Michael R. Pimentel (1966 - 2018)

Dear Friends of Tufts Rowing, We regret to inform you of the recent passing of a member of the Tufts Athletics community. On July 12th, Mike Pimentel, the former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Tufts and someone very dear to all of the athletes who worked with him, passed away in his home. We are saddened to report this news and wish his family and loved ones the best. Below, one of the many rowers at Tufts who was touched by his presence has shared a few words. Mike Pimentel has been at the heart and soul of the Tufts Athletics Department for over 26 years, and I had the pleasure of knowing him as my strength coach for 4 short years on the Women's Crew Team. Mike was instrumental in teaching our team the technical aspects of strength training, but his roll far surpassed that of a strength coach. His positive energy, tenacity of spirit, and confidence in his athletes pushed us beyond limits we previously thought to be insurmountable. He showed us that training together builds unconditional trust between teammates. He fostered diligence, teamwork, and self empowerment in each of us; traits that will stick with us forever. I can't thank Mike enough for giving us these lasting gifts, and he will be remembered always as the selfless coach pushing us to become the best versions of ourselves, both in the weight room and out.

- Caroline Ricard A14, M19 (Women’s team captain 2012-2014) Mike Pimentel’s obituary can be found here.

The obituary includes the ability to write a note to his family, and if you would like to give something to Mike’s family, they are ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the “Coach P Scholarship of Sportsmanship” c/o The Cape Cod Foundation,

261 Whites Path, Unit 2,

South Yarmouth, MA 02664.