Carol Rhudy

Carol Thomas Rhudy graduated from UNM in 1964 but didn’t receive her varsity letter until 1991. It was then that the Alumni Lettermen’s Association identified 67 female athletes whose performance and dedication to their sport brought honor to their university. Rhudy was inducted into Hall of Honor for her accomplishments as a swimmer, specializing in the breast and backstrokes.

Rhudy began her swimming career at the suggestion of a friend when she was a senior at Highland High School. Highland did not have a pool so Rhudy trained at the Acapulco Swim Club near the old airport. It was there Rhudy met Jim Stevens who coached her and gave her confidence.

At UNM, Rhudy competed four years for coach Charlotte Piper, and was team captain her senior year. Rhudy met her future husband, Bo, at UNM. He was captain of the men’s swim team.

Since graduating from UNM, Rhudy taught K-12 in several states before settling in Michigan in 1977. In 1985 she was in a serious car accident and turned to water therapy to help heal her many broken bones. Rhudy designed a therapy program for herself and within months was back at the Michigan Masters competing and winning.

Soon afterwards, Rhudy began helping others recover from injuries and surgeries with her water therapy routines. She then began consulting and started a business. Eventually, Blue Dolphin Aquatic Rehab kept her working nearly fulltime in retirement.

Rhudy is an active volunteer in many organizations, including the United Way, American Cancer Society, National Arthritis Foundation and the American Red Cross. In 33 years, she never missed a Masters competition for her state of Michigan.