Welcome to Byrd Spring! My name is Jennifer Orta. I have been swimming since I was 3 years old and my parents built a pool in our backyard. I joined summer league swimming (Go Quail Valley Dolphins!) when I was 9 and fell in love with the sport. I eventually joined our club team, swam in high school and coached the Quail Valley Dolphins every summer when I was in college. I then used this experience to get my first job as a teacher at S.F. Austin High School in Sugar Land, TX. I was the Varsity swim coach of the Bulldogs for 4 years. I was selected by my peers as District Coach of the year in 2004 and I had swimmers place at the state level every year. All of this has led me to Byrd Spring, where I want my two sons, Stephen and Silas, to develop a love for the sport and create fun memories of being a part of something special. Byrd Spring is special, where learners become swimmers, swimmers become friends and we all join this community built on team spirit and a love for swimming. This is my second year as a coach for Byrd Spring, and my third year as a swim parent. I also teach at Grissom High School. Again, welcome to our team! I hope you and yours build memories and friendships that last a lifetime, and swimmers develop the skills and endurance to become lifelong swimmer.
COACHES EXPECTATIONS
● Listen, Listen, Listen!!! This means when a coach is speaking, all swimmers must stay quiet and remain courteous at all times.
● Be on time. Swimmers, please arrive at least 10 minutes before practice starts to stretch out and prepare to enter the pool.
● Go to practice. In joining this team, you have made a commitment to the team! The coaches understand there are other obligations, such as religious activities, academic requirements, family emergencies, sickness, job commitments, vacations, etc. Swimmers will not be penalized for any of these reasons; however they are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible.
● Respect!!! Swimmers must respect their teammates, other teams, other pools and their coaches. Being disrespectful to anyone is not tolerated. If a swimmer is being disrespectful he or she will be issued a warning and if it continues, parents will be brought in and how to resolve the issue will be discussed.
● Stay motivated and positive. An excellent attitude leads to excellent swimming. The coaches will do everything to make sure the team remains positive. In addition, coaches expect all swimmers to motivate each other and display leadership to one another.
● Give your best at every practice and meets. As coaches, we expect 100% at practice and meets. Give it your best try each time!
● HAVE FUN!!!
