Hello, my name is Dr. Debra Roth, or simply Coach Deb, and this is a summary of my swim team, professional experiences, and accomplishments. I have recently retired from Chico State (2021) and currently coach the Chico Masters swim team. Coaching at this level has been rewarding, entertaining, worthwhile, and far from difficult when compared to my other coaching experiences. Please allow me to briefly share my story.

I have been coaching all levels of swim team for over forty years and had the distinct privilege of coaching swimmers as a “head coach” at college, high school, age group, masters, and Special Olympic programs. I am ASCA level 4 certified. Early in my career I coached 37 All-Americans, placed in the top 10 at NCAA Division II Championships, and earned conference “coach of the year” twice as the women’s swim team coach from 1979-1991 at Chico State. I was so young! I was inducted into both the Chico State Athletic Hall of Fame (2006) and the Chico Area Sports Hall of Fame (2012) for my achievements as an athlete and coach.

I have been involved with Special Olympics for over thirty-five years wearing many hats. Over the years I have been the Area Director for Butte County, aquatics venue co-director for Special Olympics Northern California Summer Games, and since 1989 the head aquatics (swimming) coach for Butte County. I was selected to be the head TEAM USA Special Olympic World Games aquatics coach in 2007 held in Shanghai, China. This led to the invitation to be the head coach for TEAM USA at the “2008 International Championships for Individuals with Down Syndrome” in Portugal.

I have been the aquatics director and instructor for the “Movement Unlimited Wheelchair Sports Camp” since its inception in 1987. I train instructors how to teach swimming to children with disabilities while providing instructional and recreational opportunities for Ability First campers.

I coached Chico High Swim Team for seven years while my three, now thirty/forty-something, children were in high school. In that time, I was recognized as the North Section CIF “Coach of the Year” three times with many section champions and college bound swimmers.

I am happy to share that I train regularly and coach daily the 6-7am group for Chico Masters swim team. I focus on fitness concepts while engaging in skill/drills, pace work, and open water strategies for new and experienced swimmers and triathletes, while giving workouts that need thought and sophistication. Sometimes we play water polo and learn synchronized swimming skills just for fun. Team building is my specialty.

I now enjoy the mornings at the pool with my friends and provide sound and challenging workouts that are inclusive and creative. We mix it up with fun days and competitions that remind us that we swim for many reasons that always includes improving our health and well-being.

I look forward to seeing you at the pool. Coach Deb