Meadowbrook Aquatic Center, a former training facility for NBAC
The North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC) is an elite, multi-site swim club based in and around Baltimore, Maryland. Founded in 1968, the club has established itself as one of the most prestigious swimming programs in the United States, consistently ranking as a Gold Medal Club by USA Swimming.[3] NBAC is renowned for its rigorous training philosophy and for developing numerous world-class athletes, including more than a dozen Olympians and Paralympians. The club's most famous alumnus is Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time.[4]
The North Baltimore Aquatic Club was founded in 1968 by Jim McComas.[5] The club began its operations at the pool of Loyola Blakefield (then Loyola High School). In the mid-1980s, under the leadership of coach Murray Stephens, NBAC purchased the Meadowbrook Swim Club, establishing a permanent home and a 50-meter outdoor pool for long-course training.[6] This move was pivotal, allowing the club to attract more talent and expand its programs.
The club rose to national and international prominence in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly under the coaching tandem of Murray Stephens and Bob Bowman. During this era, NBAC became a dominant force in U.S. swimming, producing a steady stream of national champions and Olympians. The arrival of a young Michael Phelps in the late 1990s, and his subsequent historic success, cemented NBAC's global reputation.[7]
In 2015, after nearly 30 years, NBAC sold the Meadowbrook facility to the Merritt Properties but continued to train there under a lease agreement for several years.[8] The club has since transitioned to a multi-site model to accommodate its swimmers.
Coaching
NBAC's success is deeply intertwined with its history of elite coaching.
Murray Stephens: Co-founder and longtime head coach, Stephens was the architect of NBAC's "culture of commitment." His philosophy demanded intense dedication from swimmers and parents alike, creating a high-performance environment that became the club's hallmark. He coached Olympians Theresa Andrews and Anita Nall.[6]
Bob Bowman: Bowman joined NBAC in 1996 and served as the high-performance coach. His partnership with Michael Phelps is one of the most successful in sports history, leading to unprecedented Olympic achievements. Bowman's technical expertise and meticulous planning were instrumental in developing not only Phelps but also other Olympians like Allison Schmitt and Chase Kalisz. He left NBAC with Phelps for the University of Michigan in 2004 but later returned before taking the head coaching position at Arizona State University.[9]
Tom Himes: The current Head Coach and CEO, Himes has been with NBAC for over three decades, serving in various coaching roles. He has been a key figure in maintaining the club's standards of excellence and continuing its tradition of developing elite swimmers.[2]
Facilities
NBAC operates out of several locations in the Baltimore metropolitan area, providing access to both 25-yard (short course) and 50-meter (long course) pools. The club's primary training sites are:
Loyola University Maryland: The Mangione Aquatic Center serves as a key training hub, offering a modern facility for many of the club's training groups.
Goucher College: The Goucher College pool is another primary site for NBAC practices.
Gilman School: The Gilman School's pool is utilized for various age-group programs.
Coppermine (Bel Air): This location in Harford County expands the club's reach to the northeast of Baltimore.
Historically, the club's home was the Meadowbrook Aquatic Center, an outdoor 50-meter pool that was crucial for long-course training. The club also began at the Loyola Blakefield pool, which it still uses on occasion.
Notable alumni
Olympians
NBAC has produced numerous Olympic swimmers, many of whom have won medals.
Whitney Metzler – Competed in the 1996 Games (400m individual medley).
Michael Phelps – Competed in five Olympic Games (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016). He is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals: 23 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze.
Katie Hoff – Competed in the 2004 and 2008 Games. Won three medals at the 2008 Beijing Games: silver (400m freestyle) and two bronze (400m individual medley, 4x200m freestyle relay).
Conor Dwyer – Competed in the 2012 and 2016 Games. Won two gold medals as a member of the 4x200m freestyle relay in both Olympics.
Allison Schmitt – Competed in three Olympic Games (2008, 2012, 2016). Won a total of 8 medals: four gold, two silver, and two bronze.
Chase Kalisz – Competed in the 2016 and 2020 Games. Won a silver medal in 2016 (400m individual medley) and a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games (400m individual medley).
Paralympians
NBAC has also developed some of the most successful Paralympic swimmers in U.S. history.
Rebecca Meyers – Competed in three Paralympic Games (2012, 2016, 2020). She has won a total of six medals: three gold, two silver, and one bronze.
Jessica Long – One of the most decorated Paralympians of all time. She has competed in five Paralympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) and has won 29 medals, including 16 gold medals.[10]
References
↑ "Board of Directors". teamunify.com. North Baltimore Aquatic Club. Retrieved July 28, 2025.
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