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Every year, thousands of student-athletes — both American and international — reach the end of their college careers and face the same question: What’s next? For swimmers, that question can be especially tough. For so many of us, swimming has been our identity, our passion, and our purpose since childhood. Then senior year comes, and suddenly it feels like it’s all over. But I’m here to tell you something different — your swimming journey doesn’t have to end after college.There is a parallel path to traditional swim coaching that allows you to stay in the sport, make an impact, and build a fulfilling career: the swim school industry.
As someone who came to the U.S. as an international student-athlete, I know firsthand what it’s like to wonder what happens after the last meet. For me and many of my teammates, the answer came through swim schools — and that decision changed everything. Working in swim schools gave us a legal, meaningful way to stay in the U.S., grow professionally, and keep contributing to the sport we love. And it can do the same for you, whether you’re an international student navigating OPT and work visas, or a U.S.-born swimmer searching for your next chapter.
If you’re a foreign student-athlete, here’s the path: after graduation, you can work for one year under OPT (Optional Practical Training) in a field related to your studies — which for most of us with degrees in sports, kinesiology, education, or business, includes teaching or managing swim programs. Once you’ve proven your value, your employer can sponsor you for a work visa and later a green card. That’s how I and many others built long-term, legal careers in the U.S. through swimming. But the truth is — this opportunity isn’t just for foreign athletes. It’s for anyone who wants to stay in the industry and keep making a difference.
At FINTASTIC Swim Academy, our mission goes beyond swim lessons. We teach kids water safety, confidence, and life skills — and in many cases, we save lives. And here’s what I’ve learned: student-athletes make some of the best swim instructors, mentors, and managers in the industry. You already know discipline. You already know how to set goals, stay consistent, and work hard to achieve them. You already know how to lead and inspire others. Those skills translate perfectly into our world — and they’re exactly what the swim school industry needs.
For years, swimmers have been told that the only way to stay in the sport after college is to become a club, high school, or college coach. But that’s just not true. There are far more opportunities waiting at the base of our sport — in swim schools. This industry is booming, and it’s full of passionate people who love the water, love kids, and want to make an impact. If you explore this path, and if you’re passionate about teaching, you’ll be amazed by how rewarding and stable this career can be — for you and your family.
In almost every city in the U.S., there’s a swim school looking for great people. FINTASTIC might be leading the way in bringing student-athletes into our workforce, but we’re not the only ones. You can walk into your local swim school, introduce yourself, and find an opportunity to start your next chapter in swimming. Don’t underestimate what your years in the pool have given you — your knowledge, discipline, and passion are powerful assets that can help you build an incredible future.
This career has done wonders for me personally, and for so many other ex-swimmers who decided to step into the world of swim schools. We’ve built businesses, careers, and communities that revolve around the water — and the best part is, we’re still living the mission we grew up believing in: saving lives through swimming.
At FINTASTIC Swim Academy, we’re growing fast and always looking for talented, passionate, and dedicated people who share our mission. If you’re ready to make an impact, stay connected to the sport you love, and build your life doing meaningful work, we want to hear from you.
Apply or learn more today at FINTASTIC.
Come be part of FINTASTIC Swim Academy, where your swimming journey continues — beyond competition, beyond graduation, and into a career that truly makes a difference
Swimming Isn’t a Failed Business Model — It’s a Misunderstood One
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ABOUT FINTASTIC
Founded by Nimrod and Kristina Shapira, FINTASTIC Swim Academy is more than just a swim school—it’s a place where lives are transformed through the power of swimming. As a 2-Time Olympic swimmer, Nimrod Shapira has a unique and inspiring journey—one that began with a near-drowning experience at the age of 7. That life-changing moment led him to the sport of swimming, where he rose to become an NCAA Division 1 Champion and an Olympian. Teaching swimming and previously building Florida’s largest swim school is more than just a business—it’s a life mission for Nimrod and Kristina.
Kristina, a World Championship swimmer, shares the same passion and dedication for water safety. Together, they are the power couple of the swim industry, leading the way in shaping the future of swim instruction. We love and breathe swimming, and our mission is to share that passion with every swimmer who walks through our doors.
“Swimming has given us everything—now it’s our turn to give back. Our goal is to make swimming safer, more accessible, and truly life-changing for all.” – Nimrod & Kristina Shapira
At FINTASTIC Swim Academy, we believe every swimmer’s journey is unique, and we’re here to support, inspire, and make a lasting impact—one stroke at a time.
Join us and experience the FINTASTIC difference!
FINTASTIC is a SwimSwam partner.
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