Kobe started his tenure at East Carolina as an assistant to Ray Scharf in 1980 before being named the head coach in March of 1982 after Scharf retired. Kobe has directed the men and women’s swim and dive programs since 1982, compiling the best record in program history for the Pirates at 530-188-1. His 530 wins also places him No. 4 on the NCAA all-time wins list, and earning 10 conference Coach-of-the-Year awards during his tenure. He is also one of only six coaches in NCAA history to earn 500 dual meet victories.
“My 37 years at East Carolina were filled with so many great moments,” Kobe said.