San Antonio, TX – [May 23, 2025] — TMI Episcopal is proud to announce the appointment of Vanessa Said as the new Head Coach for the Boys’ and Girls’ Swim Teams. Coach Said, a decorated NCAA champion and renowned competitive swimming and sports program development leader, brings over 30 years of coaching and athletic leadership experience to our Panther community.
Vanessa’s swimming journey began at age five and quickly blossomed into a competitive standout career. She was the 1981 U.S. Junior National Champion in the 400-meter Individual Medley, the 1982 UIL State Champion in the 200 IM, and led her high school team to its first-ever UIL State Championship at Lackland High School. A graduate of Winston Churchill High School, she helped the Chargers secure their first UIL State Swimming Championship in 1984 by winning the 200 IM and the 500 Freestyle. That summer, she finished 5th in the 400 IM at the US Olympic Trials.
As a collegiate athlete at the University of Texas, she contributed to securing four consecutive championships. NCAA Team Championships, earned All-American honors, and captured the 1986 Southwest Conference title in the 400 IM.
Vanessa’s coaching résumé includes work with Alamo Area Aquatics, Trinity University, and Palm Springs Swim Club, where she coached Olympic medalist Tracey McFarlane. She’s also coached Masters swimmers and triathletes, reflecting her passion for developing athletes of all ages and abilities.
Beyond coaching, Vanessa has had a distinguished career in sports tourism and event management, playing a crucial role in elevating San Antonio’s national profile. Her leadership at Visit San Antonio and the San Antonio Convention & Visitors Bureau was instrumental in attracting major national events and organizations, including USA Swimming, USA Fencing, the NCAA, and the WWE.
“I’m honored to join the exceptional community at TMI Episcopal as the Varsity Swimming Coach,” said Said. “TMI values excellence in athletics, but also character and leadership. I look forward to using my experiences as an athlete and coach and building upon the strong swimming foundation already in place to help our student-athletes become great competitors and grow into confident, kind, well-rounded individuals.”
“We are honored to welcome Coach Said to the TMI family,” said Athletic Director Peter Casey. “Her extraordinary experience, passion for athlete development, and deep ties to the San Antonio sports community make her a tremendous asset to our swim program and student-athletes.”
A member of both the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame and the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame, Coach Said is celebrated for her athletic achievements and dedication to community service. She serves on the boards of the Texas Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame and the Spay Neuter Network and volunteers for community events and civic organizations. She previously served as an Honorary Commander for the 37th TRW, connecting the MLB and other sports organizations with the 737th Air Force Basic Training and other commands within Joint Base San Antonio. Coach Said will officially begin her role this summer, leading the TMI Episcopal swim program into an exciting new chapter characterized by excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to developing champions in and out of the water.