Poolesville High School formally dedicated its gymnasium on December 19, 2025, in honor of longtime educator, coach, and athletic director Fred Allen Swick, whose impact on Montgomery County athletics spanned decades. The newly named Fred Swick Gymnasium recognizes Swick’s lasting legacy as a mentor, leader, and champion for student-athletes in the Poolesville community.
Swick, who died in 2021 at the age of 70 after a seven-year battle with multiple myeloma, devoted much of his career to Poolesville High School. After beginning his teaching career in 1974, Swick joined Poolesville High School in 1983 as a physical education teacher and head boys basketball coach. He later became athletic director in 2006 and, by that time, was already the school’s all-time winningest coach in both boys and girls basketball. He also coached baseball, football, and softball, often while teaching full course loads.
Under Swick’s leadership, Poolesville athletics experienced sustained success, including an undefeated 27-0 girls basketball season in 2017–18 that culminated in the school’s long-awaited state championship. Known for his humility, Swick was widely respected not only for his wins, but for his dedication to students, sportsmanship, and community. Even after retiring as athletic director, he returned to coaching and remained deeply involved in youth sports and school life.
MCPS Athletic Director Jeff Sullivan posted the following:
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