12 Things all Swim Parents Should Know

Dear Lone Star Families,

Over the last 25 years, I’ve been shaped just as much by the parents on my team as by the athletes in the water. Early in my career, I was surrounded by swim parents who didn’t just support their kids, they bought into our mission and invested into our vision. They understood that greatness in this sport demands more than fast times. It requires time, trust, and total commitment.

Below are 12 essential truths I believe every swim parent should know. These are not just suggestions, they are pillars. Competitive swimming isn’t just about helping your child swim fast. It’s about helping your child become strong, resilient, and competitive in the pool, in life, and in everything they chase.

1. Progress Isn’t Linear—And That’s Okay.
Every athlete grows at a different pace. Don’t compare your swimmer to anyone else not even their lane mates. When parents get caught up in “who’s beating who,” they miss the bigger picture: We are building teammates, not rivals. Comparison is a thief. It will rob you of joy, and it will rob your swimmer of purpose. Celebrate every swimmer on our team, because they’re all pushing your child forward.

2. Aging Up Is a Gift, Not a Curse.
Turning 11 or 13 isn’t the end, it’s the beginning of a new challenge. These are the moments that forge toughness and shape mental fortitude. When swimmers face tougher competition, they rise or get knocked down to bounce back again. Either way, they grow. That’s exactly what we want.

3. Be the Parent, Not the Coach.
Don’t coach from the sidelines. Ever. It undermines everything we’re doing and puts unnecessary pressure on your child. Let them breathe. Let them own their journey. You raised them to be strong. Don’t smother the process.

4. Let Go of Your Expectations.
Your child doesn’t swim to fulfill your hopes. They swim to chase their own. Support them when they fall. Praise their effort, not the outcome. Teach them how to stand back up again and again and again.

5. Rest is Not Laziness—It’s Power.
Sleep isn’t optional. Overtraining leads to burnout, injury, and stagnation. If your child is constantly tired or frustrated, it’s not because they aren’t tough. It’s because they’re running on empty. Protect their rest.

6. Plateaus Are a Sign—Not a Stop.
If your swimmer hits a wall, don’t panic. Don’t go looking for quick fixes from private trainers. Trust the process. Trust the coaches. Let us help your athlete unlock new events, new strokes, and new confidence. There are no shortcuts to greatness.

7. Be a Team Parent, Not Just Your Kid’s Parent.
Genuinely care about all Lone Star swimmers. Cheer with your heart, not just your voice. Your energy helps fuel this culture. When we lift up others, we all rise.

8. Be Present, Not Possessive.
Don’t just be a FANatic. Be a fan. Soak it all in: the wins, the losses, the laughs, the car rides home. These are the moments they’ll remember. Don’t miss them trying to script the next one.

9. Let the Athletes Set the Goals.
Goal setting belongs to your swimmer and their coach. Step back and give your athlete space to dream and to fall short. That’s how they learn to lead.

10. Commit to Growth—Just Like Your Athlete.
We expect our swimmers to grow, evolve, and own their mistakes. We expect the same from ourselves. Let’s hold each other to that standard.

11. Early-Season Struggles Are the Point.
If your child is swimming slow in September or October: that’s good. This is where we lay the foundation for the season. It is not where we look to perform.

Struggles they’re working hard, adjusting to school, learning how to grind. The athletes who struggle now but stay in the fight? Those are the ones who peak when it matters. We’re not training them for next weekend, we’re training them for next year, and the years after that.

12. Praise Grit, Not Time.
Your child is not a stopwatch result. Don’t bribe them with toys or money. That turns the sport into a transaction. You want to celebrate something? Celebrate the early morning hustle. Celebrate the fight through failure. Want to make a memory? Take them out for pancakes after practice. Works every time.

Final Thought:
Swimming is not for the faint of heart. It’s a sport that demands more than talent—it demands relentless commitment. But the reward? Strength. Confidence. Character. The kind that lasts long after the goggles come off.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for raising competitors.

— Coach Adam