Our Philosophy

A message from Coach Marc Soares - 2012

For the Anderson Aquagators coaching staff, teaching our swimmers life skills is the top priority.   We aim to entice swimmers to become humanitarians, and yearn to learn, grow in character, and improve in swimming. Sportsmanship in swimming with the Aquagators parallels sportsmanship in life.  

Resiliency is the ultimate thing we teach. Parents and coaches together, let’s prepare them for the hard path, not clear the hard path.

Let’s praise effort and focus, and not talent or intelligence. It’s better to come in 4^th and lower four seconds, than to come in first and add 4 seconds.

One of our mottos is the following 6 choice words-- “Work hard, work smart, have fun.”

On our swim team, the fun is in being challenged, lowering times, learning new things, socializing, and doing quality work with friends.

Our coaching staff will teach that performance in practice totally relates to performance in competition. In order to improve a lot, we must improve the way we practice. Aside from good attitude, focus and effort, regular attendance (3-4 practices or more per week) is the key to building a swimmer’s self image and esteem.

Learning and personal growth-wise, the bigger meets are the bigger picture. This includes our own Anderson Invitational, followed by NVAL Championships. Both meets are towards the end of the season, and both have more competition.   Winning easy ribbons such as at dual meets is ok, but preparing, then stepping up and earning a ribbon at an invitational meet is way better.

You can reach me at soaresindigo@yahoo.com, 242-6289, or before and/or after practices.   Marc