University of North Carolina Athletics
Three Tar Heel Legends Inducted Into N.C. Swimming Hall Of Fame
October 8, 2026 | Swimming & Diving
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The North Carolina swimming program was well represented at the 2026 North Carolina Swimming Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday in Greensboro. Three legends of the program, Rich DeSelm, Stephanie Peacock and Patty Waldron, earned three of the spots in this year's five person class.
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A standout swimmer at Carolina from 1974-78, DeSelm was named UNC's most Valuable Swimmer three times and served as a team captain. An All-American, DeSelm finished his career as the school-record holder in five events. After his illustrious swimming career, DeSelm took to the deck and coached at UNC, Davidson and Florida. He served as the Tar Heels' head coach from 2007-19 and coached 58 All-Americas and 26 ACC Champions, while producing multiple Top-20 finishes at the national meet. He also led Davidson to seven Southern Conference titles and was named the league's Coach of the Year five times. DeSelm was also involved internationally and held a number of positions with Team USA, including serving as head coach at the 2011 World University Games.
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Peacock had an illustrious career with the Tar Heels and was named both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Swimmer of the Year during her career. She won the NCAA championship in the 1650 freestyle, breaking Janet Evans' 22-year-old record, and earned All-America honors in the 500 and 1650 freestyles. Peacock went on to compete in three World University Games, wnning gold, two silvers and two bronze medals, including the 2013 1500 freestyle gold in a WUG record. She was also inducted into UNC's swimming and diving Champions Circle in 2016.
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Waldron swam at UNC from 1981–84 and received the Hill Carrow Spirit Award three consecutive years, a record among UNC women's swimmers. She spent more than 40 years coaching swimmers at virtually every level, including age-group, Masters, club, and high school programs. Waldron led Charlotte Latin teams to 22 conference championships and nine independent high school state championships. She is also the Volunteer Director for Swim Across America–Charlotte, helping raise more than $1 million for a local children's hospital.
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The North Carolina Swimming Hall of Fame was founded in 1985 by Hill Carrow, who was the founder, president and executive director of North Carolina Amateur Sports. NC Amateur Sports is a North Carolina non-profit, charitable organization that continues today and is the organizer of the State Games of North Carolina. NC Amateur Sports was established to promote and support amateur and Olympic sports in North Carolina.
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For up-to-date information on UNC Swimming & Diving, visit GoHeels.com/Swimming-and-Diving and follow on X (@uncswimdive), Instagram (@uncswimdive) and Facebook (Facebook.com/UNCswimdive).
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A standout swimmer at Carolina from 1974-78, DeSelm was named UNC's most Valuable Swimmer three times and served as a team captain. An All-American, DeSelm finished his career as the school-record holder in five events. After his illustrious swimming career, DeSelm took to the deck and coached at UNC, Davidson and Florida. He served as the Tar Heels' head coach from 2007-19 and coached 58 All-Americas and 26 ACC Champions, while producing multiple Top-20 finishes at the national meet. He also led Davidson to seven Southern Conference titles and was named the league's Coach of the Year five times. DeSelm was also involved internationally and held a number of positions with Team USA, including serving as head coach at the 2011 World University Games.
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Peacock had an illustrious career with the Tar Heels and was named both ACC Freshman of the Year and ACC Swimmer of the Year during her career. She won the NCAA championship in the 1650 freestyle, breaking Janet Evans' 22-year-old record, and earned All-America honors in the 500 and 1650 freestyles. Peacock went on to compete in three World University Games, wnning gold, two silvers and two bronze medals, including the 2013 1500 freestyle gold in a WUG record. She was also inducted into UNC's swimming and diving Champions Circle in 2016.
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Waldron swam at UNC from 1981–84 and received the Hill Carrow Spirit Award three consecutive years, a record among UNC women's swimmers. She spent more than 40 years coaching swimmers at virtually every level, including age-group, Masters, club, and high school programs. Waldron led Charlotte Latin teams to 22 conference championships and nine independent high school state championships. She is also the Volunteer Director for Swim Across America–Charlotte, helping raise more than $1 million for a local children's hospital.
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The North Carolina Swimming Hall of Fame was founded in 1985 by Hill Carrow, who was the founder, president and executive director of North Carolina Amateur Sports. NC Amateur Sports is a North Carolina non-profit, charitable organization that continues today and is the organizer of the State Games of North Carolina. NC Amateur Sports was established to promote and support amateur and Olympic sports in North Carolina.
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For up-to-date information on UNC Swimming & Diving, visit GoHeels.com/Swimming-and-Diving and follow on X (@uncswimdive), Instagram (@uncswimdive) and Facebook (Facebook.com/UNCswimdive).
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