SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Kim Wurzel-Lo Porto, the long-time and only head synchronized swimming coach in University of the Incarnate Word history, has decided to hang up her whistle after 12 years and make a move to the business world.
Lo Porto arrived at UIW in 2001 and started the program from scratch with only three swimmers with novice level experience. Within four years of starting the program, the Cardinals were the third best collegiate team in the nation. The team would continue to post top finishes capped by a 2012 NCAA Collegiate National Runner-Up finish. The 2012 team won national championships in the team and duet events.
"I want to thank the University of the Incarnate Word along with Dr. Lou Agnese, Dr. David Jurenovich, Mark Papich, and Stacy Nordquist for trusting in me to not only start the synchronized swim team but to build it to what it is today, National Champions! Without the support and belief I could make a difference from all of you, I would not have been as successful as I am. I have been blessed and honored to work for this university over the last 12 years and will miss it dearly," said Lo Porto.
Lo Porto was honored as the 2012 United States Synchronized Swimming Coach of the Year. She won a total of eight South Collegiate Regional Championship titles in her career, including 2013 when the Cardinals defeated the likes of University of Florida, William & Mary and University of Richmond.
"Losing a coach the caliber of Kim (Wurzel-Lo Porto), is always a sad moment for the team and UIW as a whole," said UIW athletic director Mark Papich. "The time and effort she put into her sport, her athletes, and the university are immeasurable. The honors that she and her team have garnered during her tenure have made UIW Synchro a national brand."
During her time at Incarnate Word, Lo Porto placed seven swimmers on the Senior National Team to represent the United States. Additionally, she was the assistant coach for Senior National Team 2 in 2006 and 2008 and was the head coach for the Junior National Team in 2009 and 2010 – taking the Juniors to the Junior World Championships in 2010. Two of her former athletes were on the World/Pan American Senior Team in UIW alumni Lyssa Wallace and Danielle Kramer and current UIW swimmer Rosilyn Tegart represented the USA at the World University Games this summer.
"Building this program from the ground up with blood, sweat and some tears has been a remarkable journey," said Lo Porto. "I have had the pleasure to coach 80 athletes and make a difference in their lives. I will forever cherish the memories and will never forget what an unbelievable ride this has been."
Lo Porto has coached at least 55 Collegiate Academic All-Americans and 20 All-Americans in her career. Incarnate Word pursued Lo Porto to start its synchro program based on her excellent resume that covered her 16-year career in the pool. She is a 2000 Olympian, a five-time National champion, a 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.
Lo Porto was born in Santa Clara, California, and moved to San Antonio in 2001 when UIW offered her the head coaching position in exchange for getting her education. During that time, she earned her bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology.
Lo Porto is married to Brandon Lo Porto and they have three children; Jordyn, Madilynn and Brad. She will be working as a licensed real estate agent for Coldwell Banker D'Ann Harper.
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