We are pleased to announce Tegan Smith as the winner of the Swim England West Midlands Artistic Swimming Development Coach of the Year Award 2024.
Tegan is a dedicated and passionate coach who is making a huge impact on the Artistic Swimming community. Her ability to nurture and support her swimmers to achieve their goals is part of what makes her a worthy winner of this award.
“Tegan was the head coach for the Midlands Regional Artistic Swimming Squad and the Warwickshire County Development Squad, and a volunteer coach at City of Birmingham, alongside completing the final year of her ‘International Law’ degree at the University of Birmingham. After leading the Midlands squad to a 2023 Regional Games victory, a second place in 2022, she managed to secure another top-3 finish at this year’s games with a third place as the youngest head coach (again). The magnitude of this proves consistency of strong coaching, especially as the average age and ability of her 2024 squad was lower.”
Tegan is deserving of this award for she created a thriving, hard working environment at Midlands training, where many young swimmers were inspired- evidenced by the swimmers’ significant improvements made in competition results.
“In November, 3 of her 2023 Regional squad swimmers made it into the England Talent Pathway. In March, 2 more of her 2024 swimmers were invited to train in the National Programme at just the ages of 10 and 11. The parents of said swimmers have attributed this success to Tegan’s coaching and influence in their children’s journeys.“
“However, she does not just strive for results. For Tegan, these successes are an added bonus. Through her coaching, she always aims to spread her passion for artistic swimming regardless of ability or background.”
“This year, she held taster sessions at the Sandwell Aquatic Centre for primary school children in conjunction with ‘School Games’ and the ‘Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Legacy’. To range from teaching children who have never worn a nose clip, to those winning national medals shows the extensive range of her abilities and the depths of her knowledge, enthusiasm, and expertise.”
“The swimmers always ‘come away full of stories after a session and value the guidance, advice and support”
“The effect of Tegan’s teaching has increased the confidence of quieter swimmers, for Tegan herself used to be one of these, along with creating a nurturing environment where everyone can have fun and are not afraid to push themselves and realise their full potential.”
Well done Tegan!
Stay tuned for our other Regional Award Winners, as well as a summary of all the winners and runners-up from 2024.
Award winners will be invited to the Swim England National Awards Ceremony in November, and their name will go forward for consideration to receive a National Award.
Thank you to everyone who completed a nomination, and congratulations to everyone who was nominated. We are so proud of our fantastic Aquatics community in the West Midlands.