DAVID COLLINS

2021 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

David Collins grew up in East Providence and attended East Providence High School.  He started swimming competitively at the age of 12 competing for the Pawtucket Boys Club coached by RIAHOF Inductee and Co-Founder Ellis Mayers.  David swam for the Grist Mill Swim Club during the summer season.  As an East Providence High School swimmer Dave earned Journal Bulletin All State Honors in the 200 yard freestyle and the 200 free relay.  He was captain of the Townies Swim Team during his senior year of high school. 

              After graduating from Rhode Island College, David became a teacher in the East Providence School System and became the Townies Head Swim Coach in 1991.  Before becoming Head Coach, David was a swim official for the Kendbrin Swim and Tennis Club and the Seekonk Dolphins.  While coaching the Townies during the 1990’s David had multiple winning seasons, coached three (3) future Rhode Island Aquatic Hall of Fame Inductees (Sarah Mooney Dindinger, Jen Mooney, and Corey Blakely) and coached the team to State Runner Up honors on two occasions.  Many of his athletes earned All Division and All State Honors.  Many others were named to the Times All Area Swim Team. 

              David instilled a sense of outstanding sportsmanship in his athletes, and his team was recognized several times with the John Stoyko Sportsmanship award.  In addition to coaching, David also served as president of the Rhode Island Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association.  His professional leadership, dedication, and passion for the sport of swimming defines David.

              David is retired living in Florida with his wife Kathy.