Shimmy To Gold:

   The road we travel through life can be rough and rocky, straight and narrow or filled with bends, curves and potholes.  Or some roads may be straight and smooth.  Life is a mystery, and the road we choose is often uncharted.  As we make our journey through life, the questions we most often ask are these: What will be our fate?  Will success and happiness fill our lives?  Will our goals (and objectives) be reached?  What will define our mission?

   This book tells a story about Kelley, a young African American girl, and her journey as a competitive swimmer who seek elite status in the sport.  The story of Kelley’s journey is told by her father/coach, except for one chapter, which she wrote.  In it she reveals her inner thoughts as she experiences the college recruiting period.  We also learn more about her through her early schooling, theatrical episodes and through the individuals she most admire.

     The focus of her journey is on her mission, to compete at the elite levels of competitive swimming, and her dream of becoming the first African American female to gain a berth on the American Olympic swimming team.  Her journey is somewhat typical for age group swimmers, yet different for a minority female engaged in the sport.  It is typical from the standpoint that most competitors want to achieve at a high level, yet different in that few African American role models exist at elite levels of competition in the sport.  Therefore, she is somewhat a pioneer as she blazes new trails along the way to accomplishing her mission.  Kelley’s journey gives an in-depth look at her swimming accomplishments detailing specific episodes from summer league, high school and age group competition through her collegiate years of competition.  Rounding out the picture of her development are highlights of her many outside interests.

   Much has been written concerning the coach/parent relationship in youth sports.  In many instances this type of relationship has not worked to the benefit of the child or the parent.  Often times the long range effects can be negative and damaging for both parties.  It becomes necessary for the coach to provide positive experiences for the athlete such that growth and development are enhanced.  At the same time, it is critical for both parent and child to remain open minded, to accept each other’s shortcomings, yet embrace each others strengths.  An important thread throughout the book is the coach/parent relationship and its significance in effect on Kelley’s accomplishing her mission. 

   Kelley was ready to embark on a mission and a road not traveled by many.  As her parent/coach, I considered the journey somewhat difficult - delicate, but not impossible.  We embarked on this journey because we truly believed that anything was possible if one believed it was.  As a father, my philosophy has always embraced the concept that all one needed was an opportunity coupled with faith, a desire to work hard, proper training, and great achievements could be realized.

   The journey begins with experiences from beginning swimming lessons and early achievements and setbacks in age group swimming.  It continues through high school and collegiate swimming and climaxing with her major accomplishment as an NCAA All-American swimmer and American record holder.  It ends with her mission accomplished, most of her goals met, and a well-rounded outlook on life.