Thomas University Athletics

Joe Ziegler enters his first season at Thomas University in the 2026-27 academic year as Head Men's and Women's Swim Coach.

Ziegler brings an impressive background as both a high-level athlete and coach. A former U.S. National Team member, he competed at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials and represented the United States internationally through the National Junior Team and Junior Pan Pacific Team programs. One of Florida's most accomplished swimmers, Ziegler earned Florida Male Swimmer of the Year honors and won multiple Florida state championships during his standout prep career.

At the University of Alabama, Ziegler was a four-year varsity swimmer who established himself among the Crimson Tide's top performers in program history. He qualified for the NCAA Championships, earned multiple SEC Championship finals appearances, and helped set several school records. During his career, he became Alabama's record holder in the 200 backstroke and was part of multiple record-setting relay teams. He was also recognized for his academic achievements as a member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll.

Following his collegiate swimming career, Ziegler remained involved in the sport as an Undergraduate Assistant Swimming Coach at Alabama, where he assisted with training plans and daily practices for distance and middle-distance swimmers. He later served as Head Age Group Coach for Pipeline Swimming in the Tampa Bay area, overseeing programs at multiple locations and working with swimmers of all ages and abilities. His coaching experience includes competitive swimmer development, private instruction, triathlon training, and adaptive swimming programs.