University of North Carolina Athletics
Kirk Kumbier Joins Swimming/Diving Coaching Staff
May 24, 2022 | Swimming & Diving
CHAPEL HILL – Kirk Kumbier has been named an assistant coach for the North Carolina swimming and diving programs, head coach Mark Gangloff announced Monday. Kumbier comes to Chapel Hill after spending the 2021-22 season as a volunteer assistant at LSU following a three-year stint as an assistant coach at the University of California San Diego.
"I'm really excited to have Kirk to join our staff," Gangloff said. "He's has been mentored by some of the best coaches in the world and brings a wealth of coaching experience to our program. Kirk's combination of head coaching experience and mentorship of world class athletes makes him an ideal candidate to join our staff."
"I would like to thank Coach Gangloff for this opportunity to join the staff and team at UNC," Kumbier said. "From our first conversation it was clear that his vision is centered on team dynamics, hard work and competitive excellence. The team culture, the beautiful campus, and world class academics at UNC make a powerful combination for student-athletes looking to be competitive in all spheres.
"I would also like to thank my mentors, Coach Marsh, Coach Marko, Coach Bishop, Coach Steen and several others for sharing their wisdom and experience along the way. I am eager to help serve the student-athletes and challenge them to meet all their goals at the ACC, NCAA, and international levels."
In his lone year in Baton Rouge, Kumbier helped coach the Tigers to their highest SEC Men's Championship finish since 1997 and saw eight school records fall. He also helped tutor 2022 NCAA 50 and 100-yard freestyle champion Brooks Curry.
Prior to joining the coaching staff at LSU, Kumbier served as an assistant coach at the University of California at San Diego. He primarily coached the sprint events and took on the role of the recruiting coordinator. While at UC San Diego, three swimmers training under Kumbier's wing qualified for the U.S. Swimming Trials.
In the UCSD's final season in Division II, Kumbier helped lead both the men's and women's teams to a number one ranking in the CSCAA polls during the 2019-20 season. A total of 26 athletes earned All-American honors including Spencer Daily who became the national champion in the 50-yard freestyle.
Kumbier began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Allegheny College in 2011. He remained in the role of assistant coach until the 2013-14 campaign when he was tabbed interim head coach, and then subsequently being named to the permanent post. Kumbier guided nine of his Allegheny Gators to 14 school-record swims, with seven producing NCAA consideration qualifiers in 10 events.
Kumbier earned his bachelor's degree from Kenyon College in 2011 and helped the Lords to three consecutive Division III national titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He later received a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri in 2016.
"I'm really excited to have Kirk to join our staff," Gangloff said. "He's has been mentored by some of the best coaches in the world and brings a wealth of coaching experience to our program. Kirk's combination of head coaching experience and mentorship of world class athletes makes him an ideal candidate to join our staff."
"I would like to thank Coach Gangloff for this opportunity to join the staff and team at UNC," Kumbier said. "From our first conversation it was clear that his vision is centered on team dynamics, hard work and competitive excellence. The team culture, the beautiful campus, and world class academics at UNC make a powerful combination for student-athletes looking to be competitive in all spheres.
"I would also like to thank my mentors, Coach Marsh, Coach Marko, Coach Bishop, Coach Steen and several others for sharing their wisdom and experience along the way. I am eager to help serve the student-athletes and challenge them to meet all their goals at the ACC, NCAA, and international levels."
In his lone year in Baton Rouge, Kumbier helped coach the Tigers to their highest SEC Men's Championship finish since 1997 and saw eight school records fall. He also helped tutor 2022 NCAA 50 and 100-yard freestyle champion Brooks Curry.
Prior to joining the coaching staff at LSU, Kumbier served as an assistant coach at the University of California at San Diego. He primarily coached the sprint events and took on the role of the recruiting coordinator. While at UC San Diego, three swimmers training under Kumbier's wing qualified for the U.S. Swimming Trials.
In the UCSD's final season in Division II, Kumbier helped lead both the men's and women's teams to a number one ranking in the CSCAA polls during the 2019-20 season. A total of 26 athletes earned All-American honors including Spencer Daily who became the national champion in the 50-yard freestyle.
Kumbier began his coaching career as an assistant coach at Allegheny College in 2011. He remained in the role of assistant coach until the 2013-14 campaign when he was tabbed interim head coach, and then subsequently being named to the permanent post. Kumbier guided nine of his Allegheny Gators to 14 school-record swims, with seven producing NCAA consideration qualifiers in 10 events.
Kumbier earned his bachelor's degree from Kenyon College in 2011 and helped the Lords to three consecutive Division III national titles in 2008, 2009 and 2010. He later received a Master of Education degree from the University of Missouri in 2016.
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