Coach Steve

One of the first activities we did as a family after moving to Texas was to join the Northampton Neighborhood Swim team.  We met so many people doing this.  I love that swim team is a family event.  We all go together and then different ages compete at the same event. There was a big BUT for us, we had never learned the strokes before our big Texas move.  The first year we seam Pooker was already in high school.  Everyone else in her age group had been swimming for years.  This was true for Goobers, Bear and Sugar.  Possible was young enough that she didn't start with a disadvantage.  These older kids made a decision to give it there all.  The coach that they had to work with was incredible.  He took each kid where they were and just encouraged them to do better.  He affectionately called each member of the T family Dani appropriately Little Dani 1, Little Dani 2 etc.  Every year when would announce another baby on the way he would be thrilled for us to have another Little Dani.  The Cuda sticker on our van didn't have each name on it but said "little Dani gang".  I know that my kids enjoyed that first swim team experience because of the devotion and kindness of Coach Steve.  

To be honest we were not the only ones that loved Coach Steve.  He had triplets that are Goober's age.  Coach and his family were known and loved by the community.  

Bill Hinds, the creator of Cleats had swimmers on our team as well. He designed the team image, which I just thing was so cool.  

Mr. Hinds always has a few swim team comics each year. These are always our favorite ones.  One of his coaches was based on our own coach Steve.  

We were all happy for them but sad for the Cuda's when Coach Steve and his family moved north. We have kept in touch over the years through Christmas cards and Facebook.  His last visit into town he came by for a quick visit.  My swimmers old and new were honored and excited. 

As often happen, Pooker said is best on Facebook:

"Soooo this guy came to town! One of my favorite coaches growing up. He helped our family feel welcomed and apart of the team/neighborhood. It is not easy joining a swim team at 13 with no experience, but he helped a lot! Still never mastered breaststroke, in-spite of all your bench practice sessions, but I did learn a lot about trying new things and community. Coach Steve, thanks for being a great part of our summers! So nice to see you!"