RIPTIDES COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Mike Godwin
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
I started as a lifeguard in high school. I have run pools in Goldsboro and Greenville. I have created 3 separate swim teams from scratch and 2 complete swim lesson programs. Although I have never swam competitively, I train and certify swim instructors to teach 6 different strokes.
2. How long have you been affiliated with Riptides?
Since it started. This is the third team I have created in my career but the first year-round program. I have handled the admin duties since the beginning of Riptides.
3. What would the swimmers be surprised to find out about you?
I never swam competitively. My high school was small and had no swim team.
4. What is your favorite stroke to swim? To coach?
Freestyle to swim, it's kind of like running with the myriad of different ways to practice (and I hate running). I love teaching Breaststroke, it's so complex but when broken down it can be so simple in its movements and rhythm.
5. What is your favorite part of coaching?
I'm motivated by accomplishment. Each day we should all accomplish something. I enjoy watching swimmers take what we give them and accomplish things they didn't know were possible.
6. What advice would you like to share with the Riptides team?
I want this team to understand that you can work hard, swim fast, and have fun. Swimming does not have to be over-serious or a 7 day a week commitment to be meaningful.
Coach: Shelby South