49ers Mourn Loss of UNC Charlotte's Roy Fielding

Roy Fielding has been a fixture at UNC Charlotte since 1977. He served as Kinesiology Department Chair, Aquatics Director and Senior Lecturer during his 41 year career with the university. The university's Belk Gym Pool was just named "The Roy R. Fielding Aquatic Center" in honor of his lifetime service.

He also served as head coach of the 49ers men's and women's swimming and diving teams from 1989-1992. He was named Atlantic Swim Conference Men's and Women's Coach of the Year in 1990 and was the Southern States Women's Coach of the Year in 1992.

Roy was recently named one of the most influential individuals in aquatics in the United States by Aquatics International Magazine in its Power 25. Roy is a member of the University of Northern Iowa Athletic Hall of Fame for swimming and also the School of Health, Physical Education, and Leisure Studies Hall of Excellence. Fielding continued to support the 49ers following his stint as head coach and was a valuable resource for the athletics department and the university throughout his long standing tenure.

Last October Roy and his wife Mary Gaye established the Mary Gaye & Roy Fielding Athletics Development Fund and the Roy and Mary Gaye Fielding Scholarship for Kinesiology students to benefit future generations of Charlotte 49ers student-athletes and students involved with 49er Athletics.

"Roy was a huge fan and supporter of Charlotte 49ers Athletics," said Mike Hummer, Executive Director of the 49ers' Athletic Foundation. "Roy will be thoroughly missed by all of us with the Charlotte 49ers who were lucky enough to call him a friend.  Our heart breaks for the loss of Roy and our thoughts and prayers are with Mary Gaye and the entire Fielding family."

Thank you for your support of Roy's enduring legacy with a gift to he and Mary Gaye's student support funds.