As the boys swim team prepares to dive off the blocks at the starting buzzer, head coach Colin Chuang stands poolside, encouraging and guiding the next generation of swimmers. Having spent 12 years in the water as a competitive swimmer, Chuang brings passion and experience to the program.
He chose to coach his former high school team because of his attachment to the community and desire to instill a strong winning culture into the team. However, stepping into the role of coaching came with its own challenges. Chuang initially found it difficult to organize and keep track of every swimmer. He also struggled to make and maintain relationships with coaches from other schools. That being said, Chuang empathizes with his swimmers’ mental struggles, giving them necessary advice to improve. He ultimately hopes they feel proud to be a part of the swim team as he once was.
Chuang started swimming when he was 4, but eventually became a competitor at 9 in the fourth grade. Throughout his time in Walnut High School, he swam on varsity for all four years, serving as captain in his senior year. He won League and California Interscholastic Federation Champion and State Champion Swimmer. He also joined Mt. San Antonio College’s team for another two years to further develop his skills.
Following his active years in competition, Chuang decided to pursue his passion for the sport through coaching.
“To me, swimming builds discipline,” Chuang said. “It’s my job to encourage my swimmers so that they can overcome that pressure and be the best swimmer they can be.”
