"Coaching young people to be good human beings has always been just as important to him as developing them into fast swimmers."
THE GUIDING FORCE OF WHO WE ARE TODAY
KEVIN FOGARTY
For nearly half a century Birmingham Blue Dolphins has been led by the passion, dedication, and vision of Coach Kevin. After an extraordinary 46 years of service, Kevin has stepped away from the leadership of BBD, leaving behind a legacy that is uniquely special in the world of youth sports. To find this kind of lifelong tenure in any organization is rare; to find it paired with such profound personal impact is truly remarkable. Everything that BBD is today is a direct reflection of Kevin’s steadfast commitment.
The Birth of a Powerhouse
Kevin’s journey with BBD began in 1978 when he was first hired as a coach. In recognition of his leadership and deep connection to the athletes, the program named him Head Coach just two years later in 1980.
When Kevin took the reins, BBD was a modest, local swim program operating out of a single YMCA. Over the next four decades, through willpower and endless hours, he transformed it. Under his guidance, BBD grew from those humble beginnings into a regional powerhouse, now boasting nearly 400 swimmers training across multiple locations.
Developing Champions, Shaping Lives
Under Coach Kevin’s tenure, generations of athletes have flourished. He has guided countless swimmers through the arc of their competitive journeys, from the nervous excitement of their very first swim, all the way to elite stages of national competition. Because of his training and mentorship, our program has proudly graduated many swimmers into successful collegiate careers. You will simply not find a greater cheerleader for the sport of swimming than Coach Kevin.
Kevin’s unique gift has been his ability to encourage and support athletes at every single age and skill level. In doing so, he hasn't just built fast swimmers; he has molded and inspired incredible human beings. Furthermore, his philosophy lives on through the many coaches he has trained and inspired over the decades, who continue to model and instill these same vital life values.
These 40-plus years of enthusiastic dedication mean that Kevin has coached multiple generations of local families. Today, Kevin can look out at the pool and see the children of parents he coached decades ago and work alongside assistant coaches who once swam for him. His influence is woven into the fabric of BBD.
Honoring the Legacy and Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we want to express BBD’s immense gratitude with hearts full of pride and pledge to continue honoring Coach Kevin by fiercely protecting the values, traditions, and legacy he leaves behind.
