Laura Lee
I've been struggling to find the words to honor John and his legacy because there are so many things I want to say. John was so much more than a coach to me; he was a mentor, a friend, and a father figure.
I have so many good and funny memories to look back on from our days together at Pickett and Hunting Park. Some of my favorites are the simplest ones: putting in the giant 50-yard lane lines together, John and I arguing over absolutely anything and everything, me constantly getting in trouble at practice and having to do push-ups, John being there at the finish line to celebrate my final high school race, and the honor of writing a National History Day paper on his impact on Philadelphia swimming.
Spending almost every day with John, I grew to be so deeply appreciative of the time, dedication, and care he invested in me and all of his swimmers. John was truly one of a kind, and there was a method to his madness. He was willing to push you past your limits because he knew what you were capable of, and he never stopped supporting you to set and achieve your goals. He left an undeniable mark on the Philadelphia swimming community and the lives of countless young people.
John's influence and all of my years swimming for him were some of the most formative forces of my life. They gave me peace, structure, and a safe harbor during a very difficult period of my childhood. They also gave me my first job lifeguarding for the city, which is where I met my husband.
I am eternally grateful for John and everything he did for me. It's difficult not having the chance to say goodbye but hopefully we'll meet again someday.
Rest in peace, Coach 💙
