Upper Valley Aquatic Club head swim coach and aquatics director Dorsi Raynolds has died. She spent over 22 years coaching, including as the head men’s and women’s coach at Drew University, Head Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach at the University at Buffalo, and most recently at the Upper Valley Aquatic Club in Vermont.
While at Buffalo, her teams won 5 Mid-Continent Conference championships, and she received 3 Coach of the Year honors.
Among her recent success stories was the training of Hannah Cox, currently a sophomore at Arizona, who Raynolds coached to an 8th-place finish in the 400 free at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials. Cox was between her senior year of high school and her freshman season at Arizona at the time. Cox posted her memories of Raynolds on Instagram on Wednesday.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhrXp4ul0mO/?hl=en&taken-by=hannahqcox
Reynolds was a 16-time All-American as a swimmer at Ithaca College and set the New York State record in the 50 fly. She graduated with school records in the 100 and 50 butterfly races, and was a two-time team captain that helped her team to four-straight SUNYAC titles and was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame.
Raynolds battled stage 2 breast cancer, which runs in her family, in 2015, and was eventually declared cancer free. Then, in an unrelated test, she was later diagnosed with stage 2 ovarian cancer in 2016.
So sad. I swam for Dorsi as a masters swimmer during her years at Drew University. She always brought great spirit and passion even to the early-morning masters program. A truly wonderful person — I’m sure she touched so many lives through her career and her love for swimming.
I was Dorsi swim coach for several years in Springfield, Vermont. She was the number one stand out on the team for the several years. I can’t remember her ever being beat swimming the butterfly. What a joy to have known Dorsi and coaching her. Pat and I had six children who swam with Dorsi and have contacted me within the last couple of day with regards to her passing. From Drosi we learned from her to “Keepon, keepin on, If Its Not Fun Its Not worth In”. To say the Porters will miss her is a gross under statement. we love you Dorsi.
I was an unofficial diver in seventh and eighth grade and when Dorsi joined the team at Brookline high school I was in awe. Watching her practice was like seeing a child of Neptune
Rejoice in the waves!
I went to a summer camp with her at Orono and saw her dedication….it made me want to dedicate myself more to my craft of diving. I knew she was in her element at Ithaca when I visited!
We spent many fine days at “The Tank” before and after meets we were in charge of setting out the after party…which was under ground. We would then go in the tunnel to watch the races, after she competed in the… Read more »
Dorsi was an incredible person and a tremendous Coach! I will miss her sense of humor on the deck and the epic battles between our athletes in some great races over the years. It was evident that she cared deeply about the people she worked with and her example of selfless leadership is one that continues to inspire me in my career.
I met Dorsi a few years ago when we had swimmers competing against each other (who have since become good friends). As it turns out, I found out that Dorsi and my wife were Co-captains at Ithaca, another example of the small world of swimming. I always loved talking to her. She was smart, funny, self-effacing, irreverent and about as direct and honest as anyone I’ve ever met. And she was a great coach who produced well-trained swimmers who she really cared about. I’ll miss talking with her at meets the most. The swimming world lost a real original in Dorsi Reynolds.
I never had the pleasure to meet Coach Raynolds; however, we have one of her athletes at Iona College who comes to the pool with a special joy every day, until yesterday, when she shared this news. Clearly, Coach Raynolds had an enormous impact on her and I’m sure everyone she encountered and the loss will be heavy for many. My advice was to take the day, but I’m sure Dorsi would want her back in the water quickly. RIP in peace Dorsi.
Had the pleasure of being coached by Coach Dorsi at Jr. Worlds. A wonderful woman who truly loved seeing success in young swimmers and her bond with Hannah was evident. She is a true gem of the swimming world. Her laughter, smiles, and genuine kindness were a constant in and away from the pool as she was one of those people that could made a 13 hour plane ride a blast. My condolences to the Raynolds family.
Great person and a tremendous coach. She’s been an incredible inspiration to everyone at UVAC and was always incredibly welcoming when I visited there. She’ll be missed by many.