Steve Bultman, Terry Ganley & McGee Moody – Panel on Athlete Progression: Developing Athletes from Good to Great 

The panel discussed the strategies and philosophies of top college swimming coaches in developing athletes. McGee Moody emphasized the importance of recruiting athletes with specific intangibles and the need for a strong strength program. Terry Ganley highlighted the significance of club coach relationships and the pride factor in recruiting homegrown talent. Steve Boltman stressed the importance of technique and commitment, using examples like Bria Larson. The coaches agreed on the necessity of clear communication with recruits and their families, and the value of creating a supportive team environment. They also acknowledged the challenges posed by potential NCAA rule changes and the importance of financial stability in maintaining successful programs. The discussion emphasized the importance of honesty and thorough evaluation in the college recruiting process. Speakers highlighted the need for recruits to align with the team's values and culture, noting that initial impressions can change over time. They shared experiences of making tough decisions based on behavior and fit, even if the recruit was highly skilled. Club coaches were advised to proactively communicate with college coaches about promising athletes. The use of databases like CollegeSwimming.com was recommended for organizing recruit information. The conversation underscored the collaborative effort between club and college coaches for the benefit of student-athletes.