Charlie Kennedy was recently inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Hall of Fame. Kennedy was recognized among other coaching greats Cyndi Gallagher and Ray Looze. This year, the annual ASCA World Clinic was held in Orlando, Florida.
For over thirty-five years, Charlie Kennedy has served as head coach of the nationally recognized Suburban Seahawks Club located in Newton Square, Pennsylvania. The team of now over two-hundred started as a group of only twenty-five swimmers. Throughout his career, Kennedy has coached Olympians such as Brendan Hansen- who will be inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame in just a few short weeks. Kennedy is not a stranger to the ASCA stage as he was previously named ASCA Age-Group Coach of the Year.
Kennedy was introduced by Andrew Austria who said Kennedy always helps his swimmers achieve their highest potential. Kennedy was also recognized for putting great effort into the sport, his kids, and his community.
The honoree began his acceptance speech by thanking his “villagers”, including his parents, siblings, and even his first summer swim coach. Kennedy spoke to the crowd about the true meaning of coaching:
“Swimming fast is awesome. But what the world needs most are good people. I meet our kids where they are.. and I do my best to take them as far as they desire to go, with the understanding that it’s going to be their decision.”
Watch Charlie Kennedy’s full induction into the ASCA Hall of Fame here:
