KISU’s Theresa Zunich was named the 11 and under coach of the year by Swim B.C.
It’s the first time in her 19-year coaching career that she has won an award. Yet, she doesn’t feel it’s her award.
“I don’t feel I won any award at all. The children that swam did it for me,” said Zunich, who was recognized at the 2015 Team Aquatic Supplies SwimBC/BCSCA Awards Banquet on Sept.26 in Whistler. “They are the ones that train hard and keep going and going day in, day out. They go to a swim meet and go out and race and they have fun.”
On the morning of Sept. 28, Zunich brought the award to the Penticton Community Centre to show the swimmers and told them it was theirs. The hard work they put in won it. While she would not stake claim to the award, receiving it was very special to her.
“I’ve worked really hard with this age group for many years,” said Zunich, who joined KISU in 2013 from Kamloops. “I like the energy these little ones have. They never question, they just do what’s asked. They keep going.”
Head coach Tina Hoeben said it’s a big honour that Zunich has received.
“I think it acknowledges the great job she has done coaching,” said Hoeben. “I do think we have exceptional 11 and under that helped out in that. You can’t win that award without great swimmers. Some of the credit definitely goes to them as well.”
That wasn’t the only recognition KISU earned. The club was also given honourable mention for B.C. Swim Club of the Year. The criteria for that is outstanding leadership in the roles of athletes and coaching performance, fundraising sponsorship for recruitment and community service.
“It really is dependent on our performance, a lot of the depth of the club and executive, how they do with fundraising and sponsorship and recruitment,” said Hoeben, adding that being a part of the community also enters the equation.”I think we did a great job of as well.”
