Triangle's first African-American-owned swim team earns national recognition

Founder Gerard Woody said he never dreamed he'd be the first African-American in the Triangle to own a swim team.

When he was 10, his dad discouraged him from even joining one.

"He was like, 'You can't join the swim team. Black people don't swim,'" Woody said. "And that concept to me just didn't work with my brain. Since that day, I just was always trying to bring diversity to the sport."

Woody's love for the sport led him to a spot on North Carolina State University's swim team. Last year, he said, forming his own team came with challenges.

"We had no pools and no lanes, but I had a group of kids that just wanted to swim with me regardless," he said.

"I always wanted Woody to be my coach," said 17-year-old member Josh Wall.

In January 2019, 12-year-old Swim Tribe member Judah Hall helped the team make its mark in the state.

The diverse group of teammates enjoy being around each other as much as they enjoy swimming.

"[It's just the] atmosphere and the character," said Hall. "[The team] makes this team special...and the coach."

"We have 'heart-to-hearts,' and that's what makes us a great team," Wall said.

Woody said the secret to success isn't just about hard work.

"It's smiles and laughter every day," he said. "Every day they have to laugh. Every day they have to smile. Because if their mind is not right the body's not going to be right."

Swim Tribe is now ranked 25th in the nation for the 100 butterfly and 32nd in the nation for the 50 butterfly. Many of the swimmers hope to earn college scholarships and compete in the Olympics.