Thursday, May 19, 2022
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Trailblazers: MJ Truex
As a second-generation Asian American, USA Swimming’s Senior Director of Team Services and Coach and Athlete Development, MJ Truex, gives us insight on how deeply entrenched her Filipino culture is in her identity.
In 1969, her parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines and worked towards their citizenship. While Truex and her sister grew up in America, their Filipino culture was a huge part of their everyday experiences.
Truex is a direct product of this sport. She grew up swimming under Coach Richie Finkelstein on the Flushing YMCA Flyers, where she was able to gain experiences and opportunities she believes might not otherwise had happened.
“I was so fortunate to have grown up on a program that had diversity and also to swim for a coach—shout out to Richie Finkelstein—who was completely athlete-centered and focused on us as whole individuals,” Truex said. “Swimming for him really provided an environment where I felt a deep sense of belonging to this sport as a whole, and that was the springboard to a lifelong love that continues to this day.”
It was swimming under Finkelstein that led to Truex coaching on both the club and collegiate level, and now working to serve USA Swimming members in the Sport Development Division.
“In 2004 I had my oldest daughter and stepped off the deck for a short stint, but that life transition created the opportunity to move to Colorado Springs,” she stated. “It created the foundation for my role and involvement with USA Swimming at the national office.”
In accordance with the American Development Model (ADM), Truex had the opportunity to play other sports while growing up. She co-captained her high school’s Ultimate Frisbee team both her junior and senior year.
“I tried every other sport under the sun before finding my love for swimming,” said Truex. “It was also really special to help my own kids find their joy in athletics too.”
As we look at both the deep history of this sport and the goals we have for our future, Truex can give valuable insight to how we can continue to become more inclusive.
“We really must place more value and time connecting with each other in meaningful and authentic ways. I believe relationship building is truly the main ingredient to successful collaboration and bridging the gaps between what we know and don’t know. This process takes time and requires maintenance. It doesn’t happen automatically, so there is a certain level of work and attention that goes into this concept. Having connections and relationships with people from different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints will only enrich our lives. It’s what helps each of us continue to learn and expand beyond our current thinking and beliefs. It’s not meant to change our minds or values, but to expand beyond what our current thinking of truth is. This is something every single one of us can do, and if we each commit to it, it can move our sport in the direction we hope for, where we have greater community, accountability and appreciation for the people that are part of our sport.”
The ability to listen to personal experiences of thousands of coaches, athletes and families across the country has enhanced her current role with USA Swimming. There is so much this sport can teach our members, but one thing holds true – we are a family.
“Swimming is life, right? To quote Ted Lasso, it is just like football…it’s the vehicle that teaches us about connection, character, competence and confidence. It is a place where we can find belonging, community and love of many forms.”
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In 1969, her parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines and worked towards their citizenship. While Truex and her sister grew up in America, their Filipino culture was a huge part of their everyday experiences.
Truex is a direct product of this sport. She grew up swimming under Coach Richie Finkelstein on the Flushing YMCA Flyers, where she was able to gain experiences and opportunities she believes might not otherwise had happened. “I was so fortunate to have grown up on a program that had diversity and also to swim for a coach—shout out to Richie Finkelstein—who was completely athlete-centered and focused on us as whole individuals,” Truex said. “Swimming for him really provided an environment where I felt a deep sense of belonging to this sport as a whole, and that was the springboard to a lifelong love that continues to this day.”
It was swimming under Finkelstein that led to Truex coaching on both the club and collegiate level, and now working to serve USA Swimming members in the Sport Development Division.
“In 2004 I had my oldest daughter and stepped off the deck for a short stint, but that life transition created the opportunity to move to Colorado Springs,” she stated. “It created the foundation for my role and involvement with USA Swimming at the national office.”
In accordance with the American Development Model (ADM), Truex had the opportunity to play other sports while growing up. She co-captained her high school’s Ultimate Frisbee team both her junior and senior year.
“I tried every other sport under the sun before finding my love for swimming,” said Truex. “It was also really special to help my own kids find their joy in athletics too.”
As we look at both the deep history of this sport and the goals we have for our future, Truex can give valuable insight to how we can continue to become more inclusive.
“We really must place more value and time connecting with each other in meaningful and authentic ways. I believe relationship building is truly the main ingredient to successful collaboration and bridging the gaps between what we know and don’t know. This process takes time and requires maintenance. It doesn’t happen automatically, so there is a certain level of work and attention that goes into this concept. Having connections and relationships with people from different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints will only enrich our lives. It’s what helps each of us continue to learn and expand beyond our current thinking and beliefs. It’s not meant to change our minds or values, but to expand beyond what our current thinking of truth is. This is something every single one of us can do, and if we each commit to it, it can move our sport in the direction we hope for, where we have greater community, accountability and appreciation for the people that are part of our sport.”
The ability to listen to personal experiences of thousands of coaches, athletes and families across the country has enhanced her current role with USA Swimming. There is so much this sport can teach our members, but one thing holds true – we are a family.
“Swimming is life, right? To quote Ted Lasso, it is just like football…it’s the vehicle that teaches us about connection, character, competence and confidence. It is a place where we can find belonging, community and love of many forms.”
Do you or someone you know have a valuable story to tell? Send in your news tip here.