The 2023 Women’s Leadership Summit concluded in May, bringing together 30 women leaders from 20 Local Swimming Committees (LSC). The program guides women swimming coaches with varying levels of experience through immersive educational sessions and interactive connection opportunities.

Occurring over two months, the four-part series included three extensive virtual sessions and one in-person weekend event at the La Forest Conference and Retreat Center in Black Forest, Colorado.

“This was my first time attending the USA Swimming Women’s Leadership Summit,” Wendy Lawrence, Asheville Jewish Community Center, said. “I am still a novice coach in the sport and was seeking to expand my knowledge of not only the rules of the sport but the business side of having a club team. Having a group of experienced women in the field really appealed to me and is one of the main factors that motivated me to sign up.”

“I thought it was going to be more of a lecture summit where I needed to take notes,” Amina Serir, CCA Marlins, said. “I went there open-minded and ready for something different. I was surprised by the way it all went, nothing like I imagined and so much better. I was involved and put in so many different situations to help me get out of my shell and learn to grow.”

The programming focused on:
1. Maintaining and enhancing both personal and professional coach wellness.
2. Identifying leadership strengths, taking pride in utilizing those strengths and supporting other coaches and athletes. 

“The summit was a great place to build relationships and learn from others,” Linnea Lee-Brown, Northeastern Swim Team, said. “Even as an introvert, it felt so natural to connect and the group was incredibly welcoming – both the other participants and our counselors. The Women’s Leadership Summit surpassed my expectations and opened my eyes to the power we have when we come together, especially given our diverse backgrounds and different sets of boundaries and perspectives.”

For the first time since the program’s inception, the participants were guided by summit facilitators,  notable USA Swimming women coaches Allison Brol (Nitro Swimming), Kathy Mendez (formerly King Marlin Swim Club) and Kathleen Prindle (Performance Aquatics). Summit participants and facilitators came from separate clubs ranging in size, working together to build comfort and expertise in leadership.

“My favorite part of Women’s Leadership Summit was talking with different age ranges of women from all over the country to get their perspective on coaching,” Tia Schultz, Cardinal and Gold Aquatics, said. “It was really interesting to hear the younger women talk about what they were going through and how it has changed for the better than when I started.”

Four participants received full scholarships, covering their program registration and accommodations to attend.

“If finances are limited, apply for the scholarships that are offered,” Lawrence said. “That is how I was able to attend and, as a result, received some of the most solid advice from some of the top women leaders in USA Swimming.”

Interested in attending a similar event? The 2023 Coaches Leadership Summit is currently accepting applications through August 16, 2023. For more information and to apply, visit the website here.