Former Swimming Coach Nancy Bigelow To Be Inducted Into CSCAA DIII Hall of Fame Tonight

MEDFORD, MA (May 5, 2025) - Nancy Bigelow, who coached swimming at Tufts University for 36 years, will be inducted into the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) Division III Hall of Fame on Monday evening.

The honor  recognizes the exceptional achievements and contributions of NCAA Division III swimmers, divers, and coaches. The induction ceremony will be held at the CSCAA Annual Awards Celebration at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Bigelow, who retired from Tufts at the end of the 2017-18 academic year, mentored hundreds of young men and women during a 43-year career which also included a stint at Wellesley College. Joining the Jumbos in 1982, she quickly helped establish the women's swimming & diving program as a force in the region, winning New England championships in 1986, 1987, and 1989. The Jumbos also had three NCAA Top 10 finishes during her career. She coached 44 All-Americans and 27 New England or NESCAC champions. Dozens of team members received CSCAA Academic All-America recognition.

In 2015 Bigelow stepped down as women's head coach, but continued to work with the teams as associate head coach. In 2018 she capped her career by helping the men's team win its first-ever NESCAC title.

She received many accolades during her career, including the CSCAA's Richard E. Steadman Award which honors exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to the swimming community. Among the many charitable endeavors Bigelow's Tufts teams participated in was Swim Across America, the non-profit organization which raised money for cancer research, prevention, and treatment through swimming-related events.

Bigelow was also a three-time New England Coach of the Year, two-time NESCAC Coach of the Year and was honored as a Master and Distinguished Coach by the CSCAA in 2006.

She remains involved with the Tufts program, helping out at meets throughout the season and attending championship events.

"Given the amount of time we've spent together, I consider Nancy to be extended family and am thrilled to see her receive this honor," said Tufts head coach of men's and women's swimming & diving Adam Hoyt. "Her values and teaching have lived on through the coaches on staff she worked with and the many athletes she helped develop over her career. She is so very deserving of this honor."

Bigelow will join legendary Tufts men's coach Don Megerle in the CSCAA DIII Hall of Fame. He was a member of the first class in 2024.