Nicole Harmon “The Fish” – Being a Young Coach, Coaching Young Athletes 

Don Haidery introduces Nicole, a young coach from Northern Virginia, who discusses her journey from a swimmer at Coastal Maine Aquatics to a head age group coach at the Fish. Nicole emphasizes the importance of coaching young athletes and shares her coaching philosophy, which includes being patient, compassionate, and adaptable. She describes her team's structure, including six primary training groups, and highlights the challenges and rewards of coaching diverse age groups. Nicole also discusses the importance of building camaraderie, earning credibility from parents, and the significance of nonverbal cues in understanding swimmers' needs.