Organization/Coach feature ~ LA Swim Club

The LA Swim Club currently has about 90 competitive swimmers and 35 pre-competitive (Jr. Pronghorn) swimmers. Competitive swimmers train year round (September to Mid-August) and the Jr. Pronghorns program runs in 3 sessions, Sept-Dec, Jan-March and April to June.

Each year the LASC hosts up to 5 Invitational Swim Meets for all age group swimmers and this year has been awarded the “Long Course Age Groups Trials” for swimmers with Alberta Provincial meet qualifying times. This will be at Max Bell June 17-19th and should see over 350 age group swimmers from across Southern Alberta attend. LASC is also excited to have 7-8 swimmers who have qualified for and will be attending the Canadian Olympic trials in Toronto this April, including Rachel Nicol and Zach McAllister.

Peter Schori, Head Coach and Director of swimming, overseeing the LASC program, in addition to being the University of Lethbridge Varsity swim coach. LASC also has 4 additional coaches that run a total of 5 competitive groups, and several other coaches that help with the different sessions of Jr. Pronghorns over the year.

One of those coaches is Mackenzie Hanna. With 8 years coaching experience, Mackenzie holds her NCCP Level 1 coaching certification, and is currently in her final year of university, finishing her Education degree. When asked about her goals as a coach, Mackenzie says ‘I want them to love it, and to want to continue on to be the best they can be.” Mackenzie coaches swimmer who are 8-12 years old, in the Junior Provincial level of competitive swimming at LASC, most swimming 5 days/week.

Mackenzie started swimming herself with the LASC when she was 7 years old, and continued to swim throughout high school and on the Varsity team. Having grown up in the club, Mackenzie has fond memories, and wants her swimmers to have that same positive experience. As a youth, she also participated in other sports, including gymnastics, ballet and soccer.

During our #ThanksCoach campaign in the fall of 2015, Mackenzie was nominated by a young swimmer, Spencer. Spencer wanted to say #ThanksCoach because…”she always comes to practice with a smile, and teaches us new swimming skills”.

For more information about LASC, please visit their website www.lethbridgeswimming.com

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