So, my granddaughter is a freshman in HS. She is swimming on a USA team and her HS team. The HS team has about 60 swimmers--walk on, no try outs. Of those 60 only 4 girls (3 seniors & my DGD) are truly competitive. There are some who can not yet swim a complete lap(pull self along on lane ropes). Some team members haven't paid their booster fees.
The coach insists on taking the WHOLE team to every meet so everyone can have the "meet" experience. Because some members haven't paid booster fees there isn't enough money for the WHOLE team to go to large/competitive meets and the coach refuses to leave the 'non swimmers' or deadbeats at home. He has cancelled every out of town large/competitive meet that requires an over night stay. I don't believe this is fair to the few competitive swimmers on the team who are hoping to be seen by colleges.
Any thoughts on how to approach the situation?
Thanks!
I doubt the situation this year is any different from previous years on this team. With such a small group of year-round swimmers, it is unlikely they will be the least bit competitive so the focus of why she is doing HS swimming should change from "me,me,me" to "team,team,team."
What can she do to assist the coach and program to making it a better team? This will look far better on her college admissions than simply being on the team. Can she be team captain? Can she make the team more competitive? The kids that have impacts on HS teams are the ones that make the whole team better, not just the ones that whine because they aren't getting what they want.
When she is a senior, what will be more satisfying - looking back on her 4 years and being proud she quit because she didn't get her wishes, or helping build a struggling program that is well established going forward? And, which scenario looks better to colleges?
And, walking around calling other kids/families deadbeats won't make the team any better. Nor will refusing to swim on team relays, which score double points.
I doubt the situation this year is any different from previous years on this team. With such a small group of year-round swimmers, it is unlikely they will be the least bit competitive so the focus of why she is doing HS swimming should change from "me,me,me" to "team,team,team."
What can she do to assist the coach and program to making it a better team? This will look far better on her college admissions than simply being on the team. Can she be team captain? Can she make the team more competitive? The kids that have impacts on HS teams are the ones that make the whole team better, not just the ones that whine because they aren't getting what they want.
When she is a senior, what will be more satisfying - looking back on her 4 years and being proud she quit because she didn't get her wishes, or helping build a struggling program that is well established going forward? And, which scenario looks better to colleges?
And, walking around calling other kids/families deadbeats won't make the team any better. Nor will refusing to swim on team relays, which score double points.
