Talia Butery

Head Coach

Years Coaching: 9

Years with the Gators: 3 years as an assistant coach and 6 as the head coach (Plus, 8 years as an athlete!)

Coaching Experience Highlights:
I feel like every practice and meet there is a highlight! I don’t think I can pinpoint one particular experience. I have loved coaching the YMCA National swimmers, but I also think watching the 8 & under relays at any given meet is just as much fun. I have the opportunity to work with great kids!

When I first got involved in swimming:
I first got involved with swimming on the Harry Howland Park District team. We had a meet at Island Park and I saw the Gators practicing and I thought they looked so fast. I became a Gator in the fall at age 11 and swam all the way through high school.

Signature piece of swimming gear:
My silver reflective Swedish goggles. They were my favorite because you couldn’t see my eyes.

Favorite stroke/event:
I am not sure if I had favorite events to swim, but I always ended up in the 100 butterfly and 500 freestyle. I really loved swimming any relays. My favorite events to watch are pretty much everything! I love watching relays, especially the 400 medley.

Advice for new swimmers thinking about joining the Gators: Joining the Gators at age 11 was one of the best decisions I ever made! Not only did I get to compete in a great sport, but I met some lifelong friends, learned a lot from my coaches on how to conduct myself in winning and losing situations. I still use some of the skills I gathered by being a Gator in my day to day life. Three years after leaving the Gators as a swimmer I came back as a coach and have loved every moment of it! I thoroughly enjoy being a part of the Gator family and I think you will too!