powerhouse in a tiny town. Now he is gearing up for the next challenge of building a program at D2 UPJ. The one thing Coach Kile Zimmer seems to live by, and emphasizes throughout the interview, is this: "Serve selflessly and inspire through swimming." This philosophy shows up repeatedly in his words and actions: He volunteers with USA Swimming and values giving back without expecting anything in return. He emphasizes building relationships, not just recruiting stats. He talks about instilling a love of swimming and helping others reach their potential—whether that's coaching kids, mentoring coaches, or serving underserved communities. He refers to his mission as a "calling from God" to help people through swimming—from preventing childhood drownings to developing elite athletes. In his own words: "When you're blessed to help people… you instill the love of swimming and inspire them. It's my mission from God. That's what I do in life." . That's the heartbeat of his message—and it's powerful.