University of New Hampshire Athletics
Photo by: Stu Horne
UNH Honors Coach Willman’s 30+ Years with Memorable Reunion Weekend
10/23/2024 2:47:00 PM | Women's Swimming and Diving
DURHAM, N.H. – The University of New Hampshire swimming and diving program celebrated a remarkable weekend honoring over 30 years of excellence under head coach Josh Willman with an alumni reunion that brought together more than 170 alumni, family, and friends. The festivities spanned from Friday's capacity crowd at Swasey Pool for the season-opening win over Vermont to a weekend filled with celebrations, renewed connections, and reflections on the legacy of coach Willman's leadership.
Coach Willman expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming turnout: "It was incredibly humbling to have so many of my former swimmers return to celebrate my 30 years here at UNH. Looking up in the packed balcony of Swasey Pool during Friday's meet and seeing my first classes from the 1990s cheering for my current team of 2024 just filled my heart. Nothing beats a fall Homecoming game here in New Hampshire, and sharing the meet, a beautiful afternoon at the game with all the alumni, followed by a special evening of shared memories—it was absolutely the best."
The Wildcats kicked off the weekend with an impressive 183-117 victory over defending America East champion Vermont on Friday, Oct 19. Swasey Pool was filled with a lively crowd to cheer on the current Wildcats, making it one of the most memorable home meets in program history.
On Saturday, alumni gathered at the touchdown tents during the UNH vs. URI football game to reminisce about their experiences and celebrate their shared history. Later that evening, an intimate reception was held in Holloway Commons, where current team members, friends, alumni, and their families had the opportunity to connect and share stories.
Coach Willman addressed the crowd, reflecting on his three decades as head coach and sharing fond memories from his career. He highlighted many of the incredible athletes he has had the privilege to coach, showcasing the legacy of success, camaraderie, and excellence that defines the UNH swim and dive program. UNH Director of Athletics Allison Rich was also in attendance and shared her admiration for the program's long-standing achievements and the community that coach Willman has fostered.
The reunion weekend was a fitting tribute to coach Willman's more than 30 years at the helm of the program. Under his guidance, UNH swim and dive has consistently achieved success, including a league-record 11 championships (1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), while also fostering a sense of family that continues to unite alumni from across generations.
Coach Willman expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming turnout: "It was incredibly humbling to have so many of my former swimmers return to celebrate my 30 years here at UNH. Looking up in the packed balcony of Swasey Pool during Friday's meet and seeing my first classes from the 1990s cheering for my current team of 2024 just filled my heart. Nothing beats a fall Homecoming game here in New Hampshire, and sharing the meet, a beautiful afternoon at the game with all the alumni, followed by a special evening of shared memories—it was absolutely the best."
The Wildcats kicked off the weekend with an impressive 183-117 victory over defending America East champion Vermont on Friday, Oct 19. Swasey Pool was filled with a lively crowd to cheer on the current Wildcats, making it one of the most memorable home meets in program history.
On Saturday, alumni gathered at the touchdown tents during the UNH vs. URI football game to reminisce about their experiences and celebrate their shared history. Later that evening, an intimate reception was held in Holloway Commons, where current team members, friends, alumni, and their families had the opportunity to connect and share stories.
Coach Willman addressed the crowd, reflecting on his three decades as head coach and sharing fond memories from his career. He highlighted many of the incredible athletes he has had the privilege to coach, showcasing the legacy of success, camaraderie, and excellence that defines the UNH swim and dive program. UNH Director of Athletics Allison Rich was also in attendance and shared her admiration for the program's long-standing achievements and the community that coach Willman has fostered.
The reunion weekend was a fitting tribute to coach Willman's more than 30 years at the helm of the program. Under his guidance, UNH swim and dive has consistently achieved success, including a league-record 11 championships (1998, 1999, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023), while also fostering a sense of family that continues to unite alumni from across generations.
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UNH Head Coach Josh Willman America East Champions Post-Meet Interview
Sunday, April 25
UNH Head Coach Josh Willman Day 2 America East Swimming Championships Post-Meet Interview
Saturday, April 24
UNH Head Coach Josh Willman America East Swimming Championships Preview Interview (4/22/21)
Thursday, April 22