Saipan Swim Club’s Coach Lisa Kimball and senior swimmers Andrew and Grace will bid farewell next month as they head to Indonesia, ending an eight and a half year journey in Saipan.
“I have enjoyed coaching and getting to know so many people through swimming,” said Lisa Kimball, who’s been coaching in the SSC for six years.
“We’ve had a wonderful experience here and are sad to leave.”
Her children Grace and Andrew have long been active in the sport, representing the CNMI in several off-island events. The two took part in last year’s Micronesian Games at Palau, with the former joining the 2010 Short Course World Championships in Dubai and 2011 FINA World Championships in Shanghai.
Grace currently holds the 100-meter freestyle record in the girls’ 11-12 category.
With the Kimballs’ absence comes a new start for the club, which will have Michael Villagomez as its new head coach.
Villagomez has coached for five years and “will continue to teach, guide, and finely tune young swimmers to reach their swimming potentials,” said the SSC in a press release.
He began his career under Jean and Bill Sakovich, the founders of the swim club. He continued swimming at Vincennes University in Indiana before coaching in Saipan.
Professional triathlete Mieko Carey, who’s helped the SSC in the past, will join the club’s staff as an assistant coach for senior swimmers. Longtime member Gary De Guzman will continue coaching swimmers at the intermediate level.
“I am excited about the new people joining SSC both on the board and on the coaching staff. It is for the team,” Lisa told Variety.
“For the swimmers, train hard and listen to your coaches and you will see results. Most importantly enjoy what you do and support each other. By doing that you will develop a life-long love of swimming and friends that will last for a life time.
“Competitive swimming only lasts a short while, but a love of swimming will be with you forever. I will miss you all. It has been a great pleasure for me to watch those that I taught as beginners gain confidence in the water and be able to swim well whether for competition or just for fun. Some from my first groups are now swimming on the junior and senior team and it has been a privilege to coach them at that level. Keep up the good work,” she said.
“Lisa’s efforts and contributions to the SSC have been paramount. Her fellowship and guidance will be missed,” the club added.
Visiting Saipan will definitely be an option in the future said Kimball.
The SSC teaches swimming for all levels at the Kan Pacific Pool in Marpi from Monday to Saturday. For more information, call 287-7173 or send an email to coach@saipanswimclub.com.
