In April 2011 the office in the Jones Aquatic Center was named for Joe Hendee, longtime men’s assistant swimming coach. Hendee began his career at UT as a student assistant coach in 1978 and was UT’s first full-time paid assistant swimming coach. Under Hendee’s careful eye, the men’s team earned a 177-32 dual-meet record, three SEC crowns, and a national title.
When not coaching the Vols, Hendee served the United States as an international coach and mentor. He worked as the facilities coordinator for the 1982 USSR-USA dual meet held in the Student Aquatic Center and was an assistant to Coach Bussard during his stint as a 1984 Olympic coach. In 1986 Hendee served USA Swimming as a coach at the Elite Training Camp in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He also coached at the 1989 and 1993 US Olympic Festivals.