Breaking: St. Lawrence Mourns Death Of Pioneering swimming Coach Scott Woodburn
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St. Lawrence University Athletics announced the passing of Scott Woodburn, a Hall of Fame coach whose leadership transformed saints swimming and had a lasting impact on the sport nationwide. Woodburn died peacefully on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, leaving a legacy that extends beyond wins and titles.
A native of Weathersfield, Connecticut, Woodburn arrived on campus in 1970, a time when there was no pool and no formal aquatics tradition at St. Lawrence. By 1974, he had emerged as a national-caliber head coach and laid the groundwork for a program built on excellence and community.
As the first swimming and diving coach in school history, Woodburn forged a championship culture at the outset. he blended competitive expertise with a strong emphasis on community engagement, expanding access to aquatics through learn-to-swim programs and outreach in the North Country.
One of the defining moments of his tenure came in 1976 when the St.Lawrence men’s swimming team captured the NCAA national championship with the smallest roster among all competing institutions. His leadership produced nine All-Americans, two individual national champions, and three NCAA record holders.
Woodburn’s influence went beyond results. He cultivated a lasting sense of camaraderie among his student-athletes, forging bonds that endured long after competition ended. A large network of Saints swimming alumni traces its lineage to his mentorship.
His legacy was celebrated in spring 2024, when Woodburn was inducted into the Robert J. Sheldon St. Lawrence Athletics Hall of Fame at Appleton Arena, a tribute that drew former teammates, coaches, and supporters back to campus to honor his enduring impact.
After leaving St. Lawrence, Woodburn continued coaching at the Division I level, serving as head coach at the University of South Carolina and at Louisiana State University. He later devoted decades to athletic administration, with roles at LSU, Middle Tennessee State University, the University of Rhode Island, and the International Swimming Hall of Fame.
His contributions to the sport were further recognized with his induction into the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America Hall of Fame, underscoring his influence on coaching and the broader swimming community.
St. Lawrence University Athletics extends its deepest condolences to Woodburn’s family and honors a legacy that remains central to Saints history.
key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Scott woodburn |
| Origin | Weathersfield, Connecticut |
| First swimming and diving coach; transformative program builder | |
| Notable achievement | 1976 NCAA national championship (smallest roster among finalists) |
| All-Americans | Nine |
| National champions (individual) | Two |
| NCAA records | Three |
| Post-St. Lawrence coaching | South Carolina; Louisiana State University |
| Administrative roles | LSU; Middle Tennessee State; URI; International Swimming Hall of Fame |
| Hall of Fame inductions | St. Lawrence Athletics Hall of Fame (2024); CSCAA Hall of Fame |
| Date of passing | November 25, 2025 |
Legacy: Lessons From A Life In Aquatics
Woodburn’s story offers enduring lessons for programs seeking sustainable success. Building a culture that prizes both performance and people can yield champions on the scoreboard and lasting bonds off it. His emphasis on community outreach demonstrates how a program can grow beyond its walls and contribute to a broader sport ecosystem.
As colleges continue to navigate resource constraints,Woodburn’s approach-developing talent,fostering camaraderie,and expanding access-provides a blueprint for inclusive,resilient programs that endure beyond a coach’s tenure.
Join The Conversation
what is the most enduring lesson you take from Scott Woodburn’s approach to coaching and program building? In what ways can athletic programs preserve legacies while embracing new leadership?
How might universities balance elite competition with community outreach to broaden participation in aquatics?
Condolences are extended to woodburn’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his work. The Saints community remembers a pioneer who helped shape an entire sport and a beloved program.
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