by Cassie Kieffer
Swimming, with its grace and power, has always been a sport that captures the hearts of many. For some individuals, the love for swimming goes beyond being a mere participant; it transforms into a passion that they can’t resist. Many dedicated individuals find themselves drawn to the world of coaching due to their unyielding love for the sport.
Being a high school non-teaching coach presents both advantages and challenges. The diverse skill set, and real-world experience enriches the coaching experience for swimmers and divers, offering unique insights and opportunities. However, time management and limited availability can be significant hurdles, impacting the effectiveness of both coaching and the coach’s professional life. In this article, we explore the inspiring journey of non-teacher swimming and diving coaches, their unique perspectives, and the positive impact they bring to the pool.
I have been coaching at New Prague High School since the 2013-2014 girls’ swim and dive season. While I have coached in other districts for both boys and girls swimming, it’s my own personal experience as a swimmer that ignites the drive to coach other athletes. The friendships I made while an athlete at Simley High School, at SEMS swim club and UW-River Falls are some of the most cherished friendships I have in my life. To me, the pool is not just a place of physical prowess but also a space to mentor, inspire, and nurture talent.
The calling to be part of something greater than oneself is what motivates passionate swimmers to step up and take on the role of coaching. The desire to pass on their knowledge and the joy of swimming becomes an irresistible force. My genuine love for swimming and desire to see my athletes succeed fosters a strong sense of trust and camaraderie with my swimmers. My oldest daughter is one of my swimmers and it is extremely rewarding to pass this sport down to her. Transitioning from the role of a swimmer to that of a coach comes with its own set of challenges.
Ultimately, success as a non-teaching coach hinges on striking that delicate balance between career, coaching responsibilities, and personal life while providing invaluable mentorship and guidance to all swimmers and divers. Being a non-teaching high school swim coach has its advantages and challenges. The specialized expertise and flexibility in schedule can enhance coaching effectiveness, benefiting the swim team’s overall performance.
However, the limited interaction with students during the day, administrative responsibilities, and time constraints are challenges that non-teacher coaches face. To excel in this role, non-teaching coaches must find a balance between their coaching responsibilities and professional commitments while providing guidance and mentorship to their athletes both in and out of the pool.
My love for swimming goes beyond the lanes and the medals; it is a flame that ignites in me every fall. I hope that my enthusiasm for the sport is contagious, motivating my athletes to push their limits and pursue excellence. Non-teaching coaches don’t just teach techniques; they inspire a love for the sport and a sense of discipline that extends beyond the pool. By sharing my knowledge, experience, and love for the sport, coaches like myself are shaping the next generation of talented swimmers who, in turn, will carry the torch of passion forward.