Rebecca Tidwell was named head coach of the Nebraska-Kearney women's swimming and diving program in August 2016.
The Emporia, Kans., native is just the third head coach in school history, following Joan Bailey (1967-96) and Teresa Osmanski (1997-2016).
"Rebecca is a Loper, first and foremost. She has great knowledge of the sport of swimming, is experienced in running a successful business and is driven to create a family culture for the Loper women's swimming and diving program. Her experience as a former student-athlete, her familiarity with UNK and the Kearney community along with her passion for our University make her an outstanding fit," said Plinske.
After swimming for Emporia High School, Tidwell came to UNK where she was twice named Academic All-NSIC (Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference).
Currently ranked in UNK's all-time top 10 in the 50 freestyle and 100 backstroke, she swam on three relay teams (400 and 800 free and 200 medley) that broke school records.
"To be the head coach of the women's swim and dive program at UNK is really something I had only dreamed about. I am honored to have this opportunity and could not be more excited to be back at UNK so soon after being part of the program myself," said Tidwell. "This position is near and dear to my heart, and I want every young woman who comes to the swim and dive program to have four years of team work, dedication, competition, and most of all, cherished memories of which she can be proud of."
In her first year as head coach, a young UNK squad won two duals and had 17 top 10 swims. That included a new school record in the 200 backstroke.
Next, senior diver Nicki DeVries was not only an Academic All-RMAC qualifier but also an NCAA Championships qualifier.
As an Aqualoper swimmer, in her freshman season,, UNK competed in the RMAC. UNK returned to the RMAC in 2015-16 as an Associate member.
Graduating with honors from UNK with B.S. degree in Exercise Science, Tidwell most recently was the Director of Personal Training and Manager of Anytime Fitness in Columbus.
A certified lifeguard and water safety instructor, she also has given youth swimming lessons in the Kearney area.
