Tom Kiefer rowed for Northeastern University, and as a senior in 1981 helped them finish third at both the Eastern Sprints and IRA (Intercollegiate Rowing Association) regattas. Kiefer was on the US national team from 1979-86 and won a silver medal in coxed pairs at the 1979 Pan American Games. He competed at the World Championships in 1981-83 and 1985-86, winning a silver medal in 1985 and a bronze medal in the eights in 1981 and 1986. He won a gold at the 1986 Goodwill Games in the eights. Kiefer is a member of the Northeastern University Sports Hall of Fame. He later coached masters rowing in the Boston area, and worked as a crating manager for a large moving company.