By SwimSwam on SwimSwam
By Sue Nelson, Total Aquatic Programming, LLC Most swim coaches and aquatic professionals, whether full-time or part-time, feel anxious about their financial stability. Many of us are struggling to balance coaching with making ends meet. At times, struggles with motivation can occur, resulting in a loss of interest in one’s work. Pursuing your passion for coaching while advancing your career and addressing financial concerns is a rare and elusive sweet spot. Seeking professional opportunities to thrive while inspiring athletes and fostering long-term relationships is the goal. Generally, coaches need to dedicate more effort to their professional development.Let’s double down on discovering new opportunities within the coaching world. This article presents a journey that might mirror some of your own experiences. My story offers food for thought. It may inspire you to stay committed to your coaching career. Plus, this story invites you to explore new and exciting paths. I began my career as a swim instructor and later moved into coaching, eventually becoming recognized as an aquatic program specialist. For 23 years, I coached alongside my husband. I earned ASCA Level 4 certification. I loved every aspect of coaching. I served as the secretary for the Illinois LSC and became a swim official. I contributed to various committees, including club development and adaptive committees at the national level. It was important to me to learn as much as possible about our sport and its organizations.In 1972, my husband and I were invited to the US Olympic Swim Trials as officials. We then decided to take the leap and build our aquatic center in rural Danville, Illinois, near the Indiana border. Our pool hosted a Learn to Swim program and a swim team, the Nelson Turtles.After more than 20 years, we realized that our aquatic center’s budget required additional income.I decided to attend the IAFC (International Aquatic Fitness Conference) to learn more about vertical water exercise programs. We then introduced aquatic fitness to our community. I became a certified fitness instructor and learned everything I could about aquatic fitness. I established connections within the Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA), volunteered at their conferences, and expanded my certifications with the Aquatic Therapy & Rehab Institute (ATRI).In 1995, we launched Water Way Therapy, a certified Medicare outpatient therapy agency located within our aquatic center. Doctors prescribed aquatic physical therapy for their patients, and after being discharged, many continued their therapy and treatment plans within our facilities, known as the Aquatic Exercise Continuum.The sense of fulfillment in helping others achieve their health goals and the satisfaction of seeing them continue their journey to wellness were immeasurable. Being part of the community was a driving force in our work.In 2000, a partnership with our local hospital expanded our company. We introduced a land-based component, the Poolside Health and Wellness Center. We designed and developed water programs tailored to the needs of our community. We became Early Childhood Developmental Therapists and created a program to assist parents and children with special needs. We developed a water program for adults with special needs, focusing on swimming and vertical aquatic exercises. We developed an Aquatic Health Club to help members who struggled with land-based exercise. Exercising in the water significantly improved their lives on land.In 2004, we moved to Colorado Springs, CO, and established USA Swimming’s Facility Department. Our mission went national, to educate and advocate for the costs associated with building an aquatic center while guiding to ensure long-term sustainability for these facilities.In 2005, the Build A Pool Conferences began. These multi-day sessions have continued throughout the years with regular sessions connected with the Association of Aquatic Professionals (AOAP) and local swim committees (LSCs). We all understand that swim coaches have a significant impact on the lives of their athletes. Competitive swimmers are an essential demographic and a target market for coaches. However, when perceptions broaden, reconsider who can be considered “your athletes.” You can also make a significant impact in the lives of adults, individuals with special needs, and those in physical rehabilitation and recovery situations.A larger reach may lead to higher earnings. Furthermore, moving into these additional markets would open the floodgates of inspiration, foster further learning, and establish new relationships with others. Embrace new opportunities to inspire and guide so your journey at the pools can remain successful and dynamic for decades to come. Swimcerely Sue Nelson, ASCA Level 4 CoachRead the full story on SwimSwam: Expanding Your Coaching Career
Hence then, the article about expanding your coaching career was published today ( ) and is available on swimswam ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Expanding Your Coaching Career )
Last updated :
Also on site :