Coaching Experience Highlights: One of my favorite aspects of coaching is getting to teach athletes new dives. It’s such a great feeling to see them reach that “ah-ha” moment when everything clicks and what was new chaotic dive becomes a familiar, controlled dive.
When I first got involved in swimming: I started taking swimming lessons at the downtown YMCA when I was in early elementary school. In 5th and 6th grade I swam for the Gators. When I joined North High’s swimming and diving team in 7th grade I switched to diving.
Signature piece of swimming gear:
The diving board!
Favorite stroke/event: My favorite event in high school was diving, but when I was a Gator I loved breaststroke and freestyle.
Greatest coaching achievement with the Gators:
So far I’d say just getting to be a part of the new Gator diving program from the start is a great achievement in itself!
Advice for new swimmers thinking about joining the Gators: There are so many opportunities and places for different people to fit in, so don’t limit yourself. With all the different strokes, distances and diving there is a spot for everyone on the team, it’s just about finding out what you are best at and what’s best for you.
Evonne Saleh
Years Coaching: Four years starting in December
Years with the Gators: Three years
Coaching Experience Highlights:
One of my favorite aspects of coaching is getting to teach athletes new dives. It’s such a great feeling to see them reach that “ah-ha” moment when everything clicks and what was new chaotic dive becomes a familiar, controlled dive.
When I first got involved in swimming:
I started taking swimming lessons at the downtown YMCA when I was in early elementary school. In 5th and 6th grade I swam for the Gators. When I joined North High’s swimming and diving team in 7th grade I switched to diving.
Signature piece of swimming gear:
The diving board!
Favorite stroke/event:
My favorite event in high school was diving, but when I was a Gator I loved breaststroke and freestyle.
Greatest coaching achievement with the Gators:
So far I’d say just getting to be a part of the new Gator diving program from the start is a great achievement in itself!
Advice for new swimmers thinking about joining the Gators:
There are so many opportunities and places for different people to fit in, so don’t limit yourself. With all the different strokes, distances and diving there is a spot for everyone on the team, it’s just about finding out what you are best at and what’s best for you.