Hello swimmers
My name is Ashley McNeil, your new Dogfish swim coach. I am very
excited to get to know the team and work with you to complete your
swimming goals. While I am new to coaching master's swimming, I have
been in the competitive swimming world, both as an athlete and a
coach, for the last 15 years. I guess you could say all that chlorine
worked its way into my blood over the years, and now I don't think I
could stay away from the pool, even if I wanted to!
A bit more about me: I started swimming for my local club team when I
was eight years old, and continued with them until I went to college.
In those years, I also swam summer league and high school. At the
University of Washington, I continued to practice with the intramural/
club division of Huskies Swimming. More recently, I have coached club
Age Group and high school swim teams. Through my various coaching
positions, I have been fortunate enough to work with swimmers of all
ability levels. I can honestly say that I love coaching all swimmers
- regardless of experience, background, or expertise.
I moved to the lovely Eastern Shore last month to go back to school (I
know, I'm sure some of you are scratching your heads... but when
something is right, well, it's right!). I am proud to say I have
officially survived the first week at Salisbury University, where I am
a grad student in English Literature, and teaching a couple of the
freshmen composition courses. Isn't it funny how the first lap is
always the chilliest, both in and out of the pool? But once you get
warmed up and give some hard work, there's no tellin' where you can
go! Hopefully needless to say, I am thrilled to be here in the
Salisbury greater community. Please know that I am well aware how
lucky I am to do what I love - both academia and swimming fill me to
the brim with joy.
So. More than enough about me (yes, I get wordy - I'm an English
student through and through!). Let's talk about you.
Firstly, and most importantly, I WANT TO MEET EVERY SINGLE ONE OF
YOU! I mean it. Remember, I'm new here. Guaranteed I'll be
smitten. :) The best way to go about this introduction? Quite
simple. COME ON DOWN TO PRACTICE.
Practice times:
|
Tuesday and Thursdays: | 5:45am - 7am | Group 1 |
| | 7am - 8am | Group 2 |
| Saturdays: | 7am - 8:15am | Groups 1 & 2 |
(** Please note: Group 2 does about 1/3 less yardage than Group 1;
Group 2 will most likely be doing more stroke technique work as well.
I will be coaching each Tues. and Thurs. morning, both sessions.
However, Saturdays are tough for me. I hope to hop in the pool a few
Saturdays with you guys eventually, though! **)
We also have a tentative schedule of our local swim meets for this
upcoming season:
|
OCTOBER 16 (Sat.) | Howard County | 4:00 PM WU |
| NOVEMBER 14 (Sun.) | Washington College | 9:00 AM WU |
| DECEMBER 11 (Sat.) | Talbot County YMCA | 2:00 PM WU |
| JANUARY 16 (Sun.) | AOSC | 3:15 PM WU |
| FEBRUARY 12 (Sat.) | Severna Park | TBD WU |
| MARCH 26 (Sat.) | Loyola University Maryland | 7:00 AM WU |
That does it for now. If you have any questions, please don't
hesitate to drop me an email at this address.
Or, better yet, swing by practice and we can chat in person! :)
Best wishes to you all,
Ashley
