Donna Hale

Swim Mom Musings: What Makes a College Swimmer Special

Here are some things to consider as your athlete navigates the decision whether they should pursue college swimming or not.

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SwimMom Musings: Best Holiday Gifts

If you are like me your swimmer has suits, t-shirts and gear to last for years. So what do you get your swimmer this season.

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Swim Mom Musings: Coaches Matter

Coaches who inspire are important all the way through a swimming career – and are especially critical in college at every level.

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SwimMom Musings: Motivation Gets You Started. Heart Keeps You Going

As a swim mom for 16 years, parents of younger swimmers sometimes ask me what is the secret to keeping your child engaged in the sport.

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Swim Mom Musings: Why D3 Swimming Deserves Great Recognition

With solid academics you just might find that D3 schools have great academic money and a balanced college life every athlete deserves.

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Swim Mom: The 5 Toughest Races in Swimming

As a swim mom of nearly two decades, here are my rankings about what events in swimming at the toughest to swim, which I know will create some debate.

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Swim Mom Musings: Extraordinary Coaches

If your athlete spends 16-18 years in a sport like swimming, the coaches they experience along the way have a powerful influence over the adults they become.

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Swim Mom Musings: Kindle The Fire

Yesterday was Mother’s Day. This is a memorable day for swim moms because of the intense roll we play in the lives of athletes.

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When It Is Not Everything You Hope For, Still Give It Everything You Have

My beautiful swimmer girl, who was just four years old yesterday, will be transferring next fall. It is a scary and brave decision to alter your course if it is not taking you where you want to go.

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SwimMom Musings: Find Your Circle

Earlier this week, I read an important quote about the importance of finding your circle – or as some call it – your tribe. Nowhere is this more important than in college swimming.

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Swim Mom Musings: Dear Swimmer Girl

Leaving conference champs after you had to scratch the last day due to illness, I realized I’ve never thanked you for all you have taught me about resilience, character, and winning with grace and losing with dignity.

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Swim Mom Musings: A Culture of Kindness

One of the most vital aspects of any team, whether it is high school, club, summer or the NCAA, is creating a culture of kindness and caring – no matter what the sport.

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SwimMom Musings: What is a Swim Mom?

On Mother’s Day, we tend to reflect on the myriad roles we play in the lives of our children.

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Swim Mom Musings: Being a Person of Character

Whether you are Olympic bound, swimming in the NCAA or just enjoying high school or summer swim, the most important ideal that you must embrace is: Be a Person of Character.

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Swim Mom Musings: Choosing the Right Swim Team

August is often the time athletes select clubs for the coming year. Here are a few swim mom tips for helping your child navigate the sometimes murky waters of club selection.

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