MATT CONNERY

2025 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Matt began his swimming career at the Bristol YMCA under coach Jim Dollins.  As an age group swimmer, he also competed for Barrington YMCA and the Sowams Swim Club as part of the Narragansett Swim League. Matt, coached by Sandy Gorham, won many State and New England titles. In 1982 representing Bristol High School he swam for Jeff Allen, Matt earned an All-State title in the 100-yard breaststroke. After high school, Matt attended the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago earning a degree in Aerospace Engineering.  Upon returning to Rhode Island, Matt competed in the U.S. Masters Swimming program at East Providence coached by Frank McQuiggan. In addition to his age group and U.S. Master Swimming successes, in 2002 he earned Honorable All-American.   In 2003, he qualified for the Ironman World Championship.

Matt’s true love and passion is coaching!  He began his journey at Bristol High School from 1986-1990. His teams won two division titles during that time. Coaching at the East Bay Aquatic Club in East Providence was a highlight for Matt. For the next eleven years, from 1988-1999 he coached numerous State Champions, New England top level swimmers, National and Junior National qualifiers as well as Hall of Fame inductees: Sam Peck, Cori Blakely, Brandi Blakely Coutinho, Jenny Mooney Eaddy, Sarah Mooney Dindinger, Audrey Couto McClelland.  Matt’s very technical and analytical approach to swimming, creative and challenging workouts, and the physical and mental challenges he presented to his athletes, resulted in much success.

In 1990 he moved to Pasadena, California to continue his education but the coach in him resurfaced. While attending school, Matt taught private lessons to local swimmers, masters and triathletes. His reputation grew and he was asked in 2012 to coach the San Marino Tsunami Swim Club, which he did until 2015. He then moved to Crown City Aquatics and coached there until 2017.  The club changed its name to Rosemead Rapids Swim Club and Matt, currently living in Pasadena, California, at Rosemead Rapids, continues to coach swimmers to national rankings.