Bryan Sewell began swimming at the age of 13 and competed throughout his high school years at James B. Conant in Hoffman Estates. He later had the honor of coaching his brother, who placed in the top 10 at the Illinois High School State Meet.
Bryan's coaching career started as an assistant coach at University High School in Normal, Illinois, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Biology and Athletic Training from Illinois State University. Shortly after graduating, he became the Head Coach for Maplebrook Swim Club in Naperville.
In 2017, Bryan returned to coaching and had the opportunity to coach his daughter and train multiple state champions and national qualifiers with the Sage YMCA Piranhas, a team that has won multiple state championships.
Swim Coaching Philosophy: Train with Passion, Purpose, and Reason
Passion – Fueling the Fire
Swimming is more than a sport—it's a lifelong journey. Passion is the heartbeat of that journey. As a coach, I strive to ignite and nurture a love for swimming in every athlete. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the serenity of water, or the joy of personal growth, passion keeps us coming back. I believe in celebrating every victory, big or small, and creating an environment where swimmers feel energized, motivated, and proud of their progress.
“Passion is the difference between doing something and loving something.”
Purpose – Guiding the Journey
Every swimmer has a unique story and goal. My role is to help athletes discover their purpose—whether it's mastering technique, building resilience, or achieving competitive excellence. Purpose gives direction to training and meaning to effort. I coach with intention, aligning daily practices with long-term goals, and helping swimmers understand the "why" behind every drill, set, and challenge.
“Purpose turns effort into achievement.”
Reason – Building the Foundation
Reason is the logic and strategy behind the passion and purpose. It’s the science of swimming—technique, biomechanics, training cycles, and mental preparation. I coach with reason by using evidence-based methods, adapting to individual needs, and fostering a culture of learning. Reason ensures that our passion is productive and our purpose is achievable.
“Reason is the compass that keeps passion and purpose on course.”
Core Values
- Empathy: Understanding each swimmer’s journey.
- Integrity: Coaching with honesty and fairness.
- Growth: Encouraging continuous improvement.
- Teamwork: Building a supportive and unified team culture.
Bryan is a USA Certified Head Swim Coach, ASCA Level 2 swim coach, USAT Level 1 Coach, and USMS Level 2 swim coach. He trusts that with dedication to the process, each athlete will see improvements in speed and skills.
