Girls Swim Season Recap
Hope Yu
Going into this season after two years online, we knew it was going to be unique. Looking back now, I don’t think I could have predicted how special this season would become.
We started the season without a coach and for two entire weeks, the captains completely ran practices with the help of the managers and Ms. Lynch oversaw the practices. At that point, we were frantically trying to figure out what to do about meets and contacting every last possible person for the coaching job. At the same time, the captains tried incredibly hard to make the practices fun and engaging; our goal was to focus on inclusion and enjoyment, not hardcore need-to-know-swim-things sets.
Then a new coach was hired by Ms. Lynch and the tentative structure set up by the captains came crashing down. We were so prepared to adjust and work with the new coach to prioritize the values we had decided we wanted the team to emulate; this included teamwork, inclusion, and most importantly: creating a positive relationship with competitive swimming for as many swimmers as possible. Instead, we had to change our mindsets to adjust to the different structures the new coach brought. It certainly wasn’t easy but it taught me a great deal about working and collaborating with people older than me.
By the end of the season, after many successes and downfalls, we - as a team - were finally able to work with the structures of the new coach to end the season on a high note. I am beyond proud of all of those who swam this season and I wish only the best for you and the team in the future. Whatever happens will happen; what matters the most is your love and commitment to one another and this sport.
We started the season without a coach and for two entire weeks, the captains completely ran practices with the help of the managers and Ms. Lynch oversaw the practices. At that point, we were frantically trying to figure out what to do about meets and contacting every last possible person for the coaching job. At the same time, the captains tried incredibly hard to make the practices fun and engaging; our goal was to focus on inclusion and enjoyment, not hardcore need-to-know-swim-things sets.
Then a new coach was hired by Ms. Lynch and the tentative structure set up by the captains came crashing down. We were so prepared to adjust and work with the new coach to prioritize the values we had decided we wanted the team to emulate; this included teamwork, inclusion, and most importantly: creating a positive relationship with competitive swimming for as many swimmers as possible. Instead, we had to change our mindsets to adjust to the different structures the new coach brought. It certainly wasn’t easy but it taught me a great deal about working and collaborating with people older than me.
By the end of the season, after many successes and downfalls, we - as a team - were finally able to work with the structures of the new coach to end the season on a high note. I am beyond proud of all of those who swam this season and I wish only the best for you and the team in the future. Whatever happens will happen; what matters the most is your love and commitment to one another and this sport.