My 14 yo daughter has never had an official swim lesson, except maybe a few at the community center. Other than that, she is entirely self taught.
Just for shits and giggles, she decided to try out for her high school swim team. Tonight was the tryout, and Coach came over to talk to me. She told me Holls had a great physique for swimming and lots of raw potential. She just didn't know any techniques, breathing or turns, and that kept her too slow. However, if she could pick up some private lessons between now and when the team has to be finalized and shave off 15 seconds (!) from her time, she's on the team! In fact, the coach spoke of turning her into a diver next season.
Private lessons means $, but if this is her passion (and she's always swimming), and wants to do the work, I will support her. You just never know what can happen in 2020

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