Brie Powers was introduced as Kalamazoo College's head men's and women's swimming and diving coach on Friday, April 25, 2025. Powers also oversees operations of Kalamazoo College's Natatorium.
Powers returned to Kalamazoo College after serving as an assistant coach from 2017-2021. After K, Powers served as the aquatic director at the Allegan Aquatic Center, creating aquatic programs, teaching lessons and running all home events at the center. She also was head coach of Tigershark Aquatics, a competitive team of swimmers ages 6-18. She has been the lead assistant coach for Greater Kalamazoo Crocs since 2022. Powers is currently working in the Urban Teacher Residency Program through Kalamazoo Public Schools and Western Michigan University while completing her master's degree in elementary education through WMU in June.
A Kalamazoo native, Powers swam at the University of Texas from 2007-2011 and was elected team captain her senior year. Powers earned All-American honors for the Longhorns, was a four-time NCAA qualifier, a member of the Big XII Commissioner's Honor Roll and a 2008 and 2012 Olympic Trials qualifier. She graduated in 2011 with a degree from the University of Texas – Austin School of Communications.
"We're thrilled to welcome Brie back to Kalamazoo College as our new head swimming and diving coach," said Jamie Zorbo, Director of Athletics and Head Football Coach. "Brie brings a tremendous amount of energy, experience, and a deep commitment to student-athlete development—both in and out of the pool. Throughout the search process, she stood out for her clear vision for the future of our swimming and diving program and her genuine passion for Kalamazoo College. A proud Kalamazoo native and former All-American swimmer at the University of Texas, Brie pairs elite competitive experience with a deep-rooted love for this community. Her enthusiasm, leadership, and thoughtful approach to building a strong and supportive team culture make her an outstanding fit. We're excited for what's ahead under her leadership and confident she'll make a lasting impact on our storied program."
Prior to coming to Kalamazoo College as an assistant in 2017, Powers was the head swimming coach at Kalamazoo Central High School from 2015-17. She also has previous experience with the Kalamazoo United Swim Club and will continue to work with Kalamazoo Masters, a program she has been with since 2015. As part of the Kalamazoo Masters program, Powers worked with the Swimming Saves Lives program which conducted free lessons to adults in the community. In addition, Powers was an assistant coach with Texas Longhorn Aquatics from 2011-15, leading and training swimmers ages 6-18.
"I'm excited to return to a program and campus that holds such a meaningful place in my heart," Powers said at the time of her hire. "As a Kalamazoo native who trained out of Kalamazoo College's pool, this is a place that shaped me, inspired me, and gave me so much from a young age. I look forward to connecting with the past, present, and future swimmers and divers who have made and will continue to make this program so special.
"My goal is to build a culture of success, unity, and pride—both in the pool and beyond. I want our athletes to find fulfillment and success in the sport they love, and I'm committed to guiding them to reach their full potential during their four years at K. More importantly, I hope the lessons they learn here carry with them far beyond those four years. Kalamazoo College has a strong tradition of excellence, and I look forward to honoring that legacy while pushing the program to even greater heights."
