Longmeadow's Schmidt hired to coach Middlebury College diving team

Date: 8/21/2014

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. – Former Westfield State University standout diver Kimberly Schmidt has been named the new diving coach at Middlebury College.

She replaces Lisa Gibbs, who stepped down after 16 years of service to the program. Schmidt will serve under the direction of Panther head coach Bob Rueppel.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kimi to Middlebury," Rueppel said. “I know she will be a great addition to our staff and I look forward to working with her.”

Schmidt is a 2012 graduate of Westfield State University, where she was a member of the diving team. The Longmeadow native qualified for the NCAA Championships in each of her four years, earning All-American honors in 2012.

She also served as a team captain during her junior and senior seasons. She was named the Little East Conference (LEC) Diver of the Year in 2011 and 2012, and captured the New England Championship in each of her four seasons.

After earning her undergraduate degree in movement science, she attended Springfield College where she served as a graduate assistant coach for the past two seasons. While at Springfield, she earned a master's degree in exercise science.

Schmidt is a certified lifeguard who also owns certifications in waterfront skills, CPR/AED/first aid and lifeguard management.