Jim Richardson

Jim is one of those exceptional leaders who has a passion for growing others in service of a common goal bigger than either of them. Jim’s unprecedented success as Head Coach for Women’s Swimming at the University of Michigan combined with his passion for developing others to their natural potential provides the foundation FS/A seeks in building its team of Executive Coaches.

Jim and Fritz worked together at Michigan. Jim’s coaching philosophy contributed to the development of FS/A’s Foundation of Winning principles and disciplines. Clearly, Jim was one of those gifted leaders who recruited good talent and turned them into winners beyond their dreams, not just in the pool, but also in life. Jim possesses a deep passion for understanding how individuals learn and grow to be all they desire to be. The utilization of his coaching skills to serve executives is a natural for Jim. Jim aids leaders in becoming all they are meant to be, living fulfilled lives.

During Jim’s tenure at Michigan, the Wolverines had unparalleled success. His teams won an unprecedented 12 consecutive Big Ten Championships, adding two more before retiring from Michigan in 2012. Jim is the most successful Big Ten Conference Women’s Swim Coach in its history. Jim’s teams finished in the top 10 of the NCAA regularly, finishing second in 1995 and third in 1996. Richardson was one of two recipients of The Richard E. Steadman Award conferred annually to a coach who has done the most to spread happiness in swimming and diving. In 1993 and again in 1995 Jim was named NCAA Coach of the Year.

Jim began his collegiate coaching career at the University of Iowa, where he was an assistant for three years before coming to Michigan in 1985. Richardson resides in Ypsilanti Township with his wife, Mary Sue. They have four children and three grandchildren.

Richardson is the owner of the Wolverine Swim Camps, director of the Michigan Swim Camps, and conducts clinics internationally for USA Swimming and FINA.