West of the Brazos Swim Team

I began swimming competitively at the age of 12. In high school I competed in swimming, diving, and water polo. I was a member of 2 state qualifying water polo teams, taking 6^th place at state both times. I was awarded the most improved diver freshman year, most improved water polo player my sophomore and junior years and MVP water polo player my senior year. I chose not to compete during college due to injuries and the needs of my family at the time. When I found out, 3 years ago, that Columbia High School, where I teach, had a swim team I immediately reached out to then coach, Mary Holler, to offer any assistance. I wanted to be a part of the sport I love again. Within a few weeks she had introduced me to the athletic director for the school and the president of the West of the Brazos team. I am proud to say I have been the head coach of both teams ever since.

When coaching WOTB we, the assistant coaches and I, focus first on technique. Swimming is a very detail-oriented sport, and it is important to learn the correct way to perform the strokes, starts, and turns before speed is introduced. Secondly, we build endurance. We focus on the ability to maintain the consistency of the swimmer's technique cross not only the distance they currently complete but the next distance they will age up to as well. Finally, we begin to push them to build their speed while continuing to maintain the correct form.

Most importantly, the assistant coaches and I work to teach our swimmers what it truly means to be a teammate. They cheer each other on and encourage each other during meets as well as practices. They celebrate each other's wins and improvements as enthusiastically, sometimes even more than they do their own. We help them learn from their mistakes and accept defeat gracefully when it happens. We emphasize sportsmanship as much as we do physical ability. I make it clear to my swimmers that it is just as important who they are out of the water as how they perform when they are in it. The supportive culture WOTB has created is the biggest reason I am so proud to be part of this team and hope to continue to grow with it for years to come.