Editorial content for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships is sponsored by FINIS, a longtime partner of Swimming World and leading innovator of suits, goggles and equipment. Bob Bowman and Carol Capitani Eager to Lead Team USA at World Championships When the United States arrives in Fukuoka, Japan for the World Championships, July 18-25, Bob Bowman and Carol Capitani will be charged with guiding the Red, White and Blue to the top of the medals table. As the Team USA head coaches, they’ll oversee the American training camp, finalize relay selections and provide advice to the U.S. athletes. Bowman, the head man at Arizona State University, is no stranger to this responsibility, as he has previously served as the United States’ head coach at the Olympic Games and World Champs and has been an assistant coach on numerous occasions. The head women’s coach at the University of Texas, Capitani, meanwhile, will guide Team USA at the World Champs for the first time, although she was an assistant last year, and was the U.S. women’s head coach at the 2017 World University Games. Here are some thoughts from Bowman and Capitani on their head-coaching roles: BOB BOWMAN On serving as head coach: Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick “It’s a tremendous honor and a huge responsibility. You want to see the country do well. I want to provide the best leadership I can and do things right. It’s a chance to give back to the young kids because I was fortunate to have been given opportunities (through the years).” On what he has learned through the years: “I’ve had the chance to learn from some great coaches: (Dennis) Pursley, (Mark) Schubert, (Frank) Busch, (Eddie) Reese and (Jack) Bauerle. They are the best at bringing teams to their best. You learn so much about coaching and working together. You see so much you think about bringing (home). We might stick with what got us there, but you pick up a lot of little things. It’s a great experience.” CAROL CAPITANI On serving as head coach: “It’s always an honor to represent Team USA at any international competition, so I’m happy to be of service and lead this women’s team the best I can. There have been some amazing performances this summer, and I can’t wait to see the competition in Indy (June 27-July 1) to make the team. I learned a lot in Budapest last year in the company of Todd (DeSorbo), Anthony (Nesty) and all the talented coaches on staff, and look forward to working together with this team. It’s going to be fun and fast.” On her goals for the team in Fukuoka: “The goal for any USA team in international competition is to win the medal count. The team crushed it last summer, and I don’t see our vision or expectations changing. We’d really like to put up some great relays on the road to Paris, and I think we have the pieces to do that.”
