NOVA News

We spent the past week remembering a very special young man, Carson Brewer. Despite his limited years, he left a lasting impact on NOVA and reminds us all about what it means to be a good teammate.

Whether it was a meet or an ordinary day of practice, Carson showered those around him with his positive energy, cheering them on in their success and lifting them up when things didn’t quite go as planned. Carson’s dedicated, hardworking and disciplined approach to swimming and his unwavering commitment to supporting his teammates was and is to this day an inspiration for us all.

Since 2020, we wear red for Carson in January but we also wear red to show our team unity and our unwavering desire to live as Carson did, as an awesome teammate!

As we approach the championship season it’s a good time to reflect on what it means to be an awesome teammate and to find the little ways we can all be like Carson bringing light and focus to every day on deck. What does that look like?

Helping the coach clean up equipment, even if it isn’t yours…Cheering your teammates to success in practice and competition…Hanging around or coming early to count for the distance session…Understanding that we all achieve more by doing it together and doing it right…Remaining honest with and accountable to yourself and those around you by leaving on the 60, not the 59, 58 or 57…. Owning your actions, by giving it your all each day in practice…. Realizing the influence you have on those around you (be the one to lift folks up not bring them down)…. Knowing what you’re supposed to be doing and staying focused on getting it done…Finding the little random acts of kindness just waiting to be done and doing them… Recognizing when someone is down and lifting them up…

The opportunities are out there each day to be like Carson and show how we are NOVAStrong together! Let’s remember to live the Red not only in January but every day of the year!

NOVASTRONG!

Swim meets rarely go exactly as planned and at times it may seem everything is going wrong.

Adaptability can turn these obstacles into the necessary challenges needed for growth. Learning to embrace non-ideal circumstances is what separates good swimmers from great ones.

In competition, there’s no time to dwell on what you can’t control. Adaptability means staying calm and composed, even when things don’t go your way. Whether the water is colder than expected, the blocks are slippery, or your goggles fill with water, how you respond will ultimately determine your performance. Instead of letting these obstacles sap your energy, see them as challenges to overcome.

These challenges of discomfort and unpredictability are opportunities to build your resilience and mental toughness. Letting go of what you can’t control and focusing on what you can, yourself and your mindset, will always give you the best outcome. By leaning into these challenges and adapting with confidence, you gain an edge over competitors who may be faltering under the same conditions.

Overcoming these hurdles equips you with tools to succeed beyond the pool. The ability to adapt under pressure not only prepares you for success in swimming but also in life. So next time something isn’t going your way, just keep your focus on what you can control.

Coach Matt