I grew up in Nashville where I competed in summer league, high school, and eventually college club swimming at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I swam for Amy Caulkins (sister of 63x American Record holder Tracy Caulkins), and Ashley Whitney (‘96 Olympic Gold medalist). I have coached swimmers of all ages, talent levels, commitment, and ability. My coaching stops along the way include special olympics, middle school, high school, USA club swimming, and masters. I co-founded Nashville School Swim Club (a non-profit that supports public school swimming in Nashville), and the Nashville Grown-Up Swim League (summer league swimming for adults). I also coached my childhood summer league team to our 22nd consecutive city championship last year, and will be returning this summer for my final season with them.

All that to say - I have a lot of love for this sport and the connections I’ve made through it. I feel very fortunate to have learned from some of the world’s best coaches, to have been part of some of swimming’s most supportive communities, and to continue sharing my passion for the sport with you and your kids.

My Coaching Philosophy for High School Swimming

• Make swim practice the best part of our day.

• Teach swimmers how to have a healthy relationship with competition.

• Teach swimmers how to be great teammates.

Kids are good at things they like. Your kids will keep getting better as long as they want to be here. High school swimming should be an activity you look forward to. It should not take away from your ability to excel in school, your ability to perform at club practice & meets, or your ability to be present for important life events. If the commitment you make to this team becomes overwhelming, please communicate that with me as soon as possible so I (and the rest of the coaching staff) can best support you.

I run a low volume, detail oriented program with my high school swimmers. We will spend the majority of our time at practice working on technique while hitting a minimum effective dosage of maximum speed swimming. Swimmers who are accountable and have a strong desire to improve will be successful. 

High school only swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of 4 practices per week. After the first two weeks of practice I will meet with swimmers who have not hit that mark to discuss whether they can realistically make the commitment work. Club swimmers are not expected at practice but are always welcome. Your club coaches know that I am not requiring you at practice. Don’t skip club practice for HS without checking in with your club coach. 

At swim meets, high school only swimmers will compete primarily in their two best events plus relays. Club swimmers will compete in a wider range of events, including ones they may not typically swim during their club season. We have a large team with a lot of talented athletes. This allows for some fun strategy when it comes to individual event lineups and relays at dual meets. My goal is to sweep every race at every in-season meet while putting kids in the best position to qualify for State.

My staff and I are invested in your swimmer's growth, both as athletes and as young men. Thank you for being your swimmer’s biggest fan and trusting us to coach your kids. Looking forward to a great season,
Skyler