Tributes to the Late Jason Turcotte, Part Two

L-R: Jason Turcotte, Gunnar Bentz & Jay Litherland.

Following the death of Dynamo head coach Jason Turcotte, Swimming World reached out to several coaches and swimmers who knew Turcotte well to submit tributes to their friend.

Several of Turcotte’s former swimmers at Dynamo, including two Olympians, sent in their tributes, and those are posted below. Click here to find tributes from Turcotte’s coaching colleagues from Dynamo and from around the country

Gunnar Bentz (Dynamo alum, University of Georgia swimmer & U.S. Olympian)

I started swimming for Jason when I was 14, when my swimming career had just begun to pick up momentum. Jason knew I had potential, so he was always very tough on me. Although strict, Jason was incredibly compassionate and always knew exactly what was best for me. He cared for each of his swimmers equally, and was very good at observing individual needs.

One of my favorite memories that Jason loved to share:
When Summer Junior Nationals were in Palo Alto, I was 15. I was having a good meet, and a few coaches were starting to take notice. After one of my races, a college coach asked Jason if she could meet me. As they walked over to the Dynamo team area, Jason told her how I was mature for my age and was a good leader for my younger teammates. However, when they arrived at our location, they found that I had stuck Cheerios all over my face and had them hanging from my ears like earrings. He was embarrassed, having touted my positive influence on the team for the past couple minutes. However, Jason later realized that this was my method, obscure though it may be, of leadership, and began to grow and influence this skill in me.

Jason was an excellent coach and mentor, having an uncanny sense of differing roles and personalities within the team. Because he had a substantial past in college coaching, he was exceptional at aiding in the recruiting process. He was great at finding the right fit for his swimmers, and he always pointed us to schools that would fit us best. Without Jason, I would not be where I am today. His outstanding leadership and coaching ability have had such a positive influence on so many.

Thank you Jason.

Jay Litherland (Dynamo alum, University of Georgia swimmer & U.S. Olympian)

Coach Jason was more than a coach. He was a mentor, friend, an inspiration that touched the families of many. My first time ever meeting Jason, I immediately felt a connection that joining Dynamo was the right decision. The energy he brought to the pool every day made me work hard and become a better swimmer. Not only did he get me to where I am today in the pool, he helped me become a better person.

In high school, even though I dreaded waking up at 5 a.m. for morning practice, he always managed to make it fun. The passion and love he put into this sport will never be forgotten. The world of swimming and the Dynamo community will never be the same without him, but the memories of joy and laughter he brought into many of our lives will always stay with us.

Mick Litherland (Dynamo alum & University of Georgia swimmer)

Life will never be the same without Coach Jason. His dedication and passion for coaching will always be remembered. Not only was he a great coach but also an amazing individual that cared so much about the lives of the people around him. Through training lessons to life lessons, he was always there to help me become the person I am today. Jason was an inspiration to us all and we are truly going to miss his presence. I am very fortunate to call him my coach and friend. Lots of love and prayers to his beautiful family.

Nicole Stafford (Dynamo alum & Stanford University swimmer)

I will never be able to put into words how much you have done for me. Now looking back over my time at Dynamo, I truly realize how much of a role model you were to me and shaped me into the person I am today. You had a gift to see the potential in someone that they could not see themselves and the ability to inspire people to believe in themselves.

Even once I went off to college, I would come home for breaks and you were as invested in my swimming as if I had never left. You were more than just a great coach you were a great person, father and friend. Dynamo will never quite be the same without you. Thanks for everything Bud.

Ashley Mallon (Dynamo alum & University of Georgia swimmer)

Jason was my coach for about three years of high school and I grew up knowing him since I started the sport at age 10. He took a bullied, hormonal 16-year-old girl who was so close to never stepping in a pool again and helped her becoming the UGA swimmer I am today. He was a father, a coach, a mentor and a friend all wrapped into one person for me.

He believed in me when I didn’t believe in me. He never gave up on a single member of our team regardless of who they were and how fast they swam. I’ll never forget that he always wanted me to appreciate the little things and take everything step by step. I’ll miss him screaming ‘Atta girl!’ across the pool deck when I would go a best time or the bear hugs he would give me whenever needed. I couldn’t imagine becoming the woman I have become today without Jason Turcotte.

Basil Orr (Dynamo alum & University of Georgia swimmer)

Jason was a great coach, and yet he was so much more. He instilled the value of hard work and character through his coaching style and left a lasting impact on all that he coached through it. He was tough like a coach and loving like a father. He valued each swimmer both as an athlete but more importantly as a person. He always held everyone to the same high standards and gave people equal attention no matter their talent level.

Everyone was unique and important to him. He showed me dedication and commitment on a level that I had never seen before, and truly taught it through example. If it weren’t for Jason, I would not be a collegiate athlete, or even at the University of Georgia. And I know that I am not the only athlete of his that can say that I would not be here today without him.

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