Congratulations Coach Brooks!
It is with joy and a touch of sadness that we announce that Coach Brooks Teal will be retiring at the end of September 2025. Brooks recently completed his sixth year as Site Director for YOTA at the Taylor Family YMCA. He leaves our team with a deep appreciation for YOTA, the YMCA, and its mission.
Reflecting on his journey, Brooks shares: “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.”
Seventeen years of his remarkable coaching career have been with the YMCA—first from 1981 to 1989 with the YMCA of Raleigh and the Raleigh Y Swim Team (the precursor to YOTA), and again since 2017 with YOTA and the YMCA of the Triangle Area.
Brooks says: “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.”
Brooks 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. Four Raleigh Y swimmers qualified for and competed in the 1988 US Olympic Team Trials.
In addition to his club coaching achievements, Brooks had an extensive and successful collegiate coaching career. He coached at:
- Indian River Community College (1989–1992)
- James Madison University, Men’s Head Coach (1992–2000)
- NC State University, Head Coach, (2000–2011)
- Clemson University (2011–2012)
- St. Andrews University, Head Coach (2012–2016)
At NC State, his alma mater, two NC State athletes won the NCAA Championships: Cullen Jones (50 Free, 2007) and Kristen Davies (Platform Diving, 2009). Cullen and teammate Dan Velez went on to represent their countries at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, with Cullen also competing in London in 2012. Cullen earned four Olympic medals (two gold, two silver) and set multiple American and world records.
In 2006, Brooks was a national finalist for the American Swim Coaches Association Coach of the Year and served on the USA National Team coaching staff at the 2007 World Championships in Australia.
As Brooks prepares for retirement, he shares: “Retiring and stepping into the next chapter of my life has not been an easy decision. 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.”
Brooks will continue to live in Holly Springs with his wife, Mary. Their two children, Stephanie and Logan, and their spouses, remain close by. He hopes you’ll stay in touch—and welcomes hearing from anyone who wishes to reach out.
Please join us in thanking Coach Brooks Teal for his years of dedication and celebrating his outstanding contributions to our YOTA family and the sport of swimming… three cheers – hip-hip-hurray!
(Note: We will be sharing a way you can send Brooks a personal message to him soon.)
