This blog shares a personal statement from Sharks Swimming Coach Tina Hilburn regarding one of her swimmers, Emery Villa
At the end of every swim season the Sharks Swimming coaches have to decide which of their swimmers have improved in such a way to meet the requirements to advance to the next level on the swim team. This past July was my first time having to do this. I had spent an entire year working with these young swimmers, for many of them, five days a week. Deciding which swimmers had improved enough to move up a level was the easy part, the hard part for me was writing their “move up” letter.
All of my swimmers are special to me, but one reaction to a "move up" letter was memorable. I start each letter with a note unique to each swimmer. For Emery Villa, I talked about her drive and determination, how I enjoyed seeing her set her mind to something and accomplish it, and her silly side that made me laugh at many practices.
When I handed Emery her envelope at the end of the season party her eyes grew really big. I smiled at her and said she could open it. I could see the tears starting to form in her eyes. She knew what I just handed her. She opened the envelope and saw the certificate stating she had moved up from the Makos to the Tigersharks. Then the tears really started to flow. Her reaction was a mixture of tears, smiles, laughs and hugs. She was so emotional and excited that I could not hold back my tears either. It was a mixture of emotions for me, too. I was so proud of my swimmers who were moving up, but, also, sad that I was not going to get to coach them any longer.
I was happy for Emery and loved seeing her so excited about the next step in her swim life! She hugged me, thanked me, and shared the news with her Aunt Ruth and her swim friends. I told her I might not be her coach any longer, but I am still a Sharks coach and that I will still be paying attention and rooting for her as she continues to swim.
Coach Tina Hilburn
A copy of Emery's "Move Up" Letter
Emery,
You have such drive and determination. I have enjoyed seeing you set your mind to something and accomplish it. You also have a silly side that made me laugh at many practices. I look forward to seeing what you can achieve.
Now onto the good stuff…
Congratulations! You got the basics down with the Makos and are moving up to the Tigersharks! You will have so much fun and improve your stroke technique, speed and endurance with Coach Felix. Don’t tell, but I’ve heard he can be bribed with Snickers and chocolate chip cookies.
I have enjoyed coaching you and will miss having you practice with me and the Makos. I look forward to watching you improve as a Tigershark (hopefully all the way up to Senior).
Keep working hard and having fun.
Coach Tina