​A former NC State swimmer and assistant coach has passed away. Our news partners at the News & Observer confirm that Jack Roney died Monday night at the age of 39, coming shortly after his 15th wedding anniversary. The news of his passing has left the NC State community and those who knew him mourning a remarkable contributor to their program and a devoted family man.
The athletic department issued a statement expressing their sorrow: “We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered.” Roney, who finished his time with the Wolfpack as the program’s record holder in the 200-yard breaststroke, graduated in 2009 and went on to serve as a dedicated member of the coaching staff after his competitive days.
Beyond his accomplishments in the pool, Roney leaves behind a wife and five children, personal ties that underscored the depth of his commitment to family. The university and athletic department have not announced a specific cause of death, but the loss is deeply felt by teammates, colleagues, and the broader NC State community that benefited from his leadership and mentorship.
Roney’s legacy in Raleigh and within NC State athletics is defined not only by his record-setting performances but also by the relationships he built with student-athletes and fellow staff. His work ethic, coaching philosophy, and genuine care for players fostered a culture of discipline, perseverance, and camaraderie that extended beyond the pool deck. Those who knew him recall his steady presence, his encouragement during tough practices, and his willingness to share insights from his time as a student-athlete and as a mentor.
As the university community processes this loss, tributes from teammates, students, and coaches are likely to reflect on the impact Roney had on countless lives. The combination of his athletic achievements and his service to the program as a coach helped shape a generation of swimmers who benefited from his guidance, both in competition and in life skills that extend far beyond the water.
In the wake of this news, friends and former colleagues may choose to honor Roney’s memory through expressions of support for his family or by participating in commemorative activities organized by the NC State athletics department. The university’s leadership and athletic staff have acknowledged the need to remember and celebrate his contributions while continuing to support those affected by his sudden absence.
Details surrounding services or memorial arrangements have not yet been released, but it is anticipated that the NC State community will come together to celebrate Roney’s life and his enduring influence on the program. His story is one of dedication to sport, to education, and to family—a narrative that will be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing him and witnessing his impact firsthand.