Joel Alexander Black III

Alex was a great coach and friend to all in NC Swimming. He will be so missed. Having lost my son at an early age to cancer, I know too well the loss and heartache the whole family feels. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Alex Black was incredibly instrumental in my life and made a tremendous long-term impact on so many things that I have been tied to in my life. This impact has affected thousands of people and entire programs over the years. Alex and I go very far back, but the relationship was mostly one-sided. In fact, he may not have even remembered me at all. It is heart-breaking that he will never fully know the impact he had, but I would like to take a moment to share. This will require an...

Alex was in my Senior English class at FCDS. His creativity in class brought such laughter with his interpretations of poetry. So much talent as an achieved swimmer. Prayers extended to the entire family as they go through the grieving process. Donna Wetherington Cheek

Dear Louise and Joel , I am so sorry to hear about your son. I can only imagine the loss you are suffering . From all these notes it sounds like he was a very special young man. I will be praying for your strength, peace and the love of your family and friends to strengthen you through this chapter of you life. My God meet you with his comfort.

To Louise, Joel, Suzanne, Betty, From the ache of a mother's heart, sending love and strength to each of you to endure this too-soon loss of your beloved, courageous Alex. May his joyful spirit stay with you and help you navigate those spaces where you most miss him. And may the little ones grow into his legacy of love, generosity, connection, playfulness, and family devotion with grace and pride. We feel blessed to call you family. With love, Carrie, Reid, Evan Clare, Gaige, and Hannah

I always looked up to Alex growing up in swimming. He was always so fast and always so outspoken. And funny. He was also very creative. I think I still have the team video he made of the YNats trip to Nashville in `93. And he designed the coolest team shirts. As a coach, he always seemed to bring enthusiasm and great presence. I got to share the deck with him a few times over the years. I send my deepest condolences to Dr. Black and Louise, and to Suzanne, and to his wife and son.