06/03/2026
Tuesday Thoughts
Growing up in sports as a swimmer, I learned early that not every athlete thrives under the same coaching style. I watched incredibly talented friends burn out, lose confidence, or walk away from sports altogether, not because they lacked ability, but because the way they learned didn’t match the environment they were in.
Some athletes need the firm, loud coach who challenges them head-on. Some need creativity and problem-solving. Others need encouragement and reassurance while they build confidence. None of those approaches are wrong. They’re just different.
I think a lot of journeys end prematurely because people are afraid to think outside the box or consider a different path, program, or team. Sometimes growth requires a pivot.
Savannah is the kind of athlete who needs two things: she wants to be pushed to improve, and she needs to be reminded of where she is strong when things don’t go according to plan. As an artistic, visual learner, drawing patterns helps everything click. Matt recognized that almost immediately. From the beginning, he’s used visuals and diagrams to help her prepare and understand what success should look like before she ever enters the pen.
Kim Horn has added another piece to that puzzle. Before classes, she’ll have Savannah physically walk or run through her pattern, focusing on cadence, body position, timing, and feel. Building muscle memory before the run ever starts.
Those coaching styles connect with her instantly because they fit how she learns.
As parents, it’s important to understand that coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all. The best coach isn’t necessarily the most famous one, the toughest one, or the one everyone else wants to be with. The best coach is the one who can communicate in a way that helps your child grow.
Pay attention. Stay open-minded. Don’t be afraid to pivot when something isn’t working.
You don’t have to be on a certain team because it’s “cool.” You don’t have to follow the crowd. Growth happens where athletes are understood, challenged, and equipped to succeed.
Sometimes the difference between quitting and thriving is finding a coach who speaks your child’s language. So that they can reach their potential and not be crushed by the pressure.
