PreNational

Pre-National is designed for high school age swimmers who are training towards Region VIII Sectionals qualification and are looking to transition to the National Group. Emphasis is placed on improved techniques, aerobic conditioning, increased dryland activities, goal setting, and race strategy. National level training concepts and philosophy are introduced and developed. Pre-National will have a minimum of 6 swimming sessions and 1-2 dryland sessions per week.  Pre-National swimmers are expected to regularly participate in local, travel and Championship meets for which they qualify, as outlined by the Head Coach.

Expectations:

  • Pre-National swimmers are expected to have a minimum attendance of 75%, with a recommendation of 100% attendance unless excused in advance by the coaches. 
  • Pre- National swimmers are expected to follow the focus meet schedule as outlined by the coaches.  Training cycles and rest/taper periods will be based around the focus meet schedule

Entry Requirements:

  • Attendance: Commitment to the sport through consistent practice and meet attendance as recommended by the coaching staff in alignment with group expectations.
  • Attitude: Consistently show the maturity and personal accountability to succeed and improve. Have shown a desire and ability to push through individual comfort zone, taking on challenging practices and goals with positivity. Shown leadership in current group and upheld Blazer values.

Training Metrics:

  • 300 Kick for Time 5:00 or faster
  • 12 x 100 @ 1:20 Free (holding 1:15 or faster)
  • 12 x 100 @ 1:30 IM (holding 1:25 or faster)

Performance Metrics:

  • 1 USA Swimming Motivational 15-16 A time  
  • 2000+ IMX score

Fall Base Practice Schedule
Monday: 4:30-6:20pm SMAC & 6:45-7:30pm DL at MCAC
Tuesday: 4:30-6:30pm SMAC
Wednesday: 5:30-7:00am SMAC & 4:30-6:20pm SMAC & 6:45-7:30pm DL at MCAC
Thursday: 4:30-6:30pm SMAC
Friday: 4:30-6pm SMAC
Saturday: 7:30-9:30am SMAC

 

Upcoming Events

Coaching Staff

Kelly Timson, PreNational Lead Coach
Email: blazerscoachkelly@gmail.com

Office Hours: Monday 9:00-12:00, Tuesday 10:00-2:00, Thursday 10:00-2:00

Kelly swam at Iowa State University and has coached high school and club teams for more than 18 years. In 2012, she was named Illinois Swimming Association Coach of the Year, having coached athletes to National High School records along the way. One of Kelly’s high school athletes, Olivia Smoliga, continued on to win an Olympic gold. Most recently, Kelly has been the Head Swim Coach at Notre Dame de Sion High School and the Assistant Girls Swim Coach at Blue Valley North High School.  

Kelly has spent the last 20 years as a chemistry teacher in Illinois and the Kansas City area. She is married to Joe and has 3 children: Maddy, Drew, and Zoey.