Ann Goodman James, former Wildcats swimming and diving coach (1986-1996) and NMU Sports Hall of Fame inductee, will retire this year at the end of her 48th season in the sport, according to a release from Colorado College Athletics. She has coached across all three NCAA divisions and was named one of the 100 Greatest College Swimming and Diving Coaches of the past century by the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America.
At NMU, where she also doubled as assistant athletic director for five years, Goodman James was a two-time NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year (1988 and 1991) and a three-time GLIAC Coach of the Year (1990, 1991 and 1992). Her program produced 27 national champions and she guided swimmers to 84 All-America honors. She was inducted into the NMU Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.
"Saying the word ‘retire' to my team was a bit overwhelming, but I know this is the right time," said Goodman James, who is in her 18th season at Colorado College. "The summer of 1974 was the first time I walked onto the pool deck as a coach, and it has been my passion ever since. I am honored to have been able to share the lives of so many young people during their college years and to maintain those connections after they graduate.
"I am also grateful for the staff who have supported me, and for the many coaching colleagues across the country who have become a part of my life. I am so fortunate to have had such amazing and varied opportunities."
Goodman has produced 99 All-Americans, 29 national champions and countless NCAA qualifiers at five universities. She has made numerous presentations on coaching, training and Title IX legislation during her career. She also has written articles published in the NCAA News, Swimming World magazine and Coaching: Women's Athletics magazine.