After completing his journey at Westminster with a degree in biology, Bruce Marchionda ’79 began building an accomplished career both in and out of the classroom. From teaching biology to leading championship swimming programs, his passion for developing students and athletes remains at the center of his work.

Reflecting on his time at Westminster, Marchionda credits the institution’s academics, supportive faculty and impactful lessons he learned as a student-athlete for shaping his approach to leadership. Below, he shares details about those formative years and why he believes Westminster continues to offer students a college experience unlike any other.

Tell us about your career following your time on campus.
After graduation, I taught AP Biology and coached swimming at a college preparatory school in Norfolk, Virginia. From there, I took over as head coach at Clemson University, where we won the women’s ACC Championships in 1997.

I then left Clemson to coach at Western Kentucky University, where we won multiple conference championships and developed Claire Donahue, who competed on the 2012 U.S. Olympic Team. Claire won a gold medal as part of the women’s 400-meter medley relay!

I currently serve as head coach of the TAC Titans in Cary, North Carolina. I helped move the TAC Titans to the No. 1 ranking in the nation and coached Claire Curzan, who competed on the 2020 U.S. Olympic Team. Claire won a silver medal as part of the women’s 400-meter medley relay. 

How well did Westminster prepare you for your career?
Very well. I was able to apply the scientific principles I learned at Westminster to my teaching and coaching career. In particular, the biology department was outstanding—very challenging.

What makes the Westminster College experience unique?
A very strong academic program with a personal touch and individual attention. These key characteristics made all the difference to me when I was in school.

What significant life lesson did you learn at Westminster?
My time at WC taught me time management, perseverance, work ethic and understanding that the reward is in the journey, not the destination. My time on campus shaped who I am today and a carry those lessons with me and teach them to my swimmers.

What piece of advice would you give yourself on that first day on campus?
Be yourself. Remember, you get out of college what you put into it. Get involved!
 

To contact Bruce, email him at coachbruce@tactitans.org.

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