Saturday Message: Did you hear about Chad?

I love this sport. For over 25 years, I’ve done the best I can to give back to our youth  because kids need the opportunity to see their hard work pay off without fear of failure, without fear of abandonment and with unconditional supprt. Over those years, I’ve learned far more from the kids on our team than they’ve probably ever learned from me.

Early in my career, I was fortunate to coach a young swimmer named Chad Stein. Chad was one of a kind...a remarkable, rambunctious swimmer who loved to race fast. He was a state champion with one of the most beautiful strokes I’ve ever seen, and a dolphin kick second to none.

The first day I met him I remember the set I gave him. I told him to give me 6x100 free @ 1:30 and what happened next blew me away. He swim two lanes over, splashed a few a few kids, dolphin kick back to his lane, swam to the end climbed out at sat on the edge. Curious as to what he was doing I went to talk to him and he said "Birds are like McDonalds because they got wings"

At one open water competition I was watching from a boat as Chad dove under other swimmers, streamlining for almost half a minute before popping up ahead of the pack. It was phenomenal. That was Chad, fearless, creative, and full of joy in the water.

I often think back to a meet at the University of Texas, early in the season. Chad hadn’t swum as fast as I thought he could, and I got on to him about it, way more than I should have. He looked at me and said, “I’m just a number to you, aren’t I?”

That stopped me in my tracks. At the time, I didn’t realize how much that moment would shape me not just as a coach, but as a person.

Nine years ago today, Chad passed away. I’ll never forget where I was when I found out. I was at practice when a friend, Melissa Wheeler (yes, Coach Gabe’s mom), texted me: “Did you hear about Chad?” In that instant, I knew. My heart sank. My spirit broke.

When Chad passed, those words he told me echoed louder than ever. He made me realize something I carry with me every single day:

No swimmer is ever just a number.

Every child who steps onto the pool deck has a story. They have dreams, fears, laughter, and a spark that makes them one of a kind. Coaching isn’t just about times or technique it’s about connection, compassion, and truly seeing each swimmer for who they are. Coaching is the art of inspiring improvment through emotional connection.

Chad reminded me of that  in his life, and even after he was gone. So today, as I remember Chad, I want to share something with our swimmers and families: enjoy every moment.

Enjoy the good swims, the bad swims, the breakthroughs, and the setbacks. Don’t let the clock or the scoreboard define your experience. When you step up on the blocks, take a deep breath, look around, and feel grateful  because you’re part of something special.

Every race is a gift and an opportunity to learn, to grow, to compete, and to find joy in doing something you love. The times will fade, but the memories you make with your teammates, the lessons you learn about perseverance and character. Things that will stay with you forever.

So, parents... thank you for trusting me with your kids. For letting me be a small part of their journey, not just as athletes, but as people. They’re not lane assignments, heat sheets, or times on a board. They are the heartbeat of this team  and the reason I coach with every ounce of who I am.

In memory of Chad Stein. Always remembered. Always loved.