TCU head swimming and diving coach Richard Sybesma has announced his retirement.
At 38 years, Sybesma was the longest tenured head coach for any sport in TCU history. Sybesma arrived at TCU in 1979 and guided the Horned Frogs in five different conferences (Southwest, WAC, Conference USA, Mountain West and Big 12) over five decades.
“I have reached a point in my life where I need to put myself, family and health first,” Sybesma said. “With that being said, I have come to a decision to retire.
“I’ve had an incredible 38 years at TCU and couldn’t imagine a better place to spend my career and raise my family. It’s been an incredible journey. TCU, this program and all the student-athletes I’ve come in contact with hold a special place in my heart. I will always bleed purple and support this program.”
The Horned Frogs won seven team conference championships and 16 individual league titles under Sybesma. He produced seven national champions, 18 All-Americans and four Olympians. He is a five-time conference coach of the year.
Sybesma’s impact on the swimming and diving community went beyond TCU and was felt internationally. He was the head coach of the 1996 Nicaraguan Olympic Team in Atlanta. He also conducted swim clinics in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Malaysia in addition to Fort Worth. He was honored nationally with the Master Coach Award in 1992 from the College Swim Coaches Association.
“Richard Sybesma has been a beloved institution at TCU and in Fort Worth,” TCU director of intercollegiate athletics Chris Del Conte said. “He has had an unbelievable impact on the more than 1,000 student-athletes he’s coached and mentored. We can’t thank him enough for what he’s meant to our campus and city.
“We congratulate and wish Richard the best in his retirement. We know he’s excited to begin the next chapter in his life. Richard will always be a Horned Frog!”
Press release courtesy of TCU Athletics.
Richard, you leave a great legacy at TCU for many athletes! Thanks and enjoy your new chapter in life! Thanks for ever!
Richard–Well done and well deserved!