Shut Up and Say Something: A swim coach’s log

The responsibilities of a coach are far reaching and extend much further than the pool deck …

In this story about an idiosyncratic novice swimming coach who coaches equally novice swimmers in South Australia, Shut Up and Say Something gives insights into the world of coaching and the many emotional highs and lows associated with this demanding profession.

Aware that not many swimmers become Olympians, Heather focused on ensuring her athletes were both winners in their sport and, importantly, winners in life. Outside pool training, she exposed her swimmers to activities that would make them more aware of life’s possibilities and to think more laterally.

Shut Up and Say Something addresses many controversial issues-discipline in its many forms, abusive and overprotective parents, parents’ high expectations, and the management of young people under the care of the coach. Some incidents are confronting, others humorous. Follow Heather and her students’ journey from coming last at a State Championship to eventually being represented at National level.