United by LegacyA Tribute to Coach Tim Quill and the Community He Inspired
The Southern community learned of the sudden and unexpected passing of Tim Quill, longtime head coach of the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, on February 11, 2026. The devastating news came just one day before he was set to lead his teams to the Northeast-10 Conference Championships, a competition he dominated throughout his remarkable career, earning 17 men’s and 17 women’s NE10 titles along with numerous individual honors and accolades.
Women's Swimming and Diving
The Southern Connecticut women’s swimming and diving team won its sixth consecutive Northeast 10 title and 18th overall in a big "Win for Tim."
Men's Swimming and Diving
The men’s swimming and diving team closed out the final day of the Northeast-10 Championship with a strong fourth-place finish, earning eight total medals over the course of the championship.
A Community United
What has transpired since has been nothing short of inspiring. The NCAA swim community, local programs, his deep alumni base, and the university as a whole have rallied to honor Coach Quill and his athletes with extraordinary love, strength and unity.
Coach Quill’s impact at Southern extended far beyond the pool, and his legacy has been reflected in the outpouring of support across campus and throughout the broader Owl community. In the days leading up to the championships, students, staff, coaches, and athletes gathered for a heartfelt sendoff as the team departed for Worcester. Nearly every athlete and coach showed up, standing together in a powerful show of solidarity and support.
Throughout the NE10 Championships, alumni rallied in remarkable fashion. Each day of the meet, large groups of former student-athletes and supporters filled the stands, cheering on the current team with pride and purpose. Their presence served as a visible reminder of the program Coach Quill built, and the lifelong bonds he created.
Families played an equally meaningful role. Parents helped create space for the team to grieve and recharge, ensuring the athletes had a welcoming environment with food, snacks, and a sense of comfort during an emotionally difficult weekend. Their care and generosity reflected the close-knit culture Coach Quill fostered for so many years.
Across campus, tributes continued throughout the weekend with a moment of silence for Coach Quill offered at campus athletic events, providing time for reflection and remembrance.
At the championships, student-athletes found personal ways to honor the coach who shaped their lives. Many wrote Coach Quill’s name on their arms, carried tribute messages, and gathered around a poster displayed each time swimmers medaled, a simple but powerful tradition that ensured his presence remained part of every victory.
As the team swam their hearts out, messages of encouragement and remembrance poured in on social media under the hashtag #SwimForTim.
And the women’s swimming and diving team delivered the 18th NE10 championship he has so well prepared them for.
This week has been filled with grief, but it has also revealed the strength of the Southern community. In every cheer, every tribute, and every quiet act of care, we have seen the legacy of Coach Tim Quill, a legacy built on excellence, compassion, and belonging.
In Loving Memory of Coach Tim Quill
February 12, 2026
It is with profound sadness that I share the sudden passing of Tim Quill, our longtime head coach of men’s and women’s swimming and diving.
For nearly three decades, Tim devoted his life to the sport he loved and to the students he mentored. He built one of the most successful athletic programs in Southern Connecticut State University history and in the Northeast-10 Conference.
Your Memories
We invite you to share your memories, stories, photos, or videos as we honor his lasting impact on our community.
Moment of Silence
The Northeast 10 Conference shared in Southern's mourning over the passing of Tim Quill, observing a moment of silence and honoring his lasting legacy.
#SwimForTim
The SCSU family has come together in an outpouring of love and support for Tim.