Hall of Fame
Bonnie, served as the head swim coach from 1977-1987, again from 1997-2003 and was assistant coach from 2003-2014. She came to Sweet Briar from Yale University where she broke barriers as the first-ever female competitive swimmer at the institution and first captain of its varsity women's swimming and diving program.
Bonnie's impact on the program was immediately felt, as the team went on to become Virginia Small College Champions in the spring of 1978. A four-time Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Coach of the Year, Bonnie produced one AIAW National finalist, five NCAA Division III All-Americans and 18 All-Conference swimmers. During her time at the helm of the program, the Vixens went on to win four ODAC titles while five swimmers were named ODAC Swimmer of the Year.
Additionally, Bonnie served on the NCAA Division III Swimming and Diving Committee and in 2007 was ranked by FINA as one of the top ten master swimmers in the world in her age group. Currently, the ODAC keeps Bonnie's legacy alive through the Bonnie Kestner Sportsmanship Award which goes to a swimmer who demonstrates dedication and true sportsmanship every year at the conference championships.
