Passages: Upper Valley Aquatic Club Head Coach Dorsi Raynolds

Braden Keith
by Braden Keith 9

April 18th, 2018 Club, News

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.

“It’s hard to see someone like Dorsi Raynolds, who had such a significant impact on my life and so many others pass away,” Cox told SwimSwam of her former coach’s passing. “But some of my best memories in high school and as a swimmer are with her, and for that I am forever grateful I had the opportunity to swim for Dorsi. She lived a life full of passion and zest. That word “zest” is something she lived by and a word we even had on the back of UVAC swimming shirts for a season. I learned so much from Dorsi, as a swimmer and person. She took a small program based in Vermont to new heights because of the passion and zest that shined through her every day. I remember before races she would always say “have fun and go out and express yourself” to me that meant to just go out there and enjoy the race in a way that was true to myself and my swimming. I’m so thankful for that perspective in my swimming career and so thankful for all that Dorsi shared into my life. Dorsi was so loved by so many, and I am thankful to be apart of the Upper Valley Aquatic Club family that has been brought together over the years because of Dorsi’s zest for life.”

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.

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Edoc
6 years ago

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.

Jack & Pat Porter and Family
6 years ago

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.

Juliet Lockwood
6 years ago

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 »

Mike Murray
6 years ago

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.

SwimCoachDad
6 years ago

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.

Nick Cavataro
6 years ago

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.

Gshoults
6 years ago

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.

Glenn Mills
6 years ago

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.

About Braden Keith

Braden Keith

Braden Keith is the Editor-in-Chief and a co-founder/co-owner of SwimSwam.com. He first got his feet wet by building The Swimmers' Circle beginning in January 2010, and now comes to SwimSwam to use that experience and help build a new leader in the sport of swimming. Aside from his life on the InterWet, …

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