What is your favorite part about coaching your team?

My favorite part of coaching this team is watching relationships develop between the girls. They care deeply about each other and I believe that many lifelong friendships are being forged.

How have your coaching techniques changed this season due to COVID-19?

COVID-19 has changed my coaching approach in a number of ways. As we began the season, I was cautious in constructing practices. I knew that many girls could  be coming into the season with a reduced fitness level that I had to prepare for. I also realized that we all are feeling anxiety about COVID-19 and need to give each other extra grace.

In your mind, what traits make a good leader?

One of the important traits of good leaders is finding ways to help all members of a team to find success and supporting them through that journey.

How do you think the current COVID-19 environment has impacted athletes on your team and across the state?

COVID-19 has helped us appreciate our sport and each other on a deeper level. We all understand that each practice could potentially be our last practice so we’re more thankful for each day.

What have you have learned from your time coaching in Iowa as a member school of the IGHSAU?

Over the years of coaching I’ve learned that wins and losses are only a small part of the high school swimming and diving experience. It’s about relationships, developing pride and confidence and challenging yourself to achieve more than you thought possible.

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

"We all have different gifts, so we have different ways of telling the world who we are." - Fred Rodgers

What advice would you share with student-athletes just getting started in athletics?

My advice to beginning swimmers is to stick with it. Make no mistake, it will be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but you will improve more than you can imagine.

- Spotlight written by Noah Christensen, Waukee APEX Associate

IGHSAU Coach Spotlights are created by high school students in Waukee High School's APEX program. The IGHSAU is thankful for its partnership with Waukee APEX to create meaningful content to share with our member schools, student-athletes, coaches, and fans. To learn more about Waukee APEX, click here.