It did not take long for new Fenwick High School aquatics director Brigitte Kusevskis to put her imprint on the program. In a press release, July 16, the school announced the hirings of Bryan Lee as head coach for the boys and girls swimming teams, and Mike Gruszeczki as boys water polo head coach.
“Bryan’s modern approach and technical precision complement Mike’s championship pedigree and deep roots in our community,” Kusevskis said. “Our student-athletes will be guided by leaders who embody Fenwick excellence.”
Like Kusevskis, Gruszeczki is a Fenwick alum, having graduated in 1994. He was part of five state championship teams in his time with the Friars – two in swimming, three in water polo. He also was a member of the United States Youth National Water Polo Team that competed in the 1994 U.S. Olympic Festival. As an assistant coach under the late, legendary David Perry, he helped Fenwick boys water polo win five state titles between 1998 and 2004, and was inducted into the Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame in 2007. Gruszeczki has also served as a water polo referee with the IHSA.
Gruszeczki received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Loyola University Chicago, then graduated from DePaul University’s law school. He served as an assistant state’s attorney for the Cook County State’s Attorney Office before opening his own law firm, Gruszeczki and Smith LLP.
“I am excited and humbled by the opportunity to coach again at Fenwick,” said Gruszeczki, replacing Beto Garcia, who had been boys head coach for the past three seasons and aquatics director the past four.
“When I left in 2004, I always hoped to come back some day. Fenwick provided the foundation for me to succeed academically, athletically, and professionally … the faculty and coaches I had at Fenwick had an incredible impact on my life,” Gruszeczki added. “I look forward to working with our outstanding student-athletes and helping them grow. Together as Friars, we will accomplish great things.”
Lee served as an assistant coach for boys’ team last season under Justin Jornd, who stepped down after a two-year tenure as head coach. Prior to joining the Friars, he received the American Swimming Coaches Association’s “30 Under 30” Award in 2025 for his work at Glenview Swim Club, where he was head coach for the 13-14 age group and the developmental high school group.
Lee, who emigrated from South Korea, swam at Glenbrook South, graduating in 2017. He was part of two state-qualifying teams for the Titans in 2016 and 2017.
“Since beginning my coaching career, I have found tremendous fulfillment in helping young athletes reach their full potential, not only as swimmers but as people,” Lee said. “I hope to inspire the same love for the sport that shaped my own life and to create an environment where every swimmer can grow with confidence, resilience, and a lifelong appreciation for swimming.”
Lee’s first season as head coach will begin with the start of girls swimming practice, which is Aug. 10.