Kennedy Gilbertson joined the Colby College Swimming & Diving coaching staff to begin the 2025 year.
Prior to Colby, Gilbertson swam at the University of Iowa for five years in the backstroke, freestyle and butterfly events. She currently holds the 100 backstroke school record which Gilbertson set in 2023. She was a finalist at the Phillips 66 USA National Championships in 2023 in the 50 backstroke where she placed 25th in the US. Gilbertson graduated from the University of Iowa with a BA in Business Studies and a certificate in Leadership.
In 2024, Gilbertson worked with Iowa Flyers Swim Club (IFLY) for eight months where she was a technique coach. During her 2024 spring semester Gilbertson performed an independent study on coaching perspectives with the IFLY staff to learn different techniques and coaching styles.
Currently Gilbertson is the Head Coach of Iowa City West High School were the team is currently 7-1 heading into the championship season. ICW is a combined team with Liberty, Washington and Regina and West highschools with a roster size of 50 girls. Iowa City West was awarded the 2024 Mississippi Division Coaching staff of the year award.
"I am very excited for this opportunity with Colby College Swimming and Diving. I grew up mostly in the Midwest so I'm excited to have some new adventures on the east coast. When talking with the staff, Head Coach Tom Burton and Associate Head Coach Craig Nisgor, I saw the vision and became very excited to become a part of the coaching staff. Colby has a great institution and facilities that will help athletes reach their potential in the classroom and on the pool deck."
