Heavy Or Not - The O.G. Swim Guide

Truth About Leadership & Why Collaboration Beats a Lone Wolf Mentality In Heavy or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #98, we're blessed to pick up a few flash-back comments as well as present leadership insights from a former competitive swimmer who makes us all proud. Way to go Krista! Scott Grates sits down with performance coach, Krista Hawkins, to cover leadership truths, accountability systems, and the importance of holistic self‑care. Her athletic background and the coaching perspectives apply to everyone — from the wee swimmers to CEOs. Krista explains the important elements that coaches, families and humans should deploy. Get straight‑forward, actionable insights drawn from Krista's journey from a shy student just joining the team to a Division‑I athlete and business leader. Why the "leader must know everything" myth is a lie and why collaboration matters. How clear communication and a solid accountability framework drive consistent results. The difference between training (skill‑building) and development (growth) and why both are essential. Why physical health, mental wellness, and spiritual practices are non‑negotiable for effective leadership. Krista's step‑by‑step accountability process: role clarity, goal alignment, regular check‑ins, and actionable feedback. This is part two in a sequence from another podcast, Referrals Done Right with Scott Grates. See Scott's site, show and the original, full interview, #122 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/122-krista-hawkins-the-leader-you-are-becoming/id1738602897?i=1000758278572 Krista Hawkins' Links: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-legacy-partners Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/krista.hawkins.9 Business FB - https://www.facebook.com/FUTURELEGACYPARTNERS Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_kristahawkins_

Krista and our PAWW Swim Team - flashback with AI In episode #97 of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we rejoice in the discovery and shout out of another podcast. Years ago, Krista's journey to the PAWW swim team went from a terrified 12‑year‑old student, to age-group swimmer, to Division I athletes to today's high‑level executive advisor. Come along for the ride and enjoy the flashback with coaching tactics and a story debrief with aid from Notebook AI. Krista's growth to and confidence happened, in part, on the team — with Head Coach, Mark Rauterkus. The mental‑skill system translated from the pool deck to the boardroom — and appeared in a podcast episode elsewhere. Learn: How a competitive swim program became the catalyst for Krista's confidence boost. The specific mindset and accountability framework Coach Mark taught her. Why raw physical talent alone isn't enough for peak performance. How Krista now applies similar principles to coach thousands of business leaders. The broader lesson: elite youth coaching methods can be scaled into powerful executive leadership strategies. Thanks to Scott Grates, and his Referrals Done Right podcast, episode #122 for the interview with Krista. Hear their voices in Heavy Or Not, #98. Show link https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/122-krista-hawkins-the-leader-you-are-becoming/id1738602897?i=1000758278572 Krista's Links: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/future-legacy-partners Personal FB - https://www.facebook.com/krista.hawkins.9 Business FB - https://www.facebook.com/FUTURELEGACYPARTNERS Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_kristahawkins_ How Early Sports Psychology Shapes Future Leaders and Influences Whole Industries

Coach's Secret Weapon: Quick, Privacy‑First Lesson Plans Tailored to Sport, Age, and Time To the Lesson Generator for Mental Skills for Young Athletes. Break the Closed‑Loop Coaching Hierarchy with Independent Oversight and Transparent Performance Structure In episode #96 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, you'll get a quick introduction to the brand‑new mental‑skills resource for parents, teachers and youth coaches. The lesson generator is a free website that support the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes. Get the quick how‑to on turning a book into ready‑made practice plans and learn why structural safeguarding is now non‑negotiable. In the second part of the episode, hear of the latest findings on abuse in Canadian sports — swimming included. The free mental‑skills lesson generator: pick a chapter, sport, age group, and time to get a custom 15‑minute practice plan. How the tool integrates Dr. John Hogg's animal‑character stories while keeping all data private—no accounts, no tracking. Quick overview of the "Mental Skills for Young Athletes" book and pricing options for individuals and whole teams. Key takeaways from the Future of Sport in Canada Commission report on systemic maltreatment in competitive swimming. Recommended safety reforms: independent safeguarding officers and decoupled oversight to protect athletes and coaches. Future of Sport in Canada Commission Final Report Transforming Sport in Canada: Time for Action Link to the full report: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/future-sport/participate/final-report.htm

Coming soon!

Pillars of Team Success: Consistency, Trust, Adaptability, and Coach Leadership Episode #94 of Heavy or Not, we hear from elite coach Harkai Hunor's playbook for building a winning team culture. Learn the concrete steps you can apply to any sport or organization today. What you'll learn: The seven non‑negotiable pillars of on‑court discipline and consistency. Why off‑court community building is as crucial as X's and O's. Quick‑win tactics for gaining player trust and boosting performance. How to adapt coaching philosophy to players, leagues, and local culture. The coach's ultimate role: embodying the culture and earning respect through character. The difference between a good team and a great team has almost nothing to do with drills or tactics! In a WAFSU.org seminar, international coach Harkai Hunor explains why the real work of coaching happens off the court—through consistency, culture, mentorship, and the small psychological moves that help athletes believe in themselves. Drawing on experience coaching in eight different countries, he shares practical lessons about building team culture, developing players, motivating teams, and avoiding the biggest mistakes young coaches make. If you coach athletes, or plan to, this talk is packed with ideas you can apply immediately. Watch the full seminar at either: https://wafsu.org/course/building-team-culture-lessons-from-a-coach-across-eight-countries/ or on Substack at: Heavy Or Not - The OG Swim Guide Building Team Culture: Lessons from a Coach Across Eight Countries Read more 4 days ago · 2 likes · 1 comment · Mark Rauterkus Download the PDF Transcript: https://wafsu.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/build-team-culture-transcript.mp3.pdf

Lifeguard Recruiting Campaign: Serve, Train, and Inspire While Safeguarding Water Activities Nationwide Check out the lifeguard recruiting film and the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps our waters safe, and a bonus fortune insight. We also share a visual preview of the ISCA Senior Cup teams. This episode, #93, is very visual. Those with an audio only feed are missing out on the graphics of the short film and the logos of the teams. What it really takes to be a lifeguard – training, skills, and purpose How to apply through your local lifeguard agency (USLA & Ben Carlson Memorial and Scholarship Fund) Watch the full video on YouTube at https://YouTube.com/@ucanswim Fortune segment: "Don't expend energy trying to be someone you're not" and its link to Mental Skills for Young Athletes, https://swimisca.com Sneak peek of the ISCA Senior Cup 2026 team logos (to gather in St. Petersburg, FL) https://www.usla.org/ https://www.bencarlsonfoundation.org/ https://SwimISCA.org

Education, Safety Barriers, and Collaborative Funding Initiatives From Grants to Lifeguards: Building a Safer Water Environment for All Ages Reducing Drowning Risks: Parents, Schools, and Policy Working Together for Water Safety In episode #92, we break down the stark reality of drowning worldwide and explore practical steps to keep kids and communities safe around water. We also discuss emerging grant opportunities in Florida and how local leaders can turn them into sustainable swimming programs. Listen in as Barry and Mark aim to make an impact around the water. Eye‑opening drowning statistics and the WHO's top recommendations for prevention. Why barriers, constant supervision, and basic survival swimming are essential for children of all ages. How Florida's new grant program aims to get every child in the state to learn to swim and what it means for local clubs. Strategies for building multi‑stakeholder coalitions—councils, First Nations, schools, and sponsors—to fund and manage community pools. Tips for linking high‑school pools to instructor training, revenue generation, and sponsor outreach to create lasting impact. Join the club as we aim for harnessing Community Support to Fund Swim Lessons and Prevent Water‑Related Tragedies Water saves lives, but it can also silently kill – 23,000 drownings a year in the WHO European Region, 63 per day. Prevention starts with barriers and constant supervision for children; a moment's lapse can be fatal. Teaching basic survival swimming to all ages builds confidence, not Olympic ambition, and saves lives. Lifeguard and bystander rescue training must prioritize personal safety; one rescue shouldn't become two victims. Coordinated community plans—schools, councils, First Nations, sponsors—turn grants and facilities into lasting drowning‑prevention programs.

Last Splash and Exit of Women Swim and Dive Team at Marshall University, episode #91 Open, Closing, Exit and Calls to Action for WPIAL Swimmers, Broadcasters and the ISCA Hall of Fame Tribute They CUT Women's Swimming and Diving at Marshall University just as the team was departing for its conference meet. Ugh squared. Nobody is explaining the Title IX confusion. In this episode, I break down what's really happening, how you can take action, and why this affects every program in the country. Swim Community: Your urgent steps are necessary on various fronts. If you care about swimming, broadcasting, or protecting women's sports, you cannot skip this episode. I'm unboxing a new book Mental Skills for Young Athletes, calling out a blundering hurd issue, seeking bio insights for WPIAL athletes and asking YOU to help shape the future Hall of Fame Tribute for the class of 2026. Pointer: Jackie Johnson, a voice for women's sports at Facebook reels at https://www.facebook.com/jackie.johnston.5220. https://SwimISCA.com for the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes WPIAL Show Insights at https://ISCA.blue Upload for Hall of Fame Tributes to https://UCANSwim.WeTransfer.com Broken Hurd. Kate Lundsten Matt Kredich Ray Looze

Coach Mark Rauterkus worries that the looming crisis in college football will create a ripple effects across all college sports. He outlines a reform plan, highlights recent program cuts, and offers a path forward. You'll learn in episode #89 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide: The urgent need to reform college football before it collapses and drags other sports down. Key takeaways from Coach Nick Saban's interview (Episode 88) and the reform package available at 4rs.org. The fallout from Cal Baptist cutting its men's Division I swimming & diving team and the disappearing full‑time diving coach. How a "pod" system with promotion/relegation could replace money‑driven conference moves (e.g., North Dakota, Sacramento State). The risk of a 30‑team super league ("JV NFL") and why equitable, merit‑based structures are essential for the sport's future. Let's put equity over money. A New, Tiered Model to Preserve College Football's Future needs your help. Here is your call to action. Subscribe. Suggest. Comment. Share. This Heavy Or Not podcast is pushing for a Merit‑Based, Pod System to Safeguard College Sports Are you in?

How Entitlement, Discipline, and Complacency Undermine Teams – Insights From Saban Inside Penn State's Quarter‑Billion Dollar Athletic Budget and Its Profit Margins In episode #88 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, you'll meet my new best friend, Paul Falavolito and a snip from his show, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast. He shares Nick Saban's "Five Enemies of Greatness." Paul's Site, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast Plus, we'll break down the money behind a powerhouse college athletic department. You'll get practical leadership takeaways and a raw loo k at Penn State's finances. The five hidden threats to performance: entitlement, lack of discipline, choosing circumstance over vision, self‑pity, and complacency. How Saban's "standards over hype" mindset translates to everyday leadership. A step‑by‑step walkthrough of Penn State's $254 M athletic budget – where the cash comes from and where it goes. Why football alone generates 57% of the department's revenue and the impact on other sports. The razor‑thin profit margin and why college‑football reform (promotion/relegation, entry‑fee changes) matters now. Outline 1. Podcast Introduction & Teasers Host – Mark Rauterkus introduces his "new best friend" in podcasting, Paul Falavolito. Mentions Paul's own show "7 Minute Leadership." Announces upcoming content: A deep‑dive with Nick Saban. "A bunch of sports news in college swimming and college sports" that will appear in Episode 89. 2. Leadership Lesson: Nick Saban's Five Enemies of Greatness (7 Minute Leadership) a. Who Is Nick Saban? Most successful modern‑sports leader; multiple national championships. Built dominant programs at several schools over decades. Known for selling standards, not hope – discipline, consistency, daily execution. b. The Five Enemies (each broken down) Entitlement Success whispers "you deserve comfort." Leaders stop preparing, teams rely on reputation. Rent‑based metaphor: respect, trust, results are "rented daily." Lack of Discipline Doing the work when no one's watching; showing up on time. Small lapses (late meetings, cutting corners, ignoring safety steps). Sloppy habits ⇒ sloppy outcomes. Choosing Circumstances Over Vision Letting conditions dictate effort. Great leaders hold the line regardless of budget, morale, or external pressure. Avoids "meteorocracy" (followers drifting with every change). Self‑Pity "No one appreciates us" mindset; excuses become the norm. Kills ownership and responsibility. Leads to rapid decline. Complacency Thinking you've "arrived" – winning becomes expected, effort drops. Turns champions into former champions. Blind spots, reduced hunger, maintenance mindset. c. Overarching Takeaway Enemies sneak in quietly, sound reasonable, and cause damage before they're noticed. Saban's dynasties were built by refusing to tolerate these enemies. Call‑to‑action: Which enemy are you allowing right now? 3. Coaching Reflection & Mental‑Skills Prompt (Fortune Segment) Quote: "Coaches become more knowledgeable by immersing themselves patiently in the systematic teaching of the mental and emotional skills." Presented as a reflection prompt: apply to training, competition, coaching, or life beyond the pool. Suggests writing about the insight to turn ideas into habits. Source: Mental Skills for Young Athletes – John Hogg, PhD (link: swimisca.com). 4. Nick Saban on Player Development & NFL Draft Process Development First: Emphasizes "development as a person, student, and player" over money. Draft Call Statistics: 35 early‑exit players → >1,000 calls from NFL teams. No calls ask about freshman playing time; focus is on development into a player. Character Over Athleticism: Teams ask about character, fit, teammate qualities, leadership. Trustworthiness and ability to represent the organization are paramount. Advice: "Create value for yourself in all those areas." 5. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) Resources Website & Email List: nil.cloh.org – a hub for NIL information and community. 6. Penn State Athletic Department Financial Deep Dive (Guy Moderator) a. Revenue Overview – Where the ~$254 M Comes From Donations: $64.5 M (pure donor power). Media Rights: >$58 M (Big Ten TV contracts). Ticket Sales: >$50 M (fan attendance). Zero funding from university tuition, state taxes, or student fees. b. Expense Overview – Where the Money Goes Personnel (Salaries & Benefits): >$84 M – the single biggest expense. Athlete‑Related Costs: ~$48 M total, broken into: Scholarships / Athletic Aid: >$24 M. NIL Payments: >$18 M. Educational Awards: ~ $5 M. Facilities & Operations: Significant portion (second‑largest bucket). c. Football Program As the Financial Engine Generates ≈$147 M in revenue – >4 × the combined revenue of all other men's sports and >16 × women's sports. Accounts for 57 % of total department income. d. Bottom‑Line Result & Sustainability Question Total revenues vs. total expenses differ by only ≈$223 K – essentially a "rounding‑error" profit. Highlights the razor‑thin margin model

Doping at 69?! The Ugly Truth About Recreational Sports. Say "No" to Enhanced Athletes and Their Games In Episode 90 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we peek into two shocking doping cases. One is involving a 69-year-old Masters athlete and the other is with a 41-year-old cyclist busted at a Gran Fondo. No prize money. No fame. Just ego, insecurity, and a culture obsessed with optimization. When does "biohacking" become cheating? Is TRT just wellness… or is it performance enhancement? And what happens to sport when authenticity gets replaced with chemistry? This episode dives deep into the ethics of performance-enhancing drugs, the rise of anti-aging clinics, and why racing with the body you've earned still matters. If this conversation hit home, make sure to subscribe and share this episode with a teammate who needs to hear it. Strong performance doesn't start with talent — it starts with awareness. You wake up at 4:30 a.m., squeeze in your workout before work… and the guy who beats you brought a pharmacy to the start line. Is that the future of sport? Did you hear of the 69-year-old athlete who just got busted for steroids… and it wasn't for money, fame, or contracts — just ego? Keywords masters athletics doping Gran Fondo doping scandal TRT in sports testosterone replacement therapy athletes performance enhancing drugs amateur sports cycling doping news enhanced games controversy World Anti-Doping Agency rules anti-aging clinics athletes integrity in sports amateur athlete steroids sports psychology and cheating

Survey says, 91.9% of coaches say they love what they do… so why are nearly 85% of them facing burnout and ready to quit? The Coaching Crisis is here, now. Few are talking about it — but Barry Healey of BC Canada is. A SafeSport report on its coaches survey began by exposing the hidden crisis in U.S. sports — where passion for coaching is crushed by politics, pressure, and lack of support. Parents, Politics & Pressure = Burnout The biggest burnout driver for coaches? It's not the kids. It's the parents, the politics, and the impossible pressure. Coaches Are Quitting in Droves National survey data uncovers the truth: Coaches are quitting, and it's not because they stopped caring. Verbal harassment, retaliation fears, and racial + gender disparities — sports coaches are under fire. It's time we talked about it. Episode #87 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, examines the U.S. National Coaches Survey from SafeSport. The stark paradox of love‑filled coaching plus crushing burnout is woven in the today's profession. We want you to consider what it means for the future of athletics. 91.9% of coaches say coaching positively impacts their lives, yet ≈ 85% report burnout in the past five years. Safety culture gaps: athletes are prioritized, coaches' well‑being is largely ignored; 96% feel prepared to react to harm, but only ~50% hold proactive prevention talks. Disparities by gender, race, and disability: female and disabled coaches face higher burnout and fear of retaliation; Asian and Black coaches report almost 1‑in‑4 fear retaliation. Parent dynamics: verbal harassment from parents (and peers) tops the list of burnout drivers; coaches call it "worse than children." Recommendations from the field: stronger top‑down leadership and accountability, concrete support for dealing with parents, and expanded training/educational resources. The full PDF report is within a lesson at the course, CYA as part of the Learning Management System of the International Swim Coaches Association at Read.SwimISCA.org. Direct link to the report, PDF, 4.3mb, 94 pages. https://iscaart.sirv.com/wp/pdf/Coaches-Survey-Report-SafeSport-1-28-26.pdf Direct link to the CYA course. Direct link to Read.SwimISCA.org. Link to the Headquarters site for ISCA.org.

The path to elite swim coaching isn't what you think—mentors, conversations, and unspoken rules are more powerful than any degree or software. Episode #84 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide explores truths behind elite swim coaching with insights from a 2023 international survey of 123 top coaches. Discover how these pros actually learn, coach, and use (or ignore) technology. And, we wonder have things changed so much in the past few years. Peer‑to‑peer learning dominates – 89% say conversations with other coaches are their primary knowledge source. Mentorship matters – 81% have a mentor; over three‑quarters rate that relationship as "extremely influential." Coaching philosophies evolve – 97% report their approach changes over time, driven by reflection and "episodic" experiences. Technical expertise over communication – Hard‑skill knowledge tops the list of coach priorities; communication ranks near the bottom. Tech and education split – Only ~52% use performance‑analysis software, while university‑educated coaches are far more likely to read research, adopt LTAD models, and employ advanced tools. You'll be shocked how elite swim coaches actually learn—it's not through certifications, but a surprising underground network of mentorship and peer wisdom. Even though swimming feels ultra‑individual in the water, self‑discipline (62.3%) and self‑confidence (58.4%) outrank "team mentality" as the top life‑skills coaches want their athletes to develop. In a sport where you're literally alone in a lane, those inner traits are the real secret sauce. Discipline ranks high. Communication ranks low. The world's top swim coaches are flipping everything we thought we knew about leadership on its head. Soak in the episode now. Then join the conversation – hit reply with your thoughts, questions, or a coaching story you want us to explore next. Become an ISCA member (just $75) for unlimited access to our Global Library at Read.SwimISCA.org, exclusive content, and the learning laboratory we're building with WAFSU.org. Thanks for being part of the swim‑coach community. Your curiosity fuels the next lap! Stay warm and buoyant, Mark Rauterkus Host, Heavy Or Not – The OG Swim Guide International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA) P.S. Got a friend who'd love these insights? Forward this link -- HON.LAP.red —let's keep the ripple effect rolling!

Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #86, goes to the realm of a TRACK coach. Much of the planning is similar to swimming and other sports. Unlock the secret behind elite performance: a step‑by‑step guide to building a winning training matrix. Learn how to turn a chaotic schedule into a precise, adaptable roadmap for any athlete. The three‑tier hierarchy: training plan, program, and matrix explained Coach Jose's 8‑week sprint matrix: phases, intensity, volume, and recovery How to progress workouts safely while boosting performance When and how to adjust the matrix for real‑world athlete needs Core coaching principles: athlete‑centered design, balanced structure, and recovery importance The full seminar is available, for free, at the website, https://WAFSU.org. A course there is called, Bygone Seminars. Login and pay nothing. Dennis and Coach Mark host weekly seminars on Saturdays. Join in and then you can ask your questions to the expert coaches. 1. Why a Structured Plan Is Critical for Athletes "Wing‑it" = high risk of overtraining, injury, and uneven development Inconsistent performance when peak condition is left to chance Planning hierarchy: Training Plan → Training Program → Training Matrix 2. The Three Levels of Planning Training Plan – 30,000‑foot view; season‑long roadmap, ultimate goal, timeline Training Program – Detailed roadmap; phases (general prep, pre‑competition, etc.), weekly objectives Training Matrix – Day‑to‑day "coach's bible"; specific exercises, reps, intensities for each session 3. Building an 8‑Week Matrix – Coach Jose Case Study Six basic steps Start with competition date, work backward Set phase‑specific goals Choose key skills to develop Plan intensity, volume, recovery Assemble high‑level program Populate the matrix Four clear phases General Preparation – Build foundation Specific Preparation – Hone speed Pre‑Competition – Sharpen race rhythm Taper – Reduce workload, maximize recovery Week 1 (General Prep) sample matrix Monday: High‑intensity acceleration Tuesday: Lower‑intensity tempo run (active recovery) Wednesday: Hard max‑velocity work Thursday/Friday: Rest days Saturday: Full‑body circuit (moderate load) Week 2 – Progressive Overload Same exercises, but: Acceleration effort ↑ to 100% Jump repetitions increased Phase 3 (Pre‑Competition) shift Goal moves from building fitness → sharpening skills & race rhythm Volume ↓ to limit fatigue; intensity stays very high CNS kept "firing" for peak performance Taper Week Workouts become almost rest‑like Light activities to keep CNS primed Primary aim: full physical & mental recovery for race day 4. Flexibility & Real‑World Adjustments Matrix is a guide, not a set of immutable commandments Coach must watch for warning signs: excessive fatigue, aches/pains, external stress (e.g., school exams) If red flags appear → adjust matrix immediately Two core coaching principles: Know the athlete as an individual (age, history, life context) Avoid classic pitfalls – e.g., treating recovery days as optional 5. Key Takeaways / Coaching Principles Balance structure with flexibility – a solid plan + the ability to adapt Athlete‑centered planning – design around the person, not just the goal Recovery is a training component, not the absence of training Evolve the plan alongside the athlete – continuous monitoring & tweaking 6. Seminar Context & Call‑to‑Action Concepts presented at a recent UCSSC & WAFSU seminar (Saturday) Invitation to attend future seminars; resources available at wafsu.org Archived seminars (track & field, aquatics) also on the site Closing note: thanks for subscribing & encouraging peers to explore "Heavy or Not."

See the proposal on the web at https://lap.red/moonshot-grant-2026/ Reimagining Pool Coaching: AI Connects, Learns, and Empowers Young Athletes Welcome to episode 85 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, where we reveal a grant proposal to the Remake Learning Network to build an AI‑powered Coaching Wizard for youth swimming programs. We'll explain the vision, the tech, the partnership model, the budget, and the roadmap to launch. The core concept: AI as a connector, not a director, to spark reflection and conversation. How the Coaching Wizard works: personalized prompts, voice/text reflections, and 3‑D avatar feedback. The ecosystem of partners: schools, nonprofits, tech developers, national coaching networks, and media. Funding breakdown: $92 K total, $50 K grant request, $42 K in‑kind partner contributions. 12‑month rollout plan: co‑design workshops, pilot launch, storytelling phase, and final evaluation. Turning Pools into Learning Laboratories with AI‑Guided Reflection and 3D Avatars If you love swimming, tech, or just the idea of turning a pool into a learning laboratory, this one's for you. Key Takeaways AI as a Connector, Not a Director We flip the usual AI‑fear script. The Coaching Wizard isn't a boss—it sparks conversation, reflection, and real‑world connections between kids, coaches, and mentors. See Learning in 3‑D Imagine a digital avatar that mirrors a swimmer's stroke in real time. Those visual cues make progress tangible—no more "I feel I'm getting better" guesswork. Co‑Design From Day One The project runs a summer co‑design workshop where middle‑schoolers actually help build the tool. Their voice shapes the AI, not the other way around. Kids Become Teachers One of the biggest shifts? Youth teaching youth. The plan trains middle‑school swimmers to mentor younger kids, creating a confidence‑boosting feedback loop. Tech That Serves People The Coaching Wizard is built for connection—it prompts reflection, guides dialogue, and fuels empathy, proving tech can be a bridge rather than a surveillance device. Fun Fact The total first‑year budget is $92K, but $42K of that comes from in‑kind partner support. Talk about a true "village" effort! Ready to help? Catch the full video in the link above and also on our YouTube channel, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. We've also dropped a quick link to the proposal on LAP.red if you want to see the grant application yourself.