Ray Benecki, the founder of The FISH swim team in McLean, Virginia, has died. He was 72.
His passing was announced on social media by the club that he steered for 34 years.
Benecki continued in his role as the club’s founder and president at the time of his death, though he retired from active coaching on May 28, 2025.
He founded the FISH swim team in 1991 for his oldest son, Steven, who was only four years old at the time. Steven still holds three team records in the 6 & under age group, while his son Matt Benecki still holds program Senior records in the 500 free (4:25.72) and 1650 free (15:34.04), along with several others in various age groups.
Over the course of three decades he built the team into a powerhouse in Virginia. The most famous of his pupils was Kate Ziegler, who he coached for nine years. During that time, she set multiple World Records and earned spots on the 2008 and 2012 U.S. Olympic Teams.
The club has consistently appeared in the USA Swimming Club Excellence rankings over the last 15 years and in 2009 was named a Gold Medal Club as one of the highest performing programs in the United States.
Other notable names to come out of the program include former US Junior National Team member Isabella Rongione, Virginia All-American Maddie Donohoe, and 2013 World University Games team member Michael Flach. They were all distance swimmers, as were Benecki’s children, highlighting the strength of the program.
No arrangements have been announced yet.
”In memory of Ray Benecki. Ray was more than a coach to the FISH team; he was a builder of character. Our daughter Cate (Cathy) spent nearly a decade under his wing, and his ‘Ray-isms’ and high expectations were a frequent, humorous, and beloved topic at our family dinners. The discipline and resilience he instilled helped carry her all the way to college competition and beyond. We are forever thankful for his dedication. Smooth waters, Coach.”
My girls both swam McLean Marlins in summer and Fish in winter! Great swimming skills programs! Lifetime friends made! Fish Produced winners all around! Thank you Coach Ray! Sympathy to all the Benecki family🙏🦋🌺.
RIP Ray. I was high school teammates of Steven and Matt, and they are both goofy fun-loving people. Thinking of the whole Benecki family today.
Ray was also a distinguished long distance swimmer himself, especially excelling in open water events.
OMG! Ray was a great Coach and amazing person. Smart and funny. We spent countless hours discussing about swimming and chess! RIP, my Friend… 🙏
I really enjoyed my time spent with Ray. You picked me up when I was down and were always a class act. Thank you for sharing the story you shared with me – it made a difference.
RIP Coach.
The Fish has produced so many great swimmers and great people in general. Amazing culture. Coach Ray, you will be missed!