Six Maui coaches completed their American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level 1 and Level 2 training this November. The Level 1 classes are taken online, while the Level 2 class was in-person training with ASCA Level 4 Coach and Level 1 & 2 Instructor Shawn Donohue. Coach Donohue leads the Island Aquatics youth swim team in Kihei, as well as supporting Maui’s interscholastic high school swimming and water polo.
The Level 1 Foundations Coaching course teaches the fundamentals required for effective coaching. Coaches learn the importance and benefits of productive relationships with parents, volunteers, athletes, and their community. A strong emphasis is placed on honing communication skills and safety and providing pathways for long-term athlete progression and success.
The Level 2 Stroke School helps coaches achieve a professional knowledge base for teaching effective technique and proper mechanics while simultaneously reinforcing healthy progressions at each developmental level in the sport. This course incorporates step-by-step examples of technique-based skills and progressions coupled with video demonstrations. Coach Donohue brought 40 years of coaching knowledge and experience to support and supplement the information.
Level 2 certification requires coaches to pass the Level 1 and Level 2 courses and have coached for at least 6 months.
The ASCA is a nonprofit professional association headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and is the largest and most diverse swimming coaches’ association in the world. The ASCA provides a comprehensive range of services including leadership, certification, recognition, advocacy, and professional development opportunities to swimming coaches worldwide. Members include college, high school, club, masters, learn-to-swim, triathlon, and summer league coaches, ensuring a supportive and well-equipped community.