Former NC State, James Madison University Head Coach Brooks Teal Retires from Coaching

Brooks Teal, a long time coaching fixture in the South Atlantic region, will retire at the end of September. Teal has spent the last six years as the site director for the YMCA of the Triangle Area at the Taylor Family YMCA after two at the Kerr Family YMCA location.

A deep coaching resume includes a 7 year stint as the head coach at James Madison University from 19993 through 2000 and an 11 year stint as the head coach at NC State from 2000 until 2011.

Teal’s full list of collegiate coaching stops:

• Indian River Community College, assistant (1989–1992)
• James Madison University, Men’s Head Coach (1992–2000)
• NC State University, Head Coach, (2000–2011)
• Clemson University, assistant (2011–2012)
• St. Andrews University (NC), Head Coach (2012–2016)

While at NC State, his alma mater, two of his athletes won NCAA titles: Cullen Jones in the 50 free in 2007 and Kristen Davies in platform diving in 2009. Jones went on to win four Olympic medals and set multiple American and World Records.

At James Madison, his team won six conference titles in seven seasons. He was inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Teal has also spent 17 years with the YMCA. From 1981 to 1989, he coached with the YMCA of Raleigh and the Raleigh Y Swim Team, which was the precursor to YOTA, and he rejoined the program in 2017.

““I began coaching in the summer of 1971, and the relationships I’ve built with swimmers, parents, and families over the years have truly enriched my life,” Teal reflected on his career. ““The YMCA, the Raleigh Y Swim Team, and YOTA have all been tremendous blessings in my life. They’ve given me the opportunity to work with so many incredible young people and to be supported by an amazing community of parents.”

Teal began his club coaching career in his hometown of Tarboro, NC, and spent nine years as Head Coach and Director of Competitive Swimming with the YMCA of Raleigh. In 1988, the Raleigh YMCA Men’s Team—led by future Olympic gold medalist, world record holder, and NCAA champion David Fox—won the National YMCA Men’s Team Championship.

“Retiring and stepping into the next chapter of my life has not been an easy decision,” Teal said. “I will deeply miss the swimmers and families who have meant so much to me. My heart will always be with my swimmers, and I look forward to continuing to follow their growth as athletes and as young people.”