OUR
BEGINNINGS & OUR STAFF
What if the parents of the
players made all of the decisions for the New York
Yankees? For years, swimming in the lake area
was run by a dedicated group of swimming parents who wanted their
kids to enjoy the sport. Unfortunately, some of these parents often
let their own desires and philosophies for their own children
dictate what the teams did as a whole. In many cases, this left the
team running around in circles, and never moving forward. Coaches
came and went like the latest pop group.
PJ
Keller and Andy Antonetz have both developed some of the fastest
and most talented swimmers to ever come out of the area.
Circumstances after Hurricane Rita provided the opportunity for
these two swimming experts to form a concept new to the area: A
swim team that was actually run and controlled by two swimming
professionals.
Swim Louisiana is a
team run and led by coaches, supported by parents and made special
by it’s athletes. We are about SWIMMING, and swimming fast.
We are about TEAM, and everyone being accountable for the success
of that team. We are about FAMILY, and ensuring that every swimmer
feels special. Most importantly, we are about FAITH and trusting
the Lord to guide our day to day decision making process.
The
initial objective of SWIM LOUISIANA is:
Bridge the swimming
community in southwest Louisiana and east Texas into one, unified
group of swimmers, parents, and coaches working toward a premiere
and elite swimming program.
The
mission statement of SWIM LOUISIANA is:
“The mission
of SWIM LOUISIANA is to make a positive difference in the lives of
children and youth, primarily through a coach run, parent supported
competitive swimming team, who focuses on the physical,
psychological and spiritually positive development of life skills
for each and every child who joins our program”
The
vision statement of SWIM LOUISIANA
is:
Continually strive
for competitive and financial success representative of the
swimmers, coaches and parents efforts and commitment to themselves,
the team and the sport.
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ANDY ANTONETZ, HEAD
COACH
SULPHUR
H.S. HEAD COACH
coachandy@swimlouisiana.com
Coach Andrew Antonetz has a
remarkable background in coaching and education. Coach Antonetz has
a masters degree in education with an emphasis in exercise science
from McNeese State University. Andy brings 35 years of coaching and
competitive experience to our stroke development through Gold
Groups. As a 4 year All-American and National Champion, he knows
what it takes to acheive competitive success,beginning with a solid
skill foundation.
Andy was named the LHSAA Region I
Coach of the year in 2002 & 2003, and the SWL Coach of the year
in 1993 & 1994. He was named the 1997 Virginia High School
Independent State Swimming and Diving Championship Coach of the
Year while coaching at Hargrave Military Academy. Coach Antonetz
has coached on a variety of levels in his career including the
University level. He has produced multiple State Champions in
Louisiana and Virginia at the USA age group level and high school
level. He has also sent many swimmers to the Junior
Nationals.
Andy also serves as a Physical
Education teacher for kindergarten to 5th grade at Moss Bluff
Elementary School in the Calcasieu Parish School System. He is also
the Head Coach of the Sulphur High School Varsity Swim Team.
Andy is a devoted and commited
Christian. He and his wife Charlotte have 3 children, Jessica (25),
Savannah (15), and Shane (12). In his spare time, Coach Andy enjoys
skiing, going to the beach and spending time with his
family.
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CAROLINE YOKUBAITIS - ASSISTANT
COACH
OLQH SITE
COACH
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Over 35
years of combined coaching experience!
