How They Train: Texas A&M Early-Season Sets
By MICHAEL J. STOTT
In this edition of How They Train, Swimming World takes a look at some of the workouts put together at Texas A&M. The piece is complemented by commentary from several of the program’s top performers, who weigh in on how the program looks in the early stages of the 2024-25 season.
AERO FREE/BACK FOCUS (SCY)
- 200 loosen
- 20 x 25 @ :30
On back SL + hips past flags + 6DK blast + 2 cycles power BK, then kick steady
- 9 x 100 @ 1:20/1:40
Odds: 75 free/25 back; 6DK + SC (8-10M/10-12W)
Evens: Kick, big push-offs, get past flags before flutter kick; D1-4
2-3x
- 3 x 200 @ 3:30 (+fins, free)
#1 Blast 12.5 yd into every wall, strong
#2 Blast 8DK + 1 no air cycle, stronger
#3 Blast even 25s, no air inside flags, strongest
- 3 x 100 @ 1:40 (25 free / 75 back)
#1 Right paddle only
#2 Left paddle only
#3 Both paddles
2x
- 4 x 25 @ :20
6DK + 8/10SC; hold lowest SC possible, keep integrity of stroke
- 200 @ 3:00
Flutter kick + BD, strong-strongest
Warmdown
AERO IM FOCUS (SCY)
- 200 loosen
- 6 x 100 @ 1:20
Free 6+ SC w/ snorkel
4 Cruise HIT COUNT/2 stronger HIT SAME COUNT
- 9 x 50 @ :50
25 Alt Single Arm Fly, 15y fly SWIM no air, 10y Scull
- 1 x 50 @ 1:00
Fly STRONG breath 1 up / 1 down
- 7 x 100 w/ ins
Odds: IM, D 1-4 (no air FLY & FR; BR w/ 1 DK) @ 1:20
Evens: BACK, 8 DK Every wall (50 sit kick scull / 50 BUILD swim) @ 1:40
1x
- 250 (FLY/FR/BK/FR/BR) @ 3:20
FLY/BK/BR- 6 DK (PO) & build; FR- 6+ SC Perfect
- 3 x 50 DK
6 fish kicks + LT/RT Side DK @ 1:00
2x
- 200 (25 FR strong/25 IMO build) 6 DK (PO) @ 2:40
#2 faster
- 4 x 50 DK w/ bd & snorkel BUILD (last 15y FAST) @ :50/1:00
3x
- 150 BK Build/BR Build/FR STRONG (legs) @ 2:10
Start STRONG & D 1-3
- 5 x 50 w/ fins SL DK on BACK STRONG @ :40/1:00
Warmdown 6-12 x 50 @ :40 / :40 :50
WHAT THE ATHLETES ARE SAYING
With the retirement of longtime head coaches Steve Bultman and Jay Holmes, Texas A&M elected to combine the men’s and women’s swim and dive program under the direction of former University of Virginia associate head coach Blaire Anderson.
By all accounts, the training, transition, energy and camaraderie are alive and well, say four Aggie athletes:
Kaitlyn Owens, senior, NCAA qualifier
“The transition from the old staff to the new one has been great. The new coaches came in immediately ready to work really hard and to make the switch as smooth as possible for us. There have been a lot of changes—not just with the combining of the two teams, but also in the expectations for what this program can achieve. All of the coaches believe strongly in the high potential that this team has, and they’ve been working their butts off not only to give us all the tools we need to achieve amazing things, but also pushing us to believe that we can achieve greatness as well.
“The energy between the men and the women during training has been great so far, and (that was) only Week 6 after all the major changes! As a senior, I am the most excited I’ve ever been for my team this season, and ready to be a part of Aggie Swim and Dive’s return to excellence!”
Chloe Stepanek, fifth-year, 13x CSCAA All-American, 2x SEC women’s scholar-athlete of the year
Photo Courtesy: NCAA Media
“The new coaching staff has brought a great energy to the team. It is clear that they are excited to help Texas A&M Swimming and Diving reach new heights and become a powerhouse in the NCAA. I have really enjoyed the change in training, as the coaches are bringing in new ideas, techniques and creativity to practice that keep the team engaged and excited to work hard day-in and day-out. As a 5th-year and captain, I am excited and honored to help lead this team through the season and see improvements of my own.”
Baylor Nelson, junior, 6x CSCAA All-American
“Blaire has done a great job of creating a smooth transition between coaching staffs. The staff has worked exceptionally hard setting the foundation and standard for this year’s team, and has brought a whole new energy to the pool deck. Having a history of success, Blaire knows what it takes to win, making the future for this team very exciting. I have enjoyed getting to know each of the staff members individually, and I’m looking forward to growing my relationships with them.
“I was skeptical going into the transition of a combined team, but I am really enjoying training with our women. They bring a new energy to the team full of positivity and hard work. (After) a little over a month into training, we have all meshed really well and have each other’s full support. Our team has a lot of potential, and we are looking forward to being able to showcase that later this season.”
Hayden Miller, junior, 2x CSCAA All-American
“The coaching staff has brought so much new and exciting energy to the program. They have supported our goals for this season and are helping us follow the path to reach them. Practicing as a combined program has made the men’s and women’s team much closer, and the vibes in practice have made training much more enjoyable.”
Michael J. Stott is an ASCA Level 5 coach, golf and swimming writer. His critically acclaimed coming-of-age golf novel, “Too Much Loft,” is in its third printing, and is available from store.Bookbaby.com, Amazon, B&N and distributors worldwide.