SAN ANTONIO – THIS Thanksgiving, as you take a breather from countless laps under your coach’s watchful eye, take a moment to reflect on those passionate characters we call swim coaches. Here are five ways to say thanks to your swim coach this season:
1) Show Composure To Your Swim Coach
Compose yourself after a mediocre swim. Swim coaches strive to bring out the best in us, and constantly shrug off the worst in us. They often become the victims of our immediate reactions to races. The shared glee after a tremendous swim is why swimmers and coaches fall in love with the sport. But those subpar races can cause the selfish frustration to boil up and flow over into your coach’s ears and eyes. This may not seem like an overt thank you to your coach, but an optimistic reaction after a disappointing swim will be an uplifting surprise for your swim coach. We sometimes think we are just punishing ourselves by stomping around thinking “How did I manage to try my best, yet go so slow?”. Your coaches invest in you and are punished and hurt by your reactions, even if that’s not your intention. Show character and say to your swim coach that “Next time will be better.”
2) Thank Your Swim Coach After Practice
This is as straightforward as it gets, but so many of my practices did not end with a “Thanks, coach.” Many times, I was in pain, and did not feel like the sadist, who distributed the set, deserved a thank you. But some of those sets were critical to my success. I needed that pain, and after retiring from the sport, I somehow miss that pain. Your coach devoted time to composing that set which left you nauseously full of lactic acid. Sometimes those sets are formulated specifically for you. Do not neglect the simple “Thank you.” Two words can be a subtle, satisfying pat on the back for coach.
3) Encourage Your Swim Coach
We get down on ourselves when our performances in practice and at meets are not noted by our coaches and/or teammates. Encouragement is premium fuel when your mind and body are failing. We have all been verbally nudged by a teammate or coach, then pushed ourselves into a new gear, because we knew our work was being watched. Our coaches also like to know their work is appreciated. After a brilliantly written set say, “I got better today.” Highlighting a part of the set you especially liked not only encourages your coach, but your feedback gives them ideas for future workouts, tailored to your needs.
4) Celebrate With Your Swim Coach
Swimming is a grueling sport, but coaching swimming is a different animal. Your coaches are emotionally invested in your races. In retirement, I’ve been in the bleachers at the Olympics, World Championships and Nationals. I still know a number of swimmers in the sport, so I watch events closely. By the end of each session, I am exhausted. Your coaches do so much more than stand there scribbling down splits. They are in the water with you. When you finish and pump your fist in delight, they are in the clouds with you. After a best time, take a moment to acknowledge your coach with a smile from the pool or a hug on your way to cooling down. Reaching a goal is a feat for you, and your coach. Don’t cut them out of the celebration.
5) Write Your Swim Coach an End-of-Season Note
I never did this, but wish I had. The lasting impact your coaches have on you is impossible to see when you’re immersed in a season of life that feels like it may last forever. In my experience, swim coaches are much more than pool-smart. They become friends, mentors and role models. All of my club coaches and college coaches were invited to my wedding. Your coaches love to see you grow into the swimmer they always knew you could be, but playing a role in personal growth is the exceptional coach’s main concern. Putting a pen to paper and thanking your coaches for their commitment to your goals and their influence on your character could be the best gift you give your coach.
USA swimmers could never be the dominant force they are without the expansive collection of talent on the pool deck. Invest in your coach this season with a heartfelt thanks.
About the Author:
Annie (Chandler) Grevers swam for Arizona University winning the 100 yard breaststroke at the NCAA DI Championships as a senior in 2010. She was also a member of 5 NCAA Championship relays during her college career as well as a member of Arizona’s NCAA Championship title in 2008. She represented the United States at the Pan Pacific Games in 2010 and World University Games 2011 where she placed first in the 50m breaststroke.
She is married to Matt Grevers and resides in Tucson, Arizona