3 Ways to Overcome Coaching Changes

Photo Courtesy: Taylor Brien

By Diana Pimer, Swimming World College Intern

As college and short course seasons have come to a close, it is not uncommon for there to be a few coaching changes across the swimming community. As do swimmers, coaches leave teams for a variety of reasons. You may not believe it, but this can involve very difficult decisions for your coach. And of course, this process can be very hard for the swimmers as well.

It it easy to get upset at yourself or others when this situation happens. Our swim coaches become our friends, our therapists, our biggest fans, and usually our family. All of the male coaches I have had over the years are father-like figures in my life, which is saying a lot since my real dad is my coach and we have an inseparable bond. This is just the way swimmers and coaches are.

You spend so much time with your coach that you can usually guess each others’ next moves. Whether it is guessing the next set or them knowing when you’re going to skip the main set in the locker room, the bond between swimmer and coach is unlike any other.

So what happens when this tie breaks? Well, it probably won’t. But when your coach does have to leave, try not to be too upset.

Here are 3 ways to overcome coaching changes:

1. Don’t take it personally.

Photo Courtesy: Kara Sekenski

Most importantly, it is easy to take a coach leaving personally. If you’re going to be a senior you ask, “Why couldn’t they stay one more year? This isn’t fair, right?” Swimmers have to realize that coaches don’t leave teams because they hate Joey or don’t want to see Lucy succeed. As much as coaches love seeing their swimmers improve, they also need to improve. Whether there is a job that offers more money or just gives them more experience, sometimes coaches have to change teams.

Do not beat yourself up over a coach leaving your team. There is nothing you or your teammates could have done differently, and it is not your fault in any way. Try your best to understand your coach’s situation. Not every training method or environment works perfectly for every swimmer, and the same holds true for coaches. If you want to see your coach succeed as much as they want to see you do the same, that is when you know you and your coach have had a successful relationship. Don’t take their moving on personally; instead, support them like they would support you.

2. Be open-minded.

Photo Courtesy: Peter H. Bick

When one coach leaves, another comes in. This is how the world of sports works. It is easy to be narrow-minded about a new coach. They don’t know you, the pool, or the program. How are they going to make you faster if they don’t know you? And how will they act as a mentor if you have to catch them up on the last 10 years of your life? These are all reasonable questions. But they all have reasonable answers.

Your new coach will probably work just as hard as you do in the pool to try and make a good impression on you and your teammates. Have you ever been in a class where you don’t know anyone? Or joined a new team? This is how your new coach is feeling. It may take them a while, but they will figure out exactly how hard to push you, what your strengths and weaknesses are, and what you love and hate about swimming.

A switch in coaches could even be a blessing in disguise. This change of pace and training could be just what you need to have a breakthrough swim or season. As much as you love your old coach, give your new one a chance.

3. Confide in your teammates.

Unless you are a team of one, your teammates are probably feeling the same as you are. It is okay to express your concerns. Your teammates can help talk you through them. And chances are you are not the only one nervous about swimming for someone new. Together, you can make the most out of any situation.

Whatever happens may not be ideal. But if you see it as a new challenge to overcome, this can make you a better swimmer and teammate. Being able to adapt during adversity is an important skill for swimmers to have as they age. Not everything runs smoothly all the time. Being able to make the best out of every situation is important.

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