Navigating Division Shifts: Swim Coach, Kile Zeller on St. Francis’s Move from D1 to D3

Now at UPJ and focused on recruiting with a local priority but international hopes.

Building a Competitive Swim Program at UPJ: Scholarships, Recruiting, and Team Culture

From Tears to Triumph: How St. Francis Swimmers Stayed Strong After Division Change

There is no playbook on that heavy administrative downgrade.

The Coach‑Athlete Relationship: Trust, Recovery, and Performance in Collegiate Swimming

Balancing Academics and Athletics: Affordable Tuition and Scholarship Strategies at UPJ

Recruiting with Heart: Why Coach Zeller Prioritizes Team Fit Over Finances

Taper Strategies Across Sports: Lessons from Wrestling Applied to Swimming Success

Embracing D3 Opportunities: Why St. Francis’s Division Drop May Benefit Swimmers

Inside a Growing Swim Team: Challenges, Bus Rides, and Community Support at UPJ

Staying Present in a Distracted World: Coach Zeller’s Advice for Young Athletes

Coach Kile Zeller talks about the heavy news from the shift and St. Francis’ move to Division III.

He was in the process of getting hired as the new and original coach at Univ of Pittsburgh Johnstown, of D2.

Learn how a funds its swim team, and what his day‑to‑day coaching philosophy looks like. He also shares insights on recruiting, athlete‑coach relationships, and campus collaboration.

• The transition of St. Francis from D1 to D3 and its impact on swimmers

• UPJ tuition costs, academic aid, and the limited athletic scholarships available

• Recruiting approach: honesty, fit, and keeping athletes on campus for the long term

• Coaching style: trust, communication, recovery work, and individualized stroke analysis

• Cross‑sport support at UPJ: working with wrestling, soccer, compliance, and campus resources

Check out this episode!