sophia Weiland

Hi! I'm Sophia and I've never been able to stay away from the pool. 

Growing up, I tried every sport under the sun and the only one that ever stuck was swimming. My mom signed me up for our local summer team where I was quickly taken in by my beloved coach, Brian Camp. While I was weary at first of the cold morning practices and chaotic meet environment, Coach Brian took me under his wing, making every day fun and igniting a strong sense of team spirit within me. He made it impossible not to fall in love with every aspect of the sport and I will always strive to make an impact on others as great as his on me. 

Throughout my swimming career, I've competed for two MCSL summer teams, two USA Swimming age group club teams, my high school's team, and the club teams for both universities I attended. I've also had a lot of different coaches with a lot of different personalities/guiding principles, and a resulting combination of good and bad encounters. This has brought me a uniquely diverse perspective and a strong motivation to ensure that every swimmer has a positive experience and a foundation built on love for the water that fosters resilience through the natural obstacles of competitive sport and life. 

Acting as President and Head Coach for the Kent State Swim Club was one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. Being able to foster a sense of team spirit and help reignite my peers' love for our sport was an absolute honor, and to see them improve and succeed never ceased to excite me. 

Teaching lessons at KSU also had a major impact on me, especially my adult classes, which quickly became my specialty. My entire perspective on swimming changed when I began working one-on-one with people who didn't have an innate sense of comfort in the water that comes from starting young. I had to completely rewire the way I perceived and approached what seemed obvious to me, and I became 10x the coach I was before because of this. I also formed connections with my students that I will never forget. One of my swimmers, a Nigerian man named Henry, became a dear friend of mine over our time together. I was given the honor of appearing in his graduation pictures and have promised him an invitation to my wedding if I decide to have one in the future. 

I have always loved the pool, and I believe there is magic to be found in swimming for anyone willing to get in the water and start, no matter your age or background.