Coach Jim Ellis, a true trailblazer

For #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re shining a spotlight on Coach Jim Ellis, a true trailblazer with over 50 years of unwavering dedication to providing equal opportunities for Black Americans in swimming. As the founder of the Philadelphia Department of Recreation Swim Team, he etched his name in history by establishing the nation’s first Black swim team in 1971.

Coach Ellis, an esteemed inductee into both the Swimming Hall of Fame and the International Swim Coaches Association Hall of Fame, has rightfully earned recognition from USA Swimming as one of the 30 most influential figures in the sport. Hailing from Pittsburgh, he cultivated his passion for swimming and excelled as a competitive swimmer at Winchester High School and Cheney State, a historically-Black college.

Amidst a backdrop of racial tension, Coach Ellis took on the pivotal role of a lifeguard, navigating the challenge of pools closing or privatizing instead of embracing integration. Transitioning into coaching, he poured his heart into developing swimmers overlooked by other teams, transforming them into extraordinary successes.

His remarkable journey served as the inspiration for the film PRIDE in 2007, solidifying his status as the only swimming coach to be the focal point of such a major production.

Who knows were we would be without the life-changing work he’s done… Thank you Coach Jim Ellis!