Dan Snow, the swim head coach of Austin College in Sherman, Texas, died on May 11. He was 68 years old.
Snow took over the men’s and women’s swimming teams in 2021 and led the program for three seasons.
Last season, senior Sammi Thele qualified for the 2024 NCAA Division III Championships. She won three First Team All-America honors via a 3rd-place finish in the 100 back (54.73), 4th-place finish in the 200 IM (2:01.86), and 7th-place finish in the 200 back (2:02.55). That made her the first NCAA qualifier and All-American in program history.
Snow served in the United States Marine Corps from 1977 to 1991, and earned his master’s degree from Dallas Baptist University in 2002. Before joining the Austin College coaching staff, he was a long-time coach of both swimming and water polo at the high school level, including stints with Sherman ISD, Flower Mound, Duncanville, and Mansfield. From 1974 until 2005, Snow coached USA, Military, and FINA swim teams across the United States and in Okinawa, Japan.
In 2019, he was named the Texas High School 6A Swim Coach of the Year at Flower Mound High School.
Dan Snow was truly a Good Man. I’m glad my kiddos got to be on the FMHS Swim Team during his time there, they are both better humans for their time spent with him. He truly got to know each and every swimmer and cared for everyone deeply. RIP Coach, the world needs more like you.
Had him as a coach my freshman year of high school, was an awesome coach, mentor, and teacher. Bit rough around the edges but that made him all the more lovable, and helped me learn to love the sport for the potential I held in myself, even if I wasn’t a stellar athlete at the time. Thank you for all the hearts you’ve touched with your mentorship and presence, from your friends, to family, to coworkers, and athletes. RIP Coach Snow.
Sad news. Fond memories of him regaling the boys around the barbecue with stories about Hooters in San Antonio and his service in Vietnam. RIP Coach Snow.
I had a few interactions with Coach Snow while I was an assistant for another team in his conference. He was kind, generous with his time, and so proud of his swimmers. You stood up a little straighter when he walked past on deck. Someone else said in the comments, “If you shared a pool deck with him, you should consider yourself lucky.” I do. RIP.
Dan Snow was both gracious and a tremendous coach. Sammi T’s improvement in the IM and the backstroke was incredible. No accident. Superb coaching. He’ll be missed by everyone lucky enough to get to know him!
Coach Snow was a phenomenal person. If you shared a pool deck with him, you should consider yourself lucky. Coach Snow, you were a champion!!! Thanks for reminding us that we are champions, too! He’ll be dearly missed!
Dan was an incredibly sweet and caring individual who went above and beyond for his student-athletes. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. RIP good man.
May his soul rest in peace