Building a Parent Relationship for High Performance - Doug Wharam + Ken Heis 

Ken Heis and Doug Wharham discussed the importance of parent relationships in high-performance swimming. Heis, with 19 years of coaching experience, emphasized the need for alignment between athletes, parents, and coaches. Wharham, from the National Aquatic Club, highlighted the significant investment parents make and the challenges it presents. They shared strategies for building relationships, such as regular communication and setting expectations early. Examples included Carson Foster's detailed training plan and the importance of parental support. They also stressed the need for autonomy in athletes and the role of coaches in managing parental involvement to ensure long-term success.