Falcon Flashback | Doak Finch '96
Athletic Hall of Fame Spotlight
Doak Finch ’96 began swimming at age six, and what started as an outlet for his energy became a lifelong passion and career. “Swimming gave me something to focus on and yet be competitive,” Doak recalls. That focus propelled him from O’Neal’s pool to the national stage and into a distinguished coaching career.
Doak Finch ’96 began swimming at age six, and what started as an outlet for his energy became a lifelong passion and career. “Swimming gave me something to focus on and yet be competitive,” Doak recalls. That focus propelled him from O’Neal’s pool to the national stage and into a distinguished coaching career.
Swimming Excellence at O’Neal
Doak attended O’Neal from first through twelfth grade and joined the swim team as one of only four boys competing under Coach Marcie Peterson, founder of the Sandhills Sandsharks. During his four years, Doak earned multiple All-American honors and NCISAA individual state championships, consistently helping O’Neal finish as state runner-up against much larger schools. His most memorable experiences included traveling to Philadelphia for the prestigious Easterns swim meet, competing against powerhouse programs like Germantown and Peddie.
Doak attended O’Neal from first through twelfth grade and joined the swim team as one of only four boys competing under Coach Marcie Peterson, founder of the Sandhills Sandsharks. During his four years, Doak earned multiple All-American honors and NCISAA individual state championships, consistently helping O’Neal finish as state runner-up against much larger schools. His most memorable experiences included traveling to Philadelphia for the prestigious Easterns swim meet, competing against powerhouse programs like Germantown and Peddie.
Collegiate Dominance at UVA
Doak’s success continued at the University of Virginia, where he became one of the most decorated swimmers in program history:
Doak’s success continued at the University of Virginia, where he became one of the most decorated swimmers in program history:
- 11-time NCAA All-American (7 First Team)
- 11-time ACC Champion (8 individual titles)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (1997) and ACC Championship MVP (1998)
- Team Captain for three consecutive years
- Ranked among UVA’s all-time Top 10 in the 200 butterfly
Doak represented Team USA at the 1999 World University Games and placed 7th in the 200 butterfly at the 2000 U.S. Olympic Trials, competing against legends like Tom Malchow and Michael Phelps.
A Career in Coaching
After graduation, Doak transitioned into coaching—a path predicted by his first swim coach years earlier. He served as an assistant coach at UVA for 11 years, helping guide ACC champions, before moving to Penn State, Duke University, and now the Air Force Academy, where he continues to mentor elite swimmers. His coaching philosophy reflects the same dedication and joy that fueled his own success.
After graduation, Doak transitioned into coaching—a path predicted by his first swim coach years earlier. He served as an assistant coach at UVA for 11 years, helping guide ACC champions, before moving to Penn State, Duke University, and now the Air Force Academy, where he continues to mentor elite swimmers. His coaching philosophy reflects the same dedication and joy that fueled his own success.
A Lasting Legacy
From O’Neal’s pool to the Olympic Trials, Doak Finch’s journey exemplifies perseverance, excellence, and leadership. His induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame honors not only his remarkable achievements but his enduring impact on the sport of swimming.
From O’Neal’s pool to the Olympic Trials, Doak Finch’s journey exemplifies perseverance, excellence, and leadership. His induction into the Athletic Hall of Fame honors not only his remarkable achievements but his enduring impact on the sport of swimming.
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