NEWS RELEASE

Sarah Beauman, the head Danville High School swimming and diving coach, swam for DHS herself as a student. The Danville Independent School District asked her about her experience and how she stepped up when the team needed a coach.

• Tell me a bit about your past experience as a coach, and as an athlete.

This was my second year as the Aqua Ads Swimming and Diving coach. Many years ago I was the assistant coach with Marc Williams. Growing up, I swam for DHS and the Danville Country Club. I was on a swim team for 13 years. My favorite events were 100 fly and 200 IM.

• What to you is the importance of the swim team’s legacy? What made you want to be the head coach?

I stepped up when the team needed a coach. There were swimmers and divers with years invested in the sport, some following in the footsteps of their older siblings and/or parents. It is important to me to see the Aqua Ads tradition continue and grow.

• What about your team makes you most proud?

I have enjoyed watching the team grow and become more confident in the sport. It makes me proud to see leaders emerge both in and out of the water.

• What qualities or values do you hope to instill in your swimmers?

I hope to instill the importance of having self-discipline and a positive attitude. Swimming isn’t a glamorous sport. Most of the time you have your head in the water and someone is telling you not to breathe. It takes a lot of practice and dedication to become a fast swimmer or a high-scoring diver. I feel pretty lucky to get to watch as these teenagers finally see their hard work pay off.