I recently had the opportunity to interview Coach Jamie as she winds down her last season with the APNO Girls Swim Team. She shared her personal views as a coach, advice for the next generation of swimmers, and why this chapter of her coaching career must come to a close.
After graduating college, Coach Jamie started coaching to give back to the sport that had been such an important part of her life. Swimming had always made up a key part of her character, and it was essential for her to continue this legacy. “I had a coach who once told me he looked forward to the day I’d return and say, ’They call me coach’.” This encouragement pushed Coach Jamie to commit fully to all the athletes she was coaching.
Year after year, the meaningful connections and cohesion of the team provide a positive environment that Coach Jamie finds deeply inspiring. She claims she has learned the same amount from her swimmers as we have from her. Her swimmers have given her valuable insight into raising her two young daughters. Coach Jamie has loved watching her swimmers progress and grow over the years. She explains that “these athletes are not only exceptional swimmers but remarkable people.”
Coach Jamie’s philosophy is to allow every swimmer to be themselves. With more than 30 athletes on the team, individualized sets and workouts are impossible, yet she fully supports each swimmer’s needs. Guiding us on this journey, Coach Jamie pushes us to the limit while also keeping our best interests at heart. “Swimming is a journey,” she said, “with lessons that extend well beyond the pool, and my hope is that they carry those lessons with them throughout their years.” Her guidance and encouragement will always be with us.
Coach Jamie has had many fabulous seasons with numerous memories that stand out. However, she’d like to shout out Mr. Werner and Mr. Kubuske. Mr. Werner has been at North since she started coaching 19 years ago and has been so supportive, even at the beginning of her coaching career here. In passing, “he’d always give me a genuine smile and ask how the team was doing,” demonstrating his caring personality and love for all sports. Mr. Kubuske, while only being at the school for the last two years, has already set a high standard for an athletic director, as he is dedicated and never misses a home meet.
While she will miss her swimmers greatly, Coach Jamie made the difficult decision to be with her family more. Her daughters are growing up, and she doesn’t want to miss out on my milestones. As she prepares to move on to the next chapter of her life, Coach Jamie has one last piece of advice for her swimmers. “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ten years from now, nobody will ask what your high school time was in the 50 free.” Coach Jamie’s philosophy has everything to do with the fact that swimming isn’t your whole life, even when it feels like it, and that you must remember to enjoy the process and have fun.
Our swim team greatly appreciates everything Coach Jamie has done for us. She pushes us to the limit while keeping our spirits high and is always encouraging. She has been a significant part of my life, as she also coached me when I was young, and I couldn’t ask for a better coach. We will all miss her greatly!
