About Coach Swaim
My K-12 Experience |
I was born and raised in Athens, AL where I attended East Limestone HS K-12. My life revolved around sports growing up. Naturally, my favorite class was PE. My experience in sports includes high school soccer, cross country, and track and field.
I ran track from 7th-9th grade. I was proficient at the 1600m run, 800m run, 400m run and went to state as an 8th and 9th grader. In 11th grade, ELHS started their first cross country program. I competed proficiently and ran at the state preliminaries where I did not advance. I did not rejoin for my senior year. In 10th grade, I made the soccer team where I was mainly a sub, but did get to start as a defender. In 11th grade, I started regularly as a midfielder and occasionally as a striker. In 12th grade, I was voted co-captain and started at striker and helping lead our team to the State Final Four. I was also voted Most School Spirit by my peers. My high school experience was great and is a big reason why I wanted to become an educator. |
My Calhoun CC Experience |
After graduating high school, I attended Calhoun Community College as a Nursing major. I got a job as a work study employee at the IT Department. My job was to assemble and distribute all technologies the college needed.
In my second year at Calhoun, I changed my major to Athletic Training. I was also rehired for a second term as a work study employee for the IT Department. My job was the same as the year before, but I trained others and observed mainly. I finished my two years at Calhoun and left for the University of Alabama to continue my path to a degree in Athletic Training. During my time at Calhoun, I assisted in the operation and development of my alma mater's varsity boys soccer team. I knew that I loved soccer. In those two years, I realize that I loved coaching. |
My University of Alabama Experience |
Attending UA was one of the most exciting times of my life even though I was only there for one year. As an Athletic Training major, I got lucky enough to work with Women's Soccer, Softball, Cheer, and Men's and Women's Tennis.
There I became very proficient in all taping, wrapping, and stretching skills. I was also increasing my knowledge of how the human anatomy works and how hard we could push for the best possible results without injury. 150 applicants applied for the program when I had. 40 were asked for interviewed and 20 were accepted. I am very thankful for being a part of the interview process and for the opportunity they gave me, but I was not accepted. I really enjoyed my time at UA and the many friendships I made. I left my mark not only in the classroom, but on the intramural fields. I was named a weekly MVP 3x in flag football as a wide receiver, and 2x in softball as an outfielder. |
My Athens State Success Story |
After I was not admitted to the Athletic Training Program at UA, I immediately knew what I wanted to do. I loved my high school experience, I loved being active everyday, and I loved coaching soccer. In the summer of 2014, I applied to be a PE major at Athens State University. I met my adviser Dr. Mitchell. He was very honest with me saying it would be a long ride, because many of my college credits did not support my new degree plan.
My first year at ASU I met Dr. Bolen, who is the Health and PE Club sponsor. I wanted to be involved so I ran for Treasurer of the HPE Club. I won and met many staff members and students in the PE Department. I did my field experience that year at my Alma maters, Creekside Elementary and East Limestone HS. I returned to East Limestone HS to coach Middle School and Varsity Boys Soccer. My second year I was very familiar with ASU and ran for President of the HPE Club. I won and planned fundraisers, t-shirt orders, and trips to the State and National PE conventions. I did my field experience at Athens Elementary. I returned to East Limestone HS to coach JV and Varsity Boys Soccer. To be continued... |