9.19.24 CCACC Sports' High-quality Swimming Programs
CCACC Sports, one of the seven departments under the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC), has been dedicated to enhancing the sports and fitness levels of community residents since its establishment in May 2022.
In June of this year, CCACC Sports underwent a significant reform in its swimming programs with the launch of the Quince Orchard Swim Academy (QOSA). The formation of this professional team and the investment in the program have resulted in a comprehensive upgrade of the swimming courses and their management. This innovation aims to provide high-quality swimming introduction to the community, catering to the needs of learners of all ages for various levels of swimming skills.
As an exceptional swimming education platform, QOSA focuses on providing high-quality swimming instruction with personalized training, emphasizing teamwork and water safety education. The academy aims to build confidence in learners and inspire a lifelong passion for swimming.
QOSA is spearheaded by Mr. Phil Zen, the former director of CCACC Sports, and includes two elite professionals from the Montgomery County swimming training community, Ms. Shannon English and Mr. Kyle Brown, who jointly manage the program. Additionally, the QOSA coaching team boasts extensive experience in swimming instruction, including several coaches certified by the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA), ensuring professional swimming techniques and teaching credentials.
QOSA Managers Introduction
Shannon English (Head Coach & Director of QOSA)
She has been a USA Swim certified coach, an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) program director, and an ASCA Level 3 Gold Medal coach for 17 years. She has also served as the head coach of the Manchester Farm and Lakelands Lionfish swim teams in the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL).
Under Ms. Shannon's expert guidance, several swimmers have set records in the Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS) and Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL), including one who was ranked number one in the nation.
Her qualifications are extensive, including CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches. She is also a certified Swim America Site Supervisor. These qualifications attest to her dedication and impact on the sport of swimming.
Kyle Brown (Assistant Head Coach & Deputy Director of QOSA)
After becoming a coach for the USA Club Team in 2005, Mr. Kyle developed a deeper passion for coaching swimming. He began with teaching and gradually advanced to become an ASCA Level 3 certified coach and a USA Swim certified coach.
Additionally, Mr. Kyle holds several certifications, including: CPR/AED, American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid. His university years were marked by his role as an Assistant Head Coach for various MCSL teams. Mr. Kyle, with his meticulous coaching style, inspires each swimmer and helps them make progress in both their swimming techniques and confidence.
QOSA Fall Indoor Swimming Classes
Since QOSA officially began operations in June of this year, it has successfully completed its first summer session, with approximately 90 children participating in each tryout and maintaining stable registration numbers. This is a significant achievement for the newly established QOSA. To continue providing uninterrupted swimming services to the community year-round, QOSA is now offering Fall Indoor Swimming Classes, allowing participants to enjoy swimming throughout the different seasons. Here is an overview of the Fall Indoor Swimming Classes:
Learn-To-Swim
The program features five skill levels designed for students aged 3 to 18, aimed at developing fundamental swimming skills and serving as the perfect starting point for beginners. The classes focus on teaching the four competitive strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Coaches provide personalized instruction based on each swimmer's level to ensure that every participant masters the essential techniques.
Course Duration: 09/23/2024 – 12/08/2024 (including makeup sessions)
Stroke Clinic
The Stroke Clinic is designed for swimmers aged 5 to 12 who need to further enhance their skills. This course requires participants to be proficient in the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly) and to be able to swim half the length of the pool in each stroke. Training will take place in the deep end of the pool, where coaches will focus on refining technique and improving endurance.
Course Duration: 09/23/2024 – 12/08/2024 (including makeup sessions)
Swim Team Prep
The Swim Team Prep is suitable for swimmers aged 5 to 18 who are preparing to join competitive swim teams. Participants in this course include athletes from summer league and community high school swim teams. Swimmers enrolling in this program must be able to complete 25/50 meters by each of the four competitive strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly). Coaches will assist swimmers in preparing thoroughly for higher-level competitions during the course.
Course Duration: 09/23/2024 – 12/08/2024 (including makeup sessions)
Ms. Shannon, the director of QOSA, states that as swimming continues to evolve, QOSA is also making strides. Moving forward, we will focus on phased staff training and implement more creative teaching strategies to attract and inspire students. Additionally, QOSA plans to arrange various competitions and out-of-town meets for swimmers in the near future, providing them with opportunities to showcase their skills and gain practical experience.
The establishment of QOSA marks a significant step forward for the CCACC in advancing community swimming education and development, infusing new vitality into the community. As swimmers grow and develop in the water, QOSA will serve as a launching pad for their pursuit of excellence at different stages. We look forward to more families and individuals benefiting from this innovative and high-quality swimming education platform, making swimming a symbol of health and vitality within the community.
Please note: We would like to extend special thanks to Ms. Shannon English, Director of QOSA, Mr. Kyle Brown, Associate Director, and Coaches Aaron Zhao and Diwen Chen for providing the information.
(Article by CCACC Administrative Office)
Swimmers in the shallow end of the pool.
Coach Aaron Zhao provides patient guidance to swimmers from the stands.
Coach Aaron Zhao (left) and Coach Diwen Chen (right) teach together.
