Stefanie Williams Moreno

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Swimming has shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined—from competing as a student-athlete at the University of Georgia to coaching some of the most talented swimmers in the country. I am beyond grateful for the experiences, relationships, and opportunities this sport has given me.

I remember swimming at an early age, but never without my arm floaties. At nine years old, I joined my summer swim team (I couldn’t wear my arm floaties) and cried the entire practice, completely overwhelmed. I started as a backstroker—mostly because I could breathe whenever I wanted! But over time, I fell in love with the sport, leading me to join the BAY Barracudas, coached by Don Remaly, at my local YMCA, where I truly began to develop as a swimmer. Those early moments of struggle turned into a lifelong passion for the water.

Swimming for Bloomsburg High School under Mike Campbell was an unforgettable chapter in my career. I never lost a dual meet race, set PIAA state records every time I swam, and helped lead our team to a state championship my senior year. One of the greatest highlights was competing alongside my sister and winning a state relay title together—memories I will cherish forever.

My time as a student-athlete at Georgia shaped not only my swimming career but also the person I am today. I was surrounded by world-class coaches and teammates who pushed me to grow, both in and out of the pool. The demanding environment taught me the value of discipline, resilience, and teamwork—lessons that have stayed with me long after my competitive career ended. The culture of excellence at Georgia set the foundation for my transition into coaching and showed me the kind of mentor and leader I wanted to become. The friendships I built and the experiences I had during those years remain some of the most meaningful of my life, reinforcing the deep sense of pride I have in this program and the impact it continues to have on so many.

After earning my degree in Sports Communications, I knew I wanted to give back to the sport. My coaching journey took me to Bloomsburg University, The University of Missouri, and The Ohio State University before returning home to Georgia, where I now serve as head coach of the women’s swimming and diving team. Watching my athletes succeed in the pool, break records, and represent Georgia at the highest levels has been the most rewarding part of my career.

This induction is a reflection of the incredible people who have supported me—my family, teammates, athletes, and mentors. Thank you to my mom, dad, sister, and my husband, Brandon, for always believing in me.