Swim coaches lack access to innovative techniques and collaborative support, impacting their ability to provide optimal swim training. A solution is needed to foster shared knowledge and mentorship, enhancing coaching and 
athlete development.

How might we facilitate coach-to-coach collaboration and mentorship to enhance their coaching abilities and collectively improve the swimming coaching landscape?

The proposed solution was the development of the Streamlined Swim Coaching App. This app aimed to provide a platform for swim coaches to collaborate, access shared workouts, and engage in a vibrant coaching community. It sought to bridge the gap between experienced and novice coaches, empowering them to improve their coaching techniques collectively.

• Can you share your coaching experience and your current coaching level?

• How do you typically create swim workouts and what factors influence your training plans?

• What resources or references do you use for coach improvement?

• Have you faced challenges in creating workouts, and how did you overcome them?

• How do you structure training sessions to balance skill development, endurance, and technique?

• Are there coaching techniques that you find effective for swimmers' progress?

• How do you seek opportunities for coaching knowledge and skills enhancement?

• Do you have mentors, and why do you consider them as such?

• What are your coaching goals and plans for career development?

The research conducted revealed valuable insights into the world of swim coaching, the challenges coaches face, and the opportunities to improve coaching practices.

Challenges in Coaching Landscape

• Coaches face challenges related to staying updated with emerging coaching techniques, managing time effectively, limited resources around them, and finding resources to support their coaching strategies.

Emphasizing Continuous Learning and Coach Collaboration

• Coaches prioritize continuous learning and mentorship, actively seeking resources to stay updated on coaching trends. They stress the significance of coach-to-coach collaboration and value learning from peers, fostering a vibrant coaching community.

Workout Creation

• Coaches emphasized the importance of creating workouts tailored to different swimmers' skill levels and needs. They appreciate resources that offer workouts for different difficulty levels and provide flexibility for modification. 

Swimmer Development

• Coaches share a passion for helping swimmers improve and find a love for the sport. They appreciate resources and strategies that enable swimmers to thrive, see growth, and succeed in their swimming journey.

Technology as a Resource

• All the interviewees, regardless of their experience level, utilize technology for coaching resources. They rely on online platforms, videos, and online communities to access workout ideas, and learn new techniques.

Three distinct personas who represent different facets of the swim coaching world. Emma, our learner, embodies the passionate assistant coach who constantly seeks ways to improve and connect with fellow coaches. Ryan, the enthusiastic novice head coach, is transitioning from a competitive swimmer to a coach and seeks mentorship and resources to kickstart his coaching career. Ally, the experienced coach, is a seasoned professional aiming to stay at the forefront of coaching practices while contributing her expertise to the coaching community. These personas bring a rich diversity of experiences, goals, and challenges to the table, forming the basis for creating a swim coaching app that caters to the unique needs of coaches at different stages of their coaching journey.

Emma, aspiring to be an impactful swim coach, starts her journey seeking coaching resources and mentorship, and the app becomes her learning hub. Ryan, transitioning from athlete to coach, grapples with the challenges of his new role, and the app empowers him to build confidence and create customized training plans for his swimmers. Meanwhile, Ally, an experienced coach, harnesses the app's innovation and mentorship opportunities to elevate her coaching techniques. These journeys collectively illustrate the app's role in catering to diverse coaching needs, challenges, and aspirations, fostering a supportive community of coaches.