SCSC Head Coach Kevin Zacher Discusses the International Swim Center Closing Indefinitely

by Garrett McCaffrey 7

February 26th, 2024 Club, News, Podcasts, Video

In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman HodgesGarrett McCaffrey, and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

The George F. Haines International Swim Center closed indefinitely last month, due to safety concerns around the facility. The ISC is home to the Santa Clara Aquamaids, Santa Clara Diving, and the world-famous Santa Clara Swim Club.

Third-year SCSC Head Coach, Kevin Zacher, has been on USA Swimming’s National and/or Junior National coaching roster since 2012. He has led Junior National and Junior Select camps, been part of two international USA Swimming staffs, and developed international-level talents like Ryan Hoffer and Taylor Ruck.

Kevin is the guest on the SwimSwam podcast to talk about the challenges facing the Santa Clara Swim Club without the use of the ISC. He talks about how they got to this point, what they’re doing to fix it, and how he keeps a level head for himself and his team during this tough time.

  • 0:00 Kevin Zacher Introduction
  • 2:45 International Swim Center Closed Indefinitely
  • 11:08 Moving Forward Without the ISC
  • 20:02 Santa Clara Aquatics Foundation
  • 29:08 Training without a Consistent Pool
  • 31:57 Staying Positive

SWIMSWAM PODCAST LINKS

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.

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swammer
8 months ago

Sad news, the George Haines pool is an iconic one for California swimmers. I can’t even count how many times I swam club meets and CCS for high school there. Wishing SCSC the best.

cynthia curran
Reply to  swammer
8 months ago

Yeah, but unlike Mission Viejo that did major changes to the pool and diving platform about 5 years ago they waited too long.

L0E
8 months ago

It’s certainty a difficult time for SCSC and I do hope they rectify the pool situation. BUT, there are many MANY clubs doing more with less across the country due to lack of pools. Hopefully this unfortunate situation shines a light on the need for communities across the U.S. to invest in aquatic facilities:

Daddysockwell
8 months ago

I love Kevin

2 cents
8 months ago

Coach Zacher has a great perspective and the SCSC is very fortunate to have him leading the team.

neffry
8 months ago

Thank you for continuing to shine a light on SCSC’s battle for a pool. Grew up swimming meets at the ISC, watching the international meet every summer, and even serving on the SCSC coaching staff years ago. I was very excited when they hired Zacher to helm the program and it kills me to see them struggle for pool time (especially given all the recent age-group success they have had…). Hoping they get a more permanent solution moving forward, especially given the number of 50 meter pools in the area.

swim
Reply to  neffry
8 months ago

Kevin is the GOAT. SCSC will get through this.

About Garrett McCaffrey

No one lives the sport of swimming like Garrett McCaffrey. A Division I swimmer who spent 4 years covering the sport as a journalist, now coaches club swimming and competes as a masters swimmer, Garrett truly lives the sport of swimming. After graduating from University of Missouri’s award winning journalism program …

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