Parents and Guardians of the UMSC Gators 2017 Team,

         May I be the first to welcome all of you to the 2017 Swimming and Diving Season!  I am so excited for this season to begin.  Not many coaches have the pleasure of saying that they are coaching the team that began their career. Before we begin, I would love to share with all of you who I am, my philosophy on coaching, and the plans we have made for this upcoming season.

         I started my swim career here at UMSC in 2002. I was absolutely in love with this team and I wanted to better myself as a swimmer.  Eventually, I began swimming year round for DCAA and CBST.  While attending Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School, I was a 4 year varsity swimmer and voted as captain my senior year.  Last summer, I coached at Oreland Swim Club and learned so much more about the sport I love so much. Now, I attend Florida Atlantic University where I am Vice President of Philanthropy of College Panhellenic Association. I am seeking a degree in elementary education and furthering my work with children!

         First and foremost, I want to make this team (both swimming and diving) one united force. After the unfortunate vandalism that our pool has endured this past winter, I think that it is important for all of us to come together as one. With that said, I think the way to build up team charisma and spirit is to put the fun back into the team.  Summer is a time for your children to relax, have fun, and of course, better themselves both as swimmers/divers and as individuals. I think team bonding will boost relationships on this team and the winning will then take care of itself! We have already set dates for many events including Team Breakfasts, Tye Dye Party, and a Car Wash Fundraiser.  However, we are planning many more!  We also are planning to have themes for our Home Meets!  Please keep referring to the calendar on the Team Website (http://umscgators.swim-team.us) for more information!

         In regards to the practices, I completely understand those who swim for other teams, just as I did while in summer swimming. Though I do support your decision, I will need your swimmers here at least once a week. I will be keeping track of who comes to what which will affect awards at the end of the year.  In addition, the day of our meets, it is imperative for your swimmer to be at the practice so we are able to go over pertinent information and events for the meet.

         Finally, my attention is to be focused on the swimmers in the pool. I am here to make each and every person signed up a better swimmer, teammate, and overall person. With this said, I respectfully ask that the only people at my practices should and will be the swimmers in the pool. This means neither parents nor siblings will be present at any practices. I am here for your swimmers and this rule is vital for their safety. Exceptions will be made for swimmers 8 and younger if the parent desires. Also, there will absolutely be no phone usage at practice (this goes for swimmers and coaches). I will have mine on my person for emergency purposes only (in case you need to get in contact with me). None of my coaching staff will be using their phones at practice unless it is to better your swimmers. With my experience, I know that this will allow your children to focus on swimming while at practice.

         With all of this said, I am truly looking forward to this season. I am devoting all of my time and energy this summer to making this team as enjoyable and as fun as possible. Please, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns reach out to me at any time throughout this season!

GO GATORS GO!

Stephanie Brady

Head Swimming Coach

Upper Moreland Swim Club