Our mission at East Lake Aquatics is to bring all members of the team together as one so we may have a stable and successful program that gives each athlete the chance to be the best they can be in and out of the water. To attain our goal the team must be more important than any one individual. Each person is important no matter what their individual rankings or achievements in the water are or how outspoken or humble they may be. Each and every athlete has to be hard working, dedicated, motivated, and train to the best of their ability everyday. Any and all disputes or problems must be dealt with in privacy with the coaches. Every person must understand that to achieve your own goals you must first help your teammates to achieve their goals.

Team Philosophy.

1)   We emphasize competition with oneself. Winning ribbons, medals, or trophies is not our main goal. Even if the swimmer finishes first but has swum poorly in comparison to his own past performances, he/she is encouraged to do better. The individual’s improvement is our primary objective.

2)   Sportsmanlike behavior is as important as improved performance. Our coaches teach swimmers how to be gracious in both victory and defeat. Respect for officials, congratulations to fellow competitors, encouragement of teammates, determined effort, and mature attitudes are examples of behaviors encouraged by our coach.

3)   A swimmer is praised for improving his/her stroke or time. It is the coach’s job to offer constructive criticism of a swimmer’s performance. It is the parent’s responsibility to provide love and encouragement that bolster the swimmer’s confidence along the way.

4)   Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging goals for meets and to relate those goals to practice to direct their training efforts.

5)   Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming events, distances, and strokes. This policy promotes versatility and encourages the swimmer to explore his or her potential in the wide range of events offered in competitive swimming. Often, a swimmer’s “best” stroke changes as they mature and their body goes through physical changes.