Tollefson Swim Team

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

This has to be coach dependent. We have been with Toll for 5 years now and have only experienced one mediocre coach. All the others have been responsive, capable and gave very personalized instruction and feedback.

My son was one of the “mediocre” swimmers and he was NEVER ignored. His coaches were always pushing him to work harder, and always gave feedback.

I’m sorry you had that experience, but I can tel you that is not typical of Toll.

[Anonymous]

We had a very good experience.

[Anonymous]

We’ve had a great experience with Tollefson during the year. All the coaches, both Tollefson and non-Tollefson, have been excellent. They’ve always been kind to my swimmer and to me, and their attitude is very positive while still encouraged excellence. Two thumbs up for them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

+1
Unhappy with experience and would not recommend

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Great experience here. Actually, my swimmer might be the worst swimmer they have. All of the coaches have been encouraging. Tried about 1000 different ways until something clicked and keep him motivated instead of frustrated. Can't say enough great things. Thank goodness for their patience.

We were in the same boat and found nothing but encouragement and support.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

+1
Unhappy with experience and would not recommend

I’ve watched many practices over the years. They definitely correct all swimmers- not just the fast ones. I’m wondering if you elevated your concerns.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’ve watched many practices over the years. They definitely correct all swimmers- not just the fast ones. I’m wondering if you elevated your concerns.

Not all of the Toll coaches correct the swimmers. One who worked with some of the younger kids last season rarely did it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

This could be said about every swim club. The focus for any club sport is their top athletes. I think they try to provide a supportive and fun environment for all their athletes. The vast majority of their swimmers (if any) are not "top athletes" anyway. This is a really competitive region. My impression is that most people are there because their kids enjoy it, and Georgetown Prep is convenient to their house.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

This could be said about every swim club. The focus for any club sport is their top athletes. I think they try to provide a supportive and fun environment for all their athletes. The vast majority of their swimmers (if any) are not "top athletes" anyway. This is a really competitive region. My impression is that most people are there because their kids enjoy it, and Georgetown Prep is convenient to their house.

It is with every group/company but if you are paying for coaching its not unreasonable to expect coaching, teaching and support. Its not fun or supportive if you have a coach who yells an instruction and then is on their phone or chatting with other coaches/people.

[Anonymous]

I am a part of Tollefson, and I will have you know that I enjoy it and my time has dropped 15 negative split seconds

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am a part of Tollefson, and I will have you know that I enjoy it and my time has dropped 15 negative split seconds

Weird way to resurrect a thread from three years ago!

[Anonymous]

I find this very hard to believe- the coaches have been super dedicated and responsive.

I also find it difficult to believe that you/your son did not do something wrong yourselves, frankly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

+1
Unhappy with experience and would not recommend

Same. The coaches treat some kids terribly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I find this very hard to believe- the coaches have been super dedicated and responsive.

I also find it difficult to believe that you/your son did not do something wrong yourselves, frankly.

I believe it. I don't know if we are talking about the same person but the person who was in charge a couple of years ago was really petty.

[Anonymous]

No one can stop a USA swimming transfer. The new software allows swimmers to initiate transfers on their own. Why in the world did you tell them you were leaving? I get you were trying to be honest, but these teams are all the same- they only like you when you are loyal. We have moved teams before and you have to watch out for yourself.

It sounds from your post that you are either moving to RMSC or NCap. As someone with experience with these big teams, believe me when I say they aren’t going to treat you better- and if you are headed to NCap, you should know that everyone in the older group at prep quit last year because the coach was so awful. They started with 14 and had 10 by November because they all quit.

If you are going to compete in elite swimming, my advice: Grow a thicker skin, assume teams are awful on some level, and be smart. Good luck!