HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. — It's about noon on a Saturday and Debbie Ogden is at Northern Kentucky University's campus recreation center, starting up practice. She's the head coach of the Northern Kentucky Dolphins Special Olympics swim team. It's a role she's had for more than a decade now.

What You Need To Know

  •  Debbie Ogden is head coach of the Northern Kentucky Dolphins Special Olympics swim team

  •  She was recently named head coach of the Special Olympics USA Swim Team

  • Ogden's been coaching the Dolphins for over 10 years 

  •  Ogden will head to Berlin in June 

“Every one of them has wiggled their way into my heart. To see the smiles when they’ve accomplished what they’ve accomplished. Because every one of them, it’s amazing what they can do when you give them the chance,” Ogden said.

Ogden’s recently taken on another role. She was named the head coach of the Special Olympics USA Swim Team, a first for her. So now, on top of her full-time job and coaching the Dolphins, she’s also working with other athletes from across the country to get ready for the world stage. 

“We are now training. We work mainly virtually and work with their local coaches doing a lot of videos, doing a lot of online calls,” she said.

Justin Hale said he’s been on Ogden’s team for about 3 years, but he’s known her for half a decade. Hale’s excited to see her and others go to Berlin.

“Not only am I happy for her, but at the same time I know she does a great job with me, and I know she’ll do a great job with them over in Berlin. I think that’s such a great honor,” Hale said.

Ogden said she’ll be heading to Berlin in June.

“I love it. I find the time and I make it what it is,” Ogden said.

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