Catching Up With John Stein

Former Vandy swimmer updates life and career

by Andrew Maraniss

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Part of an ongoing series, VUCommodores.com catches up with former Vanderbilt swimmer John Stein.

Stein recently took some time for a Q&A to update his life and career:

VUCommodores.com: What is your occupation or what did you do before you retired?

Stein: “Retired banker, Bank of America.”

How has COVID-19 affected you and your family?

“Friends affected – we miss the travel to physically visit family and friends, but we’re staying in touch near and far.”

What has been the hardest adjustment?

“Not physically being with friends and family.”

What has been the most pleasant surprise in these circumstances?

“How much I like staying at home.”

Any good books, movies or games to recommend?

“Lots of Netflix. Just finished John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany – an old one with incredible writing.”

What was your all-time favorite moment as a Commodore?

“For swimming it was in (1973) – our freestyle relay making top 20 at nationals. But beating Alabama in football in (1969) was right up there.”

What do you miss most in the sports world right now?

“Olympics and all the great collegiate coverage.”

Any advice or words of wisdom to Commodore Nation to help us get through this?

“Stay loose. Have faith that we will get past this.”

Anything else you’d like to say about your time at Vanderbilt or what you’ve been up to since you left?

“Vanderbilt was a fabulous experience for me. Made incredible friendships and acquaintances that are treasures for life. Without coming up here, I never would have met my incredible wife Beth and had our son Tyler.”