Tampa Bay’s swimming community lost one of its most influential figures this past Sunday when Bill Shaffer, legendary coach for Jesuit High School and the Academy of the Holy Names, passed away unexpectedly. Shaffer, who dedicated nearly three decades to developing young swimmers, built programs that became the epitome of excellence in Florida high school swimming.
His achievements in the pool and his commitment to his athletes have left a lasting mark on the area. A 1984 graduate of Chamberlain High School, Shaffer went on to swim at Temple University before transitioning to a career as a financial advisor. Despite his success outside of swimming, Shaffer’s love for the sport never left him, and he soon began coaching at the club level.
The toll of year-round coaching eventually led him to high school athletics, where he would leave an indelible legacy. In 1995, Shaffer took his first high school coaching job at Tampa Bay Tech. The following year, he moved to Jesuit High School, where the program was already established but not yet elite.
Shaffer’s transformative leadership elevated Jesuit’s swimming team to a level few could have imagined. The Tigers finished as state runners-up in 2014-15, and just a few years later, they won three state championships in four years (2017, 2018, and 2020), tying them with Palm Harbor University for the most titles in the area.
Shaffer’s impact didn’t stop at Jesuit. In 2008, he took over as head coach for the Academy of the Holy Names’ swim program, inheriting the position after Mara Schultz’s battle with breast cancer. Despite the difficult circumstances, Shaffer propelled AHN to unprecedented heights. Under his guidance, the Jaguars made history in 2022, securing their first-ever state title, followed by back-to-back championships, including a third consecutive win just last month.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Shaffer’s legacy is the growth he fostered within both teams. When he took over Jesuit and AHN, there were far fewer swimmers than there are today. Now, both programs boast more than 100 athletes combined—an incredible testament to Shaffer’s influence and the impact he had on both programs’ cultures.
Shaffer’s passing marks the end of an era for Tampa Bay swimming, but his legacy is far from over. He mentored countless swimmers, many of whom will carry his lessons with them for the rest of their lives. Shaffer’s devotion to excellence, his ability to inspire his athletes, and his impact on the community will live on for generations to come.
His legacy is etched in the state championships, the records, and the lives of the swimmers who were fortunate enough to learn from him. Bill Shaffer will be remembered as one of Tampa Bay’s greatest coaches, and his contributions to the sport will never be forgotten.
