USA Swimming’s Coach Development Academy (CDA) registration is now open for coach members in good standing. Launched last year, the four-day retreat helps coaches become more effective teachers and communicators through interactive, immersive educational sessions. Whether serving as a lead or assistant coach, the CDA will teach practical skills coaches can readily use with their athletes to increase engagement and provide opportunities to connect and network with other coaches. Registration for the retreat is available now here.  

“Last year, the inaugural Coach Development Academy sold out quickly, and we anticipate the same rush to register this year,” said Maggie Vail, USA Swimming Director of Education and Curriculum. “The impact on attending coaches was significant, driving a new format of professional development where learning flowed from both experts and peers. By strengthening teaching and communication skills, coaches drive better athlete outcomes, higher retention, and healthier training environments, making this a can’t miss opportunity at every level.”

Rooted in the United States Olympic and Paralympic Athlete Development Model, USA Swimming’s CDA is a professional opportunity designed for active, hands-on learning across a comprehensive framework of topics, including quality training sessions and harnessing athlete motivation.

“My favorite part of CDA was definitely the building quality workouts,” said Ruby Carlsruh, a 2025 attendee and Stingrays Swim Team Associate Director of Comp Aquatics. “Specifically, we went into dryland using the five keys (to a great experience), and I learned a lot from my peers with regard to what exercises and drills they do in dryland to correct stroke flaws.”

Providing a one-of-a-kind immersive experience at the La Foret Conference and Retreat Center in Black Forest, Colorado, attendees will leave with new connections from around the country. To further promote connection and learning, participants will work in age-group-specific cohorts on-site to apply their lesson plans.  

“My favorite part of the CDA was making connections nationwide,” said Victoria Palochik, a 2025 attendee and Blue Eagle Swim Team Assistant Swim Coach. “I swam and now coach in the same LSC, so it was cool to meet people from other zones and teams from across the country.”

The CDA will be held April 16-19, 2026, and will cost $425.00 per attendee. All meals, lodging, and ground transportation to and from Colorado Springs airport are covered in that fee.

All coaches who meet the following criteria are encouraged to apply:

• USA Swimming coach member in good standing;

• Coaches of all experience levels can benefit from the program; however, those with less than five years of coaching experience are especially encouraged;

• Passion to participate in a coaching community;

• Comfortable participating in an active, hands-on learning environment; and

• Must be 18 years old or older to attend.
  

For more information on the Coach Development Academy, click here.