LEXINGTON, Va. – VMI head men's and women's swimming and diving coach Andrew Bretscher has stepped down from his post this week after four seasons on Post to pursue other career opportunities.

"Andrew has done a superb job as our Head Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach," said Dr. Dave Diles, VMI Director of Athletics. "He's transformed the programs and he's one of the most talented coaches that I have had the pleasure to work with.  I'm exceedingly grateful for his contributions to our department and he's been comprehensively invested in VMI.  He has a bright future in any career direction he next selects."

Bretscher entered his role at VMI in 2017-18, just before the start of the Keydets' first year in the America East Conference and presided over the transition well. The new head coach's first year saw John Kim earn top-five finishes in both the 100 and 200 back at the conference championships, while the Keydets also hosted their first home meet since January of 2015. VMI also earned a dual win over Mount St. Mary's early in the season, a season that saw 11 women's varsity and three men's varsity records fall. 

In his second year, Bretscher led the Keydet swimming and diving teams to outstanding seasons, both in and out of the pool. The team set 25 program records (15 men, 10 women), representing more than half of the all-time records kept. Two top Bretscher freshman recruits, Stephen Hopta and Sophie Svoboda, combined to set or be a part of 17 new top marks. In an article from swimswam.com, the VMI men were the second-most improved team in Division 1 in 2018-19, while the women were #3. Both squads were named Scholar All-America teams by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association (CSCAA). The Keydets broke nine school records in a highly successful 2020-21 season, and Holly Hein and Jack Sheehan earned America East Conference All-Academic Team honors. 

A nationwide search for Bretscher's replacement will begin immediately.