A smiling woman with short light brown hair, glasses, and a black polo shirt with a red and gold sports logo, standing against a textured gray background.
  1. Faculty & Staff Directory
  2. Jennifer Cournoyer

Jennifer Cournoyer

  • Men's Swimming & Diving Head Coach

"I believe in meeting the athletes where they are and helping them push themselves further than they think they can go."

About

Norwich University’s swimming and diving program, under Coach Cournoyer’s leadership, stands among the truly elite. The record speaks for itself, boasting three Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) championships, including back-to-back wins during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

Coach Highlights

  • Awarded 2022-23 GNAC Coaching Staff of the Year
  • Developed multiple GNAC award winners and champions

Team Highlights

The overall success has been recognized well beyond the boundaries of the pool. Our swim and dive team members are not just top-notch athletes, they are also academic standouts. With a team culture where Coach Cournoyer encourages excellence in all facets of the college experience, success is the standard.

Individual Athlete Highlights

The team’s individual achievements have been remarkable. A complete sweep of the major conference awards reflected their absolute dominance.

2024 Season Award Winners
  • Will Thompson '25: GNAC Swimmer of the Year
  • Aidan Gray '24: GNAC Diver of the Year
  • Kristian Adlianitski '27: GNAC Rookie of the Year
2023 Season Award Winners
  • Martin Adlianitski '25: GNAC Swimmer of the Year
  • Jack Brennan '24: GNAC Diver of the Year
  • Adrian Riendeau '26: GNAC Rookie of the Year
Benjamin Stark '24 - Norwich Swimming Icon

Under the stellar guidance of Coach Cournoyer, Benjamin Stark evolved into an iconic figure in Norwich’s swimming history. 

  • 2022 GNAC Rookie of the Year
  • 14-time individual GNAC champion
  • First Cadet from any sport named GNAC Athlete of the Year for Men's Sports
  • Three-time GNAC Academic All-Conference Team honoree

Majoring in electrical and computer engineering, he graduated with a remarkable 3.58 GPA. Stark, a back-to-back College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team member, also secured GNAC Academic All-Conference Team honors for three years in a row, truly showcasing his commitment and tenacity. He received notable recognition for his service and leadership through Norwich’s Tri-Service and Joint Service Awards. Following his illustrious career, Stark exhibited his commitment to service of his nation by enlisting in the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer for nuke placement aboard the USS Howard (DDG 83). Talk about doing it all.

"The national recognition of both our men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams showcases these student-athletes’ dedication to being well-rounded champions. Both teams are an example of academic success as well as champions in the pool," said LtGen John Broadmeadow ’83, USMC (Ret), 25th President of Norwich University.

Q&A with Head Coach Cournoyer

What brought you to becoming a coach for your sport?

I have been collegiately coaching for 28 years; there are many reasons why I began and even more reasons why I stay. Firstly, my mother, afraid of the water, wanted to ensure her children were safe and could enjoy being around the water. My father, who never had opportunities in sports, pushed us to reach for our best. Swimming taught me a great deal about who I am.

What excites you about this sport?

There is nothing quite like swimming and diving competitions. To leave it all in the pool takes every aspect mentally, physically, and willfully. It is a sport that not everyone can do to their peak potential.

What do you enjoy about working with student-athletes?

Helping student-athletes not only improve their sport but, more importantly, helps them grow into strong adults. 

What do you like about coaching at Norwich?

The most significant reason for coaching at Norwich is the high-achieving, service-oriented student-athletes who are attracted to Norwich University. I like being a small part of aiding these young adults to grow into strong leaders.

Why is Norwich a great place for student-athletes?

Norwich has many opportunities and pathways to be involved not only in athletics but with the Corps, ROTC, or many other groups on campus for any lifestyle.

What is your approach to coaching?

I believe in meeting the athletes where they are and helping them push themselves further than they think they can go.

What is Norwich’s approach to athletics, training and being on a team? 

I believe in balance for our student-athletes. I realize that many of the students have a busy academic schedule and the majority also have many other commitments between the corps and ROTC.