The Woodlands Swim Team, home to current national team member Michael McBroom, has held a steady presence among USA Swimming’s best swim clubs, finishing fourth in the 2016 Silver Medal club rankings. 

Led by head coach Tim Bauer, who has been with the team for more than two decades, The Woodlands and its 400+ swimmers and coaches emphasize a team-first mentality that has helped to build a fun environment and dedicated group of swimmers. 

“We’re a very unique team when it comes to making swimming a team sport, and I wish more teams would do that,” Bauer said. “It makes swimming a lot more fun and our retention numbers show that.”

With championship meet season just around the corner, the team is focused on winning the age group and senior LSC championships, in addition to adding more world championship trials and summer junior nationals qualifiers. 

Bauer outlines more keys to the team’s success in this week’s Club Excellence spotlight. 

1. We’ve had great continuity within our staff over a long period of time, as well as common ground amongst our staff with our goals and vision for the team. 

2. We have an unbelievably dedicated group of athletes who believe in the process and what they can accomplish. They’re willing to work and do the things they need to do to be successful. 

3. We have one of the best age group systems in the country, where kids strive to get to the highest level, and they continue that success through the senior ranks. 

4. We’re blessed to have a supportive board that works with the coaches and tries to do what’s best for the whole team. 

5. We treat swimming as a team sport, not an individual sport. We do a lot of team activities; we believe that relays come first, and if the team has success then individuals will have success. There’s no I in team.