Testimonials
We're not ones to toot our own horn... well, not too much, anyway, but here are a handful of the many e-mails and notes we've received that made us feel really good about the Mako team. Thanks for all of your support!
Heather Coulson
Head Coaches
P.S. Please note that actual names have been changed.
Great! I have to tell
you what a pleasure it has been for my daughter to join the Makos this
year. She swam last summer for the first time at a local pool, initially
not even knowing the proper way to execute each stroke. She was at the
bottom of the pack, pretty much ignored, and made a little progress. She
was a little overwhelmed, starting a new sport at 12 years old, with kids
who have been swimming for many years. But she did have a great time,
and got a taste of swimming.
She wanted to keep swimming after the summer, and we looked around at
the various teams. We knew one girl on Makos who loved it, and several
on [a competitor's team] who were, to say the least, less enthusiastic
about their club - so off to Makos she went. She started out swimming
2 days a week, and moved to 3. Noah has been teriffic with her. He has
challenged her as she made progress, moved her to more challenging groups,
worked her harder, etc. She now loves swimming more than ever, and has
made great progress over the season. Makos has become great place for
her. There is always [a competitor's team] practice going on at the same
time at the Freedom Center, and the difference in attitude and enjoyment
between their practices and your's is night and day.
To learn more, I went through the S&T judge class, and are working on
getting enough meets in to get my certifiction. My daughter and I both
worked the Special Olympics meet, and it was great time. Tony Fitz does
a great job with the officials, and has been really helpful to me as well.
As anyone running any organization, I imagine you hear the complaints,
but less of the compliments. You run a great program, and should be very
proud. See you at the Blue and Gold meet Sunday. Thanks again!
Heather -
I can’t believe it’s been 8 years since my little girl started swimming with you, and I can’t believe the improvements. If you’d have told me 8 years ago that "Jilly" could swim as well as she has, I wouldn’t have believed it, and I attribute all of her improvement to you two and your staff. You made her feel special and important all of these years, and it’s helped her grow as a person which is the most important thing. She loves swimming and hopes to continue in the sport as a coach (so in 4 years when she gets out of college and you’re looking for coaches, keep her in mind). "Jackie" and I want to thank you for all you’ve done for Jilly.
Heather -
Thank you for everything! You really are the best program around. You make it so easy for the parents and the swimmers. "Julianne" has regained her love for swimming which I was afraid was gone forever!
Heather -
I swam competitiviely for sixteen years and feel like I know a thing or two about the sport. My children have grown so much, not just in swimming but as little people ever since I started them in Makos last fall and then again under Coach Michael Kapaldo's lead this summer. This is a great attestment to your program and our family looks forward to participating again this fall. For this, we thank you.
Heather -
We'd like to take the opportunity to thank you for working with "Janine" over the past year and a half. Through hard work and good training she was able to achieve her goal of swimming at the college level. Thanks for helping her achieve this goal.
Dear Heather -
This was our first year with Makos, and it was a short one, at that, as "June" didn't start until after Christmas. But, I have to say I was very impressed with the way you ran the program. Very informative to parents and organized at the meets. Of course, we love Coach Mike too, who brought us to Makos in the first place. Thanks for a great winter season.
Dear Makos-
On behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation,
I want to thank you SO MUCH for the absolutely incredible St. Patrick's
Day Swim-a-thon fundraiser in honor of Christian Knoble. I have never
been more impressed by the enthusiasm, generosity, and skill of a group.
It was an honor to be part of it. Please know how much your efforts mean
not only to Christian and his family and the Arthritis Foundation, but
also to all of the children in our area who have arthritis. You should
be very proud of yourselves!!!
What an amazing event- I will never forget it! Thank you from the bottom
of our hearts.
Heather -
Just wanted to dash off a quick note to thank you for getting "James" into the Friday night HS Developmental Group. In one hour, he went from being a reluctant swimmer to looking foward to next week. Coach Billy took time ith him and the other kids were just great!"
Heather-
"Jon" is really enjoying being part of Mako - and my husband has been really impressed with the spirited, enthusiastic, team-oriented way that practice is run. Jon can be pretty intense, and is usually very tentative in new situations, so we're thrilled that this transition to a new club has gone so smoothly. He had taken a break from USS swimming last winter, and I think the fact that he knows so many of the other swimmers at Mako, and is now in high school himself, has made getting back into swimming much more enjoyable for him.
Dear Heather -
I thought I'd share my first impression of Coach Mike Cook. I was very impressed that he was in the water last night with at least the two different sessions that "Jane" and "Julie" were in. Both the girls said how much they liked him. This morning I read his homework sheet and it really left me with a warm feeling that change is good and that it is going to be a great season. It appears that you really obtained another quality coach!
Heather-
We are packing and will be moving [out of town] in the next few weeks. We wanted to thank you for introducing "Jaelin" and "Jim" to swimming, they really enjoyed their time with your team. The Mako's will be a hard standard to meet with whoever they swim with! You both should be proud of the fine organization you have created. The coaching is fantastic and you really have the right balance in the approach.
Dear Heather -
Just a quick note to let you know that with all the great coaching last winter "Jax" broke our pool record for free, which has not been broken since 1987. Also, he has a number one standing this week for NVSL. Thanks - looking forward to another great season for both of my kids!
Dear Heather -
I have found your program wonderful. I enjoyed the team spirit shown at the Snowball Splash. "Joanie" had a problem with her butterfly stroke. Your instructors made her comfortable and improved her attitude and stroke 100%!
Heather -
Wow! My kid is going to States! Thanks for all you do to support "Jodie"
and all the other Mako swimmers. You have given them a great gift--the
ability to believe in themselves because you believe in them. You guys
are the best.
Heather -
...Your hard work shows in all your swimmers, and your warmth is infectious. The kids, young or old, shows a lot of this. Not only do you infuse the importance of training and dedication, you also teach them the significance of respect to themselves, to their peers, and to their parents. God Bless you and your family.
Heather -
Thanks for a great first session! Looking foward to this one. Thank you for all you do! Please pass along our thanks to Phil, too!
Heather -
I also wanted to tell you how pleased all of the parents and the kids are about the Swim and Rock meet. You and all of the coaches worked really hard getting the kids ready and it was obvious by their performances. They absolutely rocked. Congrats!!! You should be very proud of this tremendous accomplishment. #1 against all of those teams!!! The team and the families are also much more cohesive than in the past. You can really see it. I think that the trip to camp Hemlock was very valuable to all of the kids in the senior group in helping them to really become closer team members. You know that I think that you are both terrific people and coaches... but I wanted you to know how much this meet meant to so many other families. Everyone is really on a high. Well done!!! You Rock!!!
Heather -
Just wanted to drop a quick note about my daughter's practice on Friday...."Jasmina" swims at 5:30 with age group 2....Coach Billy has been working with them the past two weeks and is doing a great job...He was very hands-on, very encouraging and supportive....and seemed to be working very hard to help the swimmers...Please let him know that we appreciate his enthusiasm ....It's a great way to start the year.
Heather -
"Josephine" had a great year, she still loves swimming -- that's a testiment to a wonderful program and wonderful coaches."
Heather -
Thank you both for such a wonderful experience in your program. "Julie" had a blast! She may not be the fastest swimmer, but she learned so much AND some of her times improved. I truly appreciate all you do! We are looking foward to next year!"
Heather -
...again, thanks for such a great year. "Jack" & "Jerry" really enjoyed their year with Makos. They swam well and made friends and had a really good time. We're looking forward to the summer season as well as next fall. Thanks for everything!
Dear Heather -
I just want to let you know how wonderful I think this team is and how
professional your staff is. My children swim in the Developmental and
Age Group 2 groups. Every time I take my children to the pool I know that
I am entrusting them with terrific coaches. The patience that all of your
coaches hold is truly amazing. Especially Christy and Patrick in the rec
pool with the little guys. I know from personal experience that keeping
control of a group of kids that age can be very tough, but those two are
quite a team. My other child in AG2 loves his coach. He comes home after
every practice talking about how great Billy is. I've watched Billy coach
before and I can see why he is a role model to my son. He is funny and
yet at the same time mature enough to make sure that my son gets the most
out of every practice. I would also like to applaud you on having a terrific
system in place to let us now about pool closings and upcoming meets.
It is really helpful to know these things ahead of time and you two do
an excellent job of keeping us parents aware. Once again, I just want
to give you guys a thumbs up and as my littlest one says "Mako is Bomb-diggity!"
I guess he picked that up at the pool. I think its so cute. Well, thanks
again for being wonderful coaches and overall just truly wonderful people.
You have created a team with a lot of heart, depth, and spirit. We plan
on being part of this team for many years to come.
Heather -
I just want to say how impressed I've been with your coaches. My girls
are very enthusiastic and have responded well to your program. Thanks
for your hard work and dedication.
Heather-
In all of "Jasmine's" swimming experiences (3 years at Mako, 3 years at Sideburn Run), she has never been as fortunate as she is this season! Phil is doing an exceptional job motivating, encouraging and teaching Jasmine. His patience, guidance and demonstrations are working. We appreciate him caring enough to help her correct her breaststroke kick.
Heather -
....I thought I would mention that we think Coach Phil is a fabulous coach and "Josie" has learned so much in just a few weeks. He's got a really great attitude and way with these kids -- gets them to really perform and yet have fun. She's thrilled and that makes us thrilled!!!
Heather-
Thank you so much for three wonderful seasons... your club is certainly the best!
Dear Heather -
I just wanted to thank you both for letting "Jay" and "Jennifer" try the 5 a.m. practice. They really enjoyed it. I also want to thank you both for making this such a great year for all of my children. It was hard for them to switch teams but they have really enjoyed working with both of you. We don't always get a chance to say thanks ...so I wanted to let you know. You are great!!! Thanks and happy swimming.
Heather-
I'd like to let you know how pleased I am with "Jody's" development. Some parents would say that it is due to the hard work of the child, and I agree with that. But I also know that it is also due to the dedication of her coaches and mentor. She's happy with the team, and speaks highly of her coaches. Keep up the good work!
Heather -
Just a quick note to both of you to express what a class act Mako has been. Thank you for the hospitality you gave to myself and other officials from the Winter Qualifier meet. It just goes to show us your commitment to give back to the swimmers and parents. Thank you again. PS Hope you enjoyed your "date"....away from the kids.
Heather -
We just wanted to write you a quick note to let you know how much we are enjoying Mako this year. Both Noah and Tracey, "Josie's" and "Julie's" coaches, are doing a great job with the kids. The meets are fun, the kids are learning a lot, and they're having a blast! Thanks for all you both do to make it happen.
Heather -
What a great day the "Jones family" had today. Thank you so very much for all the support you gave to "Jon" and "Jenny" this past year. In addition to great times, Jon has a renewed interest in swimming. His spirit was just about killed when he came to your team, he had a good time on your team and ended the season feeling like maybe swimming wasn't a second rate sport just because his buddies weren't wearing Speedos. He felt like he learned a lot on the mechanics of swimming on your team, he told me a couple weeks ago he felt that he was ready to do USA [competitive] meets again. Jenny was in a talent show this spring, something she never would have done in the past, she said it was just like being on the starting block and she just had to "work through it!" Jenny had a 20.04 in back, 20.3 in fly and Jon had a 18.14 in fly (he was disappointed) but I thought he was fantastic. So thank you again -- so glad I was sitting at that table at [a local retail store] eavesdropping on the next table's swimming conversation so I could get the hot tip on your swim team! As a side note, Heather, I felt as though I was standing next to the Prom Queen today, popular, popular! I'm waiting to see your picture in the Washington Post's business section as entrepreneur of the year! Good luck in your continued success!
Heather-
"Jane" was very pleased after yesterday's practice. It seems that your drill that emphasizes the 'pull' has identified a real weakness in Jane's pulling stroke. (I'm not a competitive swimmer - don't know the lingo). She has put in countless hours and countless miles with [another PVS team], and as I told you before, has been at a three year plateau. This 'pull' diagnosis and the prospect of future opportunities has her very excited. Jane's the type of kid (she ran 6 miles with her friend before your practice yesterday) who will work hard if you can help point out what to work on and how best to remedy weaknesses. Thanks again.
Heather-
"Jim" has had a remarkable summer swim season. He broke our pool record in the breaststroke and his relay team qualified for the All-Stars meet! By the way, all the relay team members were Mako swimmers this past year!
There are 13 blue ribbons hanging on the refrigerator -- we attribute Jim's stellar performance to you and your husband's coaching ability. We have spread the word on Mako's great coaching. Take care!
Highlights from our Winter Questionnaire:
- "Great team!
I love the hands-on work! I love the attention my kids get. I feel like
the coaches genuinely care about my kids, even if they are not the fastest
kids. That makes all the difference! They make my kids feel important
and special and keep their dreams alive. The coaches appear to be there
because they love to coach kids -- not just the stars. Thanks!"
- "Thanks for
all your hard work and dedication to the swimmers. We truly appreciate
everything you do!!!"
- "You're doing
a great job! Way better than [another PVS team] and [another PVS team].
Thanks!"
- "Phil is wonderful
with the children. He could relate to them. Phil made "Julia"
feel good about her swimming."
- "I think you
do a great job of communicating and responding to parents' issues and
concerns!"
- "Jim"
really enjoys swimming and I truly believe you and Heather and the Mako
family are a huge reason why. Thank you."
- "Head coaches
have a healthy, balanced attitude about swimming. I think this carries
to all team coaches. Social events for the kids are great!! WE LOVE
MAKO!!!!!!"
- "Overall,
Mako is a good team and "Jody" continues to improve. Everyone
is friendly and she enjoys practice and wants to work hard and improve."
- "We have enjoyed
this year (our first) with the Makos. I have seen an extensive improvement
in the fundamentals of our two sons. We look forward to continued fun
with Mako."
- "John"
has enjoyed swimming with the Mini-Makos and has improved greatly. He
should probably be moved to the next level."
- "Thank you
for all you do! "Jackie's" experience has been so positive.
I appreciate you working with us to be sure she was placed right."
- "All coaches
were great! My kids enjoyed their lessons."
- "We appreciate
Heather's accessibility. She has always responded quickly to our questions
and/or concerns."
- "You and your
staff are doing a fantastic job! I'm so glad we stumbled across your
team last summer. Keep up the good work."
- "Phil has
motivated and encourage "Jean" on a weekly basis and is THE
reason why she wants to return next year. Thank you. He is truly an
asset to the team."
