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

Recipient:	Donita Flecker
Year:	2021
LMSC:	Pacific

A USMS Level 3 Coach and Adult Learn to Swim Instructor, Donita founded Sebastopol Masters Aquatic Club (SMAC) in 2013. During the pandemic the city pool facility was no longer able to support the masters program so she pivoted and switched the structure to be a privately owned club. This resulted in a 90% increase in membership in SMAC and Gold Club Status. She was named the 2020 Pacific Masters LMSC Coach of the Year. She served nationally on the USMS Diversity and Inclusion Committee (2019-21), the Coaches Committee (2022), and the Ad Hoc Adult Learn-to-Swim Programming Committee (2023). Donita was also the recipient of the 2022 USMS Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award.
 
Donita is known to be attentive to all levels of swimmers regardless of whether they are novices or experienced competitors.