Coach McKee's journey began in 1977 at Dynamo Swim Club, where she coached for 17 remarkable years. During her time at Dynamo, she played a pivotal role in developing Olympians, national champions, and even American record holders. Swimmers like Eric Wunderlich, Carlton Bruner, and Mary Ellen Blanchard owe much of their success to Coach McKee's mentorship and guidance.
In 1989, Dynamo Swim Club achieved a historic milestone by winning the National Women's Championship, and every swimmer on that triumphant team had the privilege of being coached by Kathy McKee during their formative years. Such an achievement is a testament to her exceptional coaching abilities and the profound impact she had on the athletes she worked with.
Coach McKee's coaching journey continued in 1994 when she joined SwimMAC in Charlotte, North Carolina. Kathy continued to make significant contributions to the swimming community. She nurtured and developed swimmers who went on to represent the USA National Junior Team, showcasing her ability to guide athletes to the highest levels of competition. Her dedication and expertise led to her being selected as a coach for the 2007 National Junior Team, a well-deserved recognition of her exceptional coaching skills.
In addition to her accomplishments at Dynamo and SwimMAC, Coach McKee made an indelible mark during her tenure at the North Carolina Aquatic Club (NCAC) from 2012 to 2017. It was during this period that she was honored as the North Carolina Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year in 2014. Coach McKee played a pivotal role in helping NCAC swimmers achieve remarkable feats, including setting team and state records and producing a member of the National Junior Team. On four different occasions Kathy was named the Georgia Age Group Coach of the Year. In 2019 Kathy McKee was inducted into the Georgia Aquatic Hall of Fame.
Coach McKee's influence extended beyond the pool deck. Kathy was a kind and compassionate friend and mentor to many. She served on numerous committees with USA Swimming, North Carolina Swimming, and Georgia Swimming, showcasing her dedication to the betterment of the sport as a whole. Her expertise and insights were highly regarded, leading to her appointment to the ASCA Board for six years. Coach McKee's passion for sharing knowledge also saw her speak at the World Clinic on multiple occasions, as well as at various clinics both in the United States and internationally. Her contributions as a coach and educator have made a lasting impact on the swimming community worldwide.
Coach Kathy McKee stands as one of the leading age group coaches in the country. Her legacy is not just measured by the trophies and accolades earned by her swimmers, but also by the hundreds of athletes she has developed who went on to compete at the Junior and Senior national levels. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the sport have paved the way for future generations of swimmers to achieve their dreams.
As we pay tribute to Coach Kathy McKee, we celebrate her remarkable career, her passion for coaching, and her unwavering commitment to the sport of swimming. Her influence will continue to be felt for years to come, and her legacy will forever inspire swimmers and coaches alike to strive for excellence in and out of the water.
In lieu of flowers and memorial trees, we humbly request that contributions be made to the Kathy McKee Foundation, a fund honoring Kathy's unwavering and unparalleled contribution to mentorship and coaching, specifically recognizing her steadfast commitment to develop, support and propel female coaches in the sport of swimming. To contribute, click here:
Monday, June 19, 2023
Starts at 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Davidson College Presbyterian Church
Monday, June 19, 2023
River Run Country Club
Immediately following the service there will be a “Gathering of friends.” Those in attendance will be given a chance to speak briefly about the positive impact Coach Kathy left behind.
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