UMW senior Kyle Diederich. Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce.
Some students spend their college years just trying to stay afloat. University of Mary Washington senior Kyle Diederich – he dove in headfirst.
While pursuing a degree in business administration with a minor in sports management and competing on the varsity swim team, Diederich took on another huge challenge at UMW – helping complete a full-scale renovation of the school’s 60-year-old Goolrick Pool.
“I saw the difficulties this historic facility faced since I was at the pool every day,” said Diederich, who became a student coordinator for aquatics his sophomore year. “I knew I couldn’t just stay quiet; I had to help.”
That realization sparked what he calls a “passion project” that reshaped UMW’s athletic facilities and left a lasting legacy.
“The renovation wouldn’t have happened the way it did without Kyle,” said Director of Campus Recreation Michael Middleton, who worked closely with Diederich on the project. “His diligence, passion and perseverance during the undertaking were incredible.” Read more.