Sammi's statement on Coach Dan Snow
We were working on a long profile on the outstanding performance of Sammi Thiele at the 2024 Nationals and were nearly done with the piece when we received the heartbreaking news that Sammi's coach, Dan Snow, had passed away unexpectedly. This tragic loss has deeply affected the Austin College community and everyone who knew Coach Snow. We extend our heartfelt condolences, especially to Sammi, who was profoundly impacted by his passing. Sammi shared a few heartfelt words about the coach who meant so much to her.
Coach Snow was more than a coach; he was a mentor, an ear that listened to my non-stop talking, and a person who genuinely cared about me and my success in and outside of the pool. Every single morning, I would go into his office, sit on his couch, and talk to him for a couple of minutes about life. Never once did we talk about swimming in the morning. We would always talk about my schoolwork, my job search, or my pathetic love life. I didn’t realize how much I actually valued these chats because I truly told him everything, and it made me feel so much better to have someone who listened to me. He treated me like one of his own and promised me that one day I would meet someone perfect for me who would be completely infatuated with me from day one. I’m devastated he’ll never get to meet him.
I’m 100% aware that, like my own father, Coach Snow was completely wrapped around my finger, and he went above and beyond for me, again, not just in the pool but outside of the pool. I miss him so much. I’m completely heartbroken he didn’t get to see me graduate, he isn’t going to get to see me in my teaching or coaching career, he’s never going to see me get married and have kids, and he’s never going to get to see all the successes he guaranteed I would have. Coach Snow truly transformed the Austin College swimming program, and I am so incredibly grateful I got to spend my final years as an athlete with him.
- Sammi Thiele