USMS Award Recipient

U.S. Masters Swimming Kerry O'Brien Coaches Award



Recipient: Marilyn Grindrod
Year: 2008
LMSC: Pacific Northwest

The community of Poulsbo, Wash., offered no opportunities for adult swimmers beyond a few lap-swimming hours until Coach Marilyn Grindrod created the Olympic Aquatic Club Masters. Working with the board of directors of the local USS team, Marilyn secured the pool time and registered the new club with PNA. The word spread quickly and her lanes were soon flowing with triathletes, fitness swimmers, and competitive swimmers. Coach Marilyn is a natural with the Masters swimmers—creating workouts that challenge each swimmer at their own level while maintaining the cohesion of the team. This keen sense of leadership is the making of great Masters coaches.