Passages: Jack Roney, Former NC State Assistant Coach, 39
Jack Roney, a former swimmer at NC State and assistant coach at his alma mater, died on July 6. He was 39 years old.
Roney was the program record holder in the 200 breaststroke in his time at the school, graduating in 2009. He served as an assistant coach from 2014-16.
“We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney,” NC State’s athletic department said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered.”
NC State head coach Braden Holloway posted a lengthy remembrance of Roney on social media, calling Roney, “a great friend”.
“Jack was one of those rare people who made everyone around him better,” Holloway wrote. “He was an incredible friend, a devoted husband to Maresa, and an amazing dad to their five young children. He lived with kindness, loyalty, trust, and a deep love for his family … and a deep love for Wolfpack Sports!
“Jack was also a proud Wolfpack swimmer and someone who meant a lot to me personally. He was my volunteer coach the first year we won the men’s ACC title after I came back to NC State — a year I will never forget. From that season on, we stayed close friends. Jack cared deeply, showed up for people, and brought steady love and belief into every room he entered.”
Roney was born in Florida but relocated to North Carolina as a child. At Charlotte’s Myers Park High School, he won five state championships, setting a state record in the 200 breast. Roney also worked as the director of operations at the YMCA of the Triangle in Raleigh for five years before joining Holloway’s staff.
Roney and his wife Maresa (nee Like-Matthews, a fellow swimmer at NC State) have been married for 15 years. He is survived by five children. A GoFundMe has been set up to benefit the children.
