Legacy In Every Lane – Coach Fuller’s Final Season

RHS Swim coach legend concludes his final season, after leading his team to the clenching of division 2 valley.

By: Emma Jenan

Eric Fuller has been the RHS varsity swim coach for the past 26 years, and in this bittersweet final season, he has taken him team to win D2 valley. Here is what his players have to say about not only an amazing season, but an influential coach as well.

Tyson Phillips, ’26, feels that Fuller’s attitude is a huge reason for their success these past few seasons. He states, “He just creates a really fun and inviting environment for the team every day.” Phillips credits Fuller to, “always making me do my best, not many coaches have been able to do that.” Phillips explains that this season especially, the constant coach motivation has led a portion of them to swimmers to cut time! Phillips explains that even though swimming might be viewed as a pretty individual sport, you still need that bit of chemistry to really push each of the swimmers to do their very best. Phillips finishes by saying, “Fuller always puts his best foot forward, and he is always there for the guys no matter what.”

Eric Fuller has been a redwood swim coach since 1996, and took over the variety head coaching job from Frank Bell in 2000. Fuller states, “It has been fantastic. I have had such amazing parent support, staff support, and constant batches of top notch athletes that have kept me going this long.” When asked about being a mentor to his swim team, Fuller replies, “Hearing that makes me proud. I just try to teach them hard work and good ethic. And honestly, to me that is much more important than championships and winning.” In the 25 years Fuller has been the head coach, there are three moments that truly stood out to him as his proudest moments. He states, “Taking the girls team to the valley championship in 2018 and winning in overtime, that was pretty special.” He also lists his 2022 valley team, as well as his final valley championship team this season! When asked what motivates Fuller to return to the pool each day he replies, “I’ve been on a pool deck since I’ve been six years old, its like home. If I’m not swimming, I’m coaching, its just a part of my life.”

Brett Petersen, ’25, shares his thoughts on an incredible senior season with coach Fuller. He states, “Its been so much fun having him as a coach, there is so much comradery and I’m grateful to have had him these past four years.” Petersen goes on to say, “He always knows our times and our personal bests, and he is constantly making sure we are improving and contributing.” Petersen credits Fuller as well as his teammates for an incredible high school experience on the team. He states, “The chemistry is just amazing, and we always are pushing each other to try our best.”

Fuller shares his final words to his swim team, “You guys truly have given me the greatest gift walking away.”