James Boone

Biography

As announced by Ball State swimming & diving head coach J. Agnew, Colorado native James Boone joins the program as assistant coach for the 2025-26 season. “I couldn’t be more excited to welcome James Boone to Ball State as our new assistant coach,” Agnew said. “He brings a sharp analytical mind to the sport with a unique ability to connect with and motivate his student athletes. His character and leadership traits are exactly what we look for in our Cardinals.” Prior to Ball State, Boone coached at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colo., the same school where he had been a student-athlete from 2011-15. As head coach of the girls program for two seasons from 2023-25, Boone guided six swimmers to continue their careers at the collegiate level. Boone’s leadership also aided the Wolves to achieve two all-American relays, including a top three state finish, and four school records. While leading the girls, Boone also served as an assistant coach for the Grandview boys program. From 2021-25, he played a key role in helping five swimmers reach the collegiate level while the program earned seven individual All-American awards, four All-American relays, including a second-place state finish, and celebrated six individual state champions. Under his guidance, the boys team set new school records in every event, including four records previously held by Boone since 2015. During this time, Boone also became a founding member of the Aspire Aquatics of Colorado staff, serving as the head se