In the sport of swimming there are many great coaches who can’t swim and many great swimmers who can’t coach. COTA’s head coach, Ryan Ciccarelli (aka – “Coach Chic”), embodies the rare and powerful combination of world class swimmer and talented swimming coach/stroke instructor. Here are some highlights from Coach Chic’s long list of swimming accomplishments:
• University of Texas Swimming and Diving Team, 1998-2002 (4-year full athletic scholarship)
• 2000 Olympic Trials participant in three swimming events
• Three-time NCAA National Champions Team Member
• Six-time All-American ranking in NCAA swimming
Coach Chic has been teaching and coaching swimmers in Austin , Texas for ten years. His professional coaching career began with T3 (Total Technique Training) – an organization specialized in teaching and coaching triathletes of all levels and ages. In 2004 he founded his own USA Swimming team, the Austin Texas Piranhas, where he has developed accomplished age group and senior
swimmers.
Coach Chic believes in providing his swimmers with meticulous stroke instruction to complement his demanding training regimen in order to prevent the injuries that can result from flawed strokes. He devises creative and varied approaches to help all swimmers master correct stroke techniques, and he encourages his swimmers to ask questions whenever needed. His practices are challenging but not predictable or boring, because Coach Chic understands that motivation to attend practice is key to becoming a strong swimmer!
