Parent to Coach Relationship

Greetings parents!

First off with the short course season nearly complete I’m writing this today because I wanted to say thank you parents for all that you do. As a coach it is my job to be ultra-critical and constructive towards your children. As a developing athlete sometimes it’s not always the easiest to hear the words “you can do better”. So, thank you parents for always being there, driving your athletes to practice, welcoming them with a dry towel, and reminding after a big loving hug and warm dinner that even though us coaches may be tough, we ALWAYS have your kids’ best interest at heart.

I have been around pool decks for nearly 23 of my 25 years on this earth, but the past 3 months are my first as an official coach. The coach to athlete relationship is very important and as much as I am a coach for your kids, they are also a coach for me. Every day I learn something new about myself as a coach and seek to keep improving. It is critical to note though that the coach and athlete relationship will not thrive without a coach and parent relationship that is just as strong. With that said, the past 3 months have flown by and there are many of you I have yet to meet. If we haven’t had a chance to talk, I would love to hear from you! There needs to be a strong level of trust and communication between parents and coaches in the best interest of the athlete.

I would like to extend to you my email address [email protected]. If for any reason you have a question about anything I do, have any other swimming related questions, comments, concerns, or just want to introduce yourself, please contact me! It can be by email or before or after practice! The same goes for coach Dax and Adam. We welcome and encourage an open line of communication. I look forward to continue developing as a coach and developing some of the best TEAM LOYAL athletes in all of Texas, with your help along the way.

Best,

Gabe Wheeler