The summer I turned eight, I was dropped off at a scary new pool with little knowledge of who anyone was. But I was excited. It was the beginning of my competitive swimming career. I was able to get up on the blocks and show everyone what I was made of–a thrill that swim lessons hadn’t afforded me. It was a whole new world. I looked up to my coaches like they were Greek Gods. I wanted more than anything to be like them. They knew so much about swimming and they were always so nice. I wanted to be that nice when I was an adult.
This introduction to the competitive side of swimming not only intrigued me, but gave me the confidence I needed. I won the 8-year old high point trophy at that year’s championships. The trophy sits proudly on my dresser to this day.
I began club swimming that next fall, and it was a whole different atmosphere. The coaches expected me at practice every day, asked what my times were, and I didn’t quite win as much as I did in summer. The intensity of the atmosphere motivated me, but going back to my recreational team every June was something I always looked forward to. You couldn’t find me on deck without a smile. My team was small, but we were a family, and that’s what made it such an incredible experience. It was those summers when I learned the true meaning of the word team.
It is now the summer I turn 18. I am currently head coach of my summer league team, and it is by far the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.
Nothing brightens my day more than these two sisters I coach who come up to me everyday, soaking wet, and give me huge hugs. I don’t even mind my dry clothes getting wet.
So, club swimmers, please use your experience in the sport to create love for it in others. Has swimming changed your life? Summer league teams are often where it starts. The laid-back, fun atmosphere of a summer swim team has the power to cultivate passion. The camaraderie has the power to keep it going. And, compared to the elite athletes of club swimming, the joy of summer success helps remind swimmers that hard work does pay off.
For me, it all started with summer swimming. Coaching taught me the value of hard work and how far it can really take you. It taught me how to use my talent to help others. But most of all, it taught me to keep the childish excitement for the sport, because once you grow out of it, it’s something you’ll never get back.
I swam competitively from the age of four. While swimming Masters I was ask if I wanted to coach the younger group for summer team. It was the best decision I ever made. Eventually I was head coach for 15 years. I have watched the swimmers progress to club teams, receive college scholarships, get married, and have babies who are now starting to swim.
I now teach swim lessons and get them ready for summer team. I love my summers!
I started a summer team at the pool I manage 25 years ago. We’ve grown from a team of 12 all under the age of 12 to a size of 95 ranging 5-18. I love watching the swimmers age up each year and give back to the team as they grow. My older swimmers love helping out the “little fish”. It’s always tearful to say goodbye to my 18 year olds at the end of each season.
This summer my son turns 18…and after reading this it was like he wrote the article… it is wonderful to see so many swimmers feel the same way. Always have tried to hit this home with my children…”Do what you love, and love what your do!” You will never work a day in your life. Thank you for such a heartwarming story that resonates across America during this summer swim season.
My girls also started out swimming at Overlee in the NVSL during the summer. After 2 years they all three began year round swimming. Swimming is the only sport they do. Beginning every Spring they start talking about the upcoming Summer League. Once the pool opens, they want to be there all the time with their teammates. They all want to be lifeguards and eventually coaches there. They are constantly reminded by club coaches that Summer League isn’t all that important. It is to them.
We had an awesome summer recreational swim program in and around some small towns near Fresno, CA. It was always fun because it was first and foremost about the team and representing your town. Club swimming tends to lose that aspect, so it’s more akin to swimming on your high school team or college. Times are important, but overall success of everyone around you is the biggest deal.
My son did year round swimming first, but swam for a wonderful summer program last year. He was 10, and I’ve never seen him prouder than when his coach had him come in early to show the 6 & 7 year old just starting how to do breast and butterfly. We couldn’t go back there this year (damn work and adulting getting in the way) but he still keeps in touch with his coaches and tells me that’s what he wants to do as soon as he can be a coach