Katie Riccobon

With its eight-lane, 25-yard competition pool, ample spectator seating and wall of windows overlooking the Farmington River, the sunny, modern-designed Porter’s Pool and Squash Building is an inviting setting for swimming and diving training and competitions, cheering on athletes or just going for a leisurely dip.

But for Katie Riccobon P’24, the facility is also part of her “office” and that’s not only because she coaches Porter’s varsity swimmers. A lifelong swimmer who competed on three USA Swimming teams, broke records on the varsity swim team of Saint Joseph College (now the University of St. Joseph) and co-founded the distinguished West Hartford Aquatic Team (WHAT) Swimming club with her husband, Riccobon says she feels more at home at a pool than almost anywhere else.

“I feel like I’m always at a pool!” says Riccobon, aquatics director, head varsity coach of swimming and director of risk management, whose official office is near the pool. “Swimming has always been an important part of my life. It gives me a sense of comfort and connection with others.”

A resident of West Hartford who joined Porter’s in 2010, Riccobon has passed her passion for swimming on to her daughter, Ruthie, a 2024 Ancient, and her son, a 2025 graduate of Avon Old Farms School both now compete on their colleges’ swim teams. When not poolside, the family enjoys vacationing with relatives out West.

01 GOGGLES

Katie’s favorite goggles for her “fit and fabulous” journey!

02 MEGAPHONE

A gift to Katie and her brothers from their swim coaches when her family moved from California to New Jersey.

03 SWIM CAP

A memento that belonged to her daughter, Ruthie ’24, who competed on the Porter’s swim team.

04 STOP WATCH

In her capacity as director of risk management at Porter’s, Riccobon also works to maintain a safe campus environment. The role involves developing thoughtful policies and response plans to ensure the well-being of the community in the event of accidents, severe weather or other risks to safety.

Meanwhile, back at the pool, Riccobon has skillfully built up the school’s swim program with her extensive knowledge of swimming techniques and her dedication to success. Her holistic approach nurtures each athlete’s physical, mental and emotional growth and fosters a sense of belonging. The result: Porter’s swimmers often earn top scores at regional swim competitions.

“Winning a championship is truly a team effort, and we succeed as one cohesive unit,” Riccobon says. “Achieving that level of success requires the dedication, hard work and unity of the entire team.”