One of the most common reasons a child may decide to continue swimming or to drop out is their coach. A positive, caring coach will help the child love sports all their lives. A negative, overbearing coach will drive even the best athletes away forever.

That's why our coaches are such an essential part of PACK. Here are just a few of the traits that you will find in each and every PACK coach:

• Loves kids and swimming.
• Is knowledgeable about the sport.
• Is open to constructive criticism.
• Admits that they don't have all the answers.
• Allows for individuals to develop at their own rate.
• Cares about the swimmers well being more than about their ability to win.
• Encourages the swimmers to do their best, and is satisfied even if their best is not a winning time.

The PACK staff does not see the first place person as the only winner. They’d rather look to see who behaves like a winner. There are certain characteristics of a winner and every swimmer, no matter where they place, has the opportunity to emulate those characteristics: concentration, listening skills and working toward goals.