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Donna Hale

SwimMom Musings: The Magic

In this decade and a half of being a swim mom, I’ve learned so much about sportsmanship, winning, losing, and embracing the moments.

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SwimMom Musings: Next Chapters

For my entire lifetime as a parent, I have been a swim mom.  I can probably count the races that I have missed on one hand and always for reasons out of my control. Until now.

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SwimMom Musings: Take Your Mark

This weekend we took my baby to college, set up her dorm room, and she begins a brand new journey as an NCAA athlete.

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SwimMom Musings: Take Your Mark

For as long as I can remember, I have been a swim mom. Summer League, high school, USA Swimming: they have filled my family’s lives with such profound joy, cherished friendships, and life lessons about laughter and loss.

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SwimMom Musings: Long Goodbyes

Today is my birthday. My 14th Year as a swim mom and I’ll spend it at a meet.

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SwimMom Musings: The Final Lap

Soon it will be May and the final days of your senior year will be a memory. They are flying by at a rapid pace with every week bringing a new last time.

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SwimMom Musings: Defining Success

As I near the end of my age group parenting for a swimmer, I’ve had many conversations about what constitutes success in the sport of swimming. I mean real success. Because at the end of the journey the medals and ribbons will be put away, the special cuts will not matter, and you’ll be left with memories.

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6 Ways Swimming Will Change Your Child

If you are a young swimmer or a parent who wonders sometimes if there are better ways to spend your weekends, evenings and money, the answer is absolutely not. Not only will Swimming change your child, it will also profoundly impact you.

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SwimMom Musings: College Swim – Yes, It’s Worth It

Last week was another milestone in my daughter’s long swim career when her school held a signing ceremony for athletes headed to college for their sports.

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Swim Mom Musing: What Is A Teammate

I’ve been around the sport of swimming for a decade and half including summer, High School and USA Meets at many levels. Next year I will be able to experience college meets as my daughter becomes an NCAA swimmer completing the circle.

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SwimMom Musings: Dear Swimmer

We are swim coaches and parents everywhere who are longing for the chance to see you race again, hide out in the locker room from a tough set, or leave your wet towels everywhere. We are used to getting up at 4 am and we secretly love it.

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SwimMom Musings: Pursue Moments

Savor the successes and learn from mistakes. The only real failure is giving up. Swimming is exhilarating. It is also humbling.

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An Open Letter To My College Bound Athlete

A few days back I sat with your dad and watched you sign “the letter,” officially committing to be a college swimmer. I am sure the emotions that soared through my veins were experienced by thousands of parents last week and will be replayed again in April.

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SwimMom Musings: And Now There’s College Looming

Now that the excitement of Olympic swimming is claiming down, college recruiting is right around the corner. Here are tips on making the most out of this experience for coaches, parents and prospective student-athletes.

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SwimMom Musings: The Invisible

Depression: the silent pain and feeling of hopelessness. It not only impacts swimmers but many other people as well. Sometimes it is even frowned upon by tough coaches who believe every athlete should suck it up and live with the pain.

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