Hello there, ready to make some waves?

Even as a child, I was drawn to the water like a sailor to the sea (I began "swimming" in the ocean every summer on vacation at about 8 years old. I still  do it to this day!). My journey of competitive swimming began at 6 years old for Edgebrook, a local swim and tennis club. I would compete for them until I turned 18 and along the way, I swam for BEST, Issaquah Swim Team and Newport High School. I threw in a little water polo in the end, as well~

 

However, my involvement with swimming rapidly extended far beyond myself. By age 11, I had eagerly embraced the role of a volunteer coach, eager to share my passion and knowledge with younger swimmers. It was during those summers that I first glimpsed the profound impact of coaching on individuals and communities. At 16, I was instructing swim lessons at every age and skill level for the YMCA--preschool to Masters. After graduating college, I returned to the Y as a Swim Lesson Coordinator and shortly after, became the Swim Lesson Supervisor for another branch. Sadly my time with the water came to end, albeit temporarily, due to the COVID restrictions that put a pause on the program I grew to love so much.

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Fortunately for me, my fate was sealed.

 

During my time away, I realized how incredibly special it is to coach swimmers. I found my greatest passion in teaching students wasn't only in helping them improve their techniques in the water, but it was the values and skills they could translate anywhere. Of course, some of my favorite memories as a coach were watching them break personal records--it's why we were there to begin with. 

Nonetheless, there was something of even greater value I witnessed. I watched these little teams of swimmers find power in their own mental fortitude, become more compassionate towards themselves and others, find the patience in their daily habits and wholeheartedly cheer on the teammates they would consistently compete with.

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I established Blue Ribbon Swim to pursue a mission of empowering individuals of all ages to discover their potential both in and out of the water. To cultivate a community of swimmers that embrace not only their technical skill but to also develop essential values, such as gratitude, resilience and compassion. And to inspire a love for swimming and foster the spirit of personal excellence and graceful sportsmanship.