COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Applications are now available for the 2016 USA Swimming Diversity Coach Mentorship Program. Participants are active coaches with an interest in raising their level of expertise and skill.
As the national governing body for competitive swimming in the United States, USA Swimming is committed to diversifying at all levels of the sport in order to achieve and foster an inclusive swimming environment.
Throughout the year, coach mentees participate in several on-site visits with their coach mentors and observe meetings and practices in order to increase their organization skills and technical knowledge. So far, 15 coaches from diverse backgrounds have successfully completed the program.
“This program is about identifying talent and developing the next generation of coaches,” said Juan Caraveo, USA Swimming Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. “This is an opportunity for coaches to further develop their skills so that they can have a greater impact on their teams.”
Participants of the Diversity Coach Mentorship Program are also invited to participate in USA Swimming programs and events throughout the year to enhance both their knowledge and increase their confidence in their roles as Coach.
Helen Garcia, Head Coach of the Albany Armada Swim Team (Albany, Calif.) attended USA Swimming’s Women’s Leadership Summit in April as part of her participation in the Diversity Coach Mentorship Program. “It’s amazing to have the support and not feel like I’m alone in this,” said Garcia. “I’m excited for the opportunity to participate in this program and I’m inspired by what I’ve learned thus far.”
All prospective coaches for the program must be USA Swimming certified and show commitment to the sport, as well as a desire to improve in their role as Coach.
The 2016 Diversity Coach Mentorship Program application can be found here: http://goo.gl/aKgWzQ
Please direct questions and applications to: [email protected]
Swimming news courtesy of USA Swimming.