GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA – University of the Incarnate Word head synchronized swimming coach Kim Wurzel-LoPorto was named the 2012 United States Synchronized Swimming Coach of the Year On Saturday night at the national Aquatic Sports Convention.

The Coach of the Year Award is given to the coach that has made a significant impact on athlete performance at the highest level of competition in the last 12 months.

“I am so honored that my name will go down in history with all of the amazing coaches that have shown me the way through my swimming and coaching careers,” said Wurzel-LoPorto.  “I would like to thank all of my coaches for helping me get to where I am today.  I would also like to thank Mark Papich (UIW Athletic Director) and The University of the Incarnate Word for allowing me to coach at such a great University with such great student-athletes. ”

Wurzel-LoPorto has consistently led the Cardinals to top national finishes and has placed six swimmers on the Senior National Team that represents the United States.  Previously, she has been an assistant coach with the U.S. Senior National Team 2 and the head coach of the Junior National Team.

Wurzel-LoPorto started the UIW program in 2001 after a distinguished swimming career.  She was a 2000 Olympian, five-time national champion, six-time Senior National Team member, a two-time Junior National Team athlete, an eight-time All-American and the Athlete of the Year in USA Synchro in 2000.

Wurzel-LoPorto now moves onto the United States Olympic Committee ballot as Synchronized Swimming's nominee for the USOC Coach of the Year Award.
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