UMBC Athletics and the broader campus community are deeply saddened by the passing of retired UMBC Swimming and Diving Coach Chad Cradock ‘97. We know this is an especially difficult time for his family and our swimming and diving community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences.

Chad came to UMBC as a student athlete in 1993 and earned his undergraduate degree in psychology while swimming for the Retrievers. After graduating in 1997, he became an assistant swimming and diving coach and was appointed head coach in 2001. 

The Retriever swimming and diving teams have dominated America East Conference competition during their time in the league. The women's squad has captured four of the past six titles, including a resounding victory in 2019. The men’s team has earned 12 of the 13 America East Championships overall and three in a row since the conference reinstituted men’s swimming and diving as a championship sport in the winter of 2018. 

We have met with our student athletes and provided them with crisis support and counseling resources. They are also spending time together in the pool and staying connected as a team. We can all be proud of their resilience and commitment to each other through this challenging time.

Students in need of grief counseling or emotional support can contact the Counseling Center at 410-455-2472 on weekdays, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., or the after-hours support line at 410-455-3230.  Employees can access support through the Employee Assistance Program.

As we learn more about the family’s plans for remembering Chad, we will communicate them to you. In the meantime, personal expressions of sympathy may be sent to Christie Cradock at 1412 Macfree Court, Odenton, MD 21113.

Brian Barrio, Director of Athletics