Varsity Coaching Staff (Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving, Varsity Girls Swimming and Diving)

Posted June 30, 2010

Varsity Head Swimming Coach - Pete Higgins

In the world of high school swimming, Westminster's Pete Higgins is a living legend. No coach in the state of Georgia can match Higgins' record that includes over 570 dual meet victories and 34 state swimming championships in his 48 years of serving at the head coach for both the boys and the girls. Also included on his resume are 51 Atlanta Metro Meet championships, a record in the annual meet that includes teams from all classifications.

Born and raised in Tampa, FL, Higgins was educated at the University of North Carolina, receiving a B.S. Degree in Business Administration in 1956 and a Masters of Education four years later. He began his Westminster career in 1960, and, while at Westminster, he has coached over 100 high school and/or independent school All-Americans. Three of his Westminster swimmers have gone on to become members of the US Olympic team. Higgins is a member of the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Circle of Achievement and was named National Coach of the Year by the National Federation Interscholastic Coaches Association in 1989.

In recognition of his outstanding career as both a coach and educator at Westminster, the City of Atlanta proclaimed January 5, 1990 to be "Pete Higgins Day", a date still celebrated annually by his swimmers and fans to this day.

Varsity Head Diving Coach - Cynthia Potter

Cynthia Potter began coaching the Westminster divers in 1997, after coaching for 15 years in NCAA Division I Swimming and Diving programs at both SMU and the University of Arizona.

After diving for more than 20 years in competition, Potter amassed 28 National Titles and was on 3 U.S. Olympic Teams, winning a bronze medal on the 3 meter springboard. No woman has ever won more National Diving Championships than Potter. She stays active serving USA Diving, and works as an expert analyst for diving on television.

Potter earned an undergraduate degree in Secondary Education from Indiana University, and a graduate degree from the University of Arizona in Teaching and Teacher Education. She enjoys substitute teaching at Westminster in both the Junior High and the High School. It is her joy to teach, coach, and support young people in pursuit of their goals.

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