GAME On The Sidline: Coach Cote

GAME On The Sidline: Coach Cote

GAME On the Sideline
Q & A with David Cote, Varsity Swimming Coach, Smithfield High
 

School Profile
Smithfield High School, The Sentinels
Smithfield, Rhode Island
Public enrollment, 850 students
78 Rhode Island Team Athletic Championships
First-year competing in Varsity Swimming

1) What’s been exciting about this season?

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Truthfully, each step of the way has been exciting for our team. The swimmers were very excited to receive their new warm-ups suits at the beginning of the season and they been having a great time at each meet. Also, we have introduced competitive swimming to a few new swimmers and they have been doing fantastic.

2) Where is your team going?

I think Smithfield Swimming will be very successful in the upcoming years at the high school level. Many young swimmers are currently on YMCA and club teams in our town and these programs keep getting bigger. The future for Smithfield Swimming looks very bright.

3) What’s been your greatest success as a coach?

Wins are always great but it is more satisfying when I can keep a swimmer involved in this sport. Each year, a swimmer will come up to me and say that he/she doesn't want to swim for the team anymore. I try to revive their interest, and it is most rewarding when they give it another try and then stay on the team.

4) What’s been your biggest failure?

I have had some good swimmers who have lost interest in competitive swimming and I was unable to keep involved in the sport.

5) What is your coaching experience?

I've been involved in competitive swimming for the past 10 years as a coach and as a swim official. Also, I have several years of experience as a baseball coach.

6) Who have been the best players you’ve coached?

I've been fortunate to have the opportunity to coach some great swimmers. It would be hard for me to name the best. In my mind, they are all the best!

7) How do you motivate your players?

I try to have the swimmers set goals at the beginning of the season and work hard toward achieving them. I challenge the swimmers with different events at each meet. Also, after each meet I select a swimmer from each team (Boys & Girls) as the "Monster of the Meet" and the swimmer is rewarded with a Monster drink. It's gimmicky but the kids enjoy finding out who the winner is after each meet!