Springfield College Hires Alum Howard Hinds to Lead Swim Programs
Springfield College this week announced the hiring of alumnus Howard Hinds to lead the men’s and women’s swimming programs.
Hinds graduated from Springfield in 2000 and was hired as an assistant coach in 2022. The two-time Olympian for Netherlands Antilles takes over from his former mentor, John Taffe, who retired after 35 years at the end of the season. Hinds, who also will occupy an assistant professorship of physical education, is just the 10th head coach since the program began in 1915 and the fourth since 1938.
“I am thrilled to accept the role of Assistant Professor/Head Coach for both the men’s and women’s programs at Springfield College. It’s an honor to continue the rich tradition of excellence, and I’m eager to lead our athletes toward even greater heights,” Hinds in a university statement. “I have learned a great deal from Coach Taffe, and while his shoes will be hard to fill, I am committed to upholding the standards of excellence he has set. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Poisson and the committee for entrusting me with this incredible opportunity.”
Hinds has helped the Pride send 10 individual qualifiers to the NCAA Division III Championships over the last two seasons and set seven program records.
Hinds was a star at Springfield, inducted to the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 2020. He set five program records in 1999, and his mark in the 100 free of 45.08 seconds still holds. The six-time All-American was twice the NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year and capped his career with the Robert Muir Award, as the high scorer over the previous four years at the New England Championships.
Hinds represented Netherlands Antilles at the 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games, making the semifinals in the 50 free at the latter, and at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics. He began coaching at Long Island Aquatic Club and Impact Training in New York City, as a personal trainer for swimmers and other athletes.
“As our next teacher-coach in the sport of swimming, I look forward to Coach Hinds imparting his vast knowledge and deep passion onto our young men and women student-athletes in the pool and in the classroom,” director of athletics Craig Poisson said. “His accomplishments as a student-athlete at Springfield College and beyond on the international stage reinforce his expertise and I know our student-athletes will benefit from his leadership.”
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Congratulations to Howard I’m sure he will do a great job.
Congratulations Howard!!!