Coach Laurissa
Hometown: I live in Granger, but I am originally from Berne, IN
College: Indiana Wesleyan University
Total number of years of coaching experience: 10+
Coaching philosophy: My coaching/team philosophy is 4 parts for myself and athletes -
Responsible: in attitude and action -habits
Respectful: in words and body - etiquette
Relational: in toughness and togetherness - qualities
Rewardable: in process and progress - outcomes
My own coaching experience, accomplishments, honors & highlights: I was invited back to my Alma Mater to start the swim program at Indiana Wesleyan University in Marion, Indiana. While there, we qualified for the NAIA national meet every season and I was two time Mid-South conference coach of the year. I have been coaching the swim team and teaching swim lessons at Knollwood since 2021. I have also previously coached a high school team, summer swim team, and YMCA club team as well as cross country and track in Ohio.
Who I am as a Swim School Instructor: When I teach lessons I hope to push each student to continue to try new things, I try to teach in a student-led kind of way. I want to see what they can do and understand their personality. I often try to play games and hopefully get them to try things without realizing we are working on a specific skill. There is no perfect way and every kid is different (and I am far from perfect)… but if I try something that doesn’t work with that kid, I will try something different. I know some kids pick up on stuff quickly and others my take more time. Totally okay. I ultimately really want them to be safe in and around water, grow to love it, and gain skills!
How and why do you like to serve athletes and the sport of swimming? Swimming is a lifelong sport! I just want to see each swimmer take on the challenge and have a great time!
My own athletic experience, accomplishments, honors & highlights: I evolved my swimming career after high school, by beginning to focus on running and triathlon. I have participated in many races of many different distances. A few of my highlights include being a two-time USA Triathlon All-American, running the Boston Marathon twice, placing 4th overall as an amateur in the Chicago triathlon, winning the Indianapolis Triathlon, and qualifying for the 70.3 age group world championships (but didn’t go because I was pregnant).
How athletes should work with me: Ask questions! I love to know what the athlete is thinking and wants to know. (But also be a listener, there is reason why we ask you to do certain things!)
How parents should work with me: Ask questions! I want to know what the parents need to know and what i am forgetting to tell them!
My family: Ryan (husband), Kyndall, Brock, Hazen, Jersey, Cedar, Meko, Zane
Hobbies: Running, swimming, and hanging out with my family and at my kids activities!