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ACE grad credits professors for guidance in coaching positions

Coach Matt O’Neil, ACE May 2013 graduate, has grown his career in the last six months as the coach of multiple competitive and high school swimming teams in the Cleveland area. O’Neil credits his success to the inspiring lessons the professors at CPASS provided him while earning his degree.

After graduation O’Neil was offered a position as the head swim coach at a country club where he coached 80 kids during multiple practices per day.

“I was using my knowledge that I learned in school to have them as well prepared for the end of the season as possible,” O’Neil states.

Although the swimmers worked hard O’Neil’s first season as coach did not go as planned, with the team earning a 3-5 record. Going up against teams that had double the number of swimmers, O’Neil’s determined team rounded out the season with a third place finish at the championship meet. This was a significant accomplishment since in previous years the team was unable to finish better than sixth place.

Following his position with the country club O’Neil started working as the diving coach for three high schools, as well as helping his old coach with 14 other high schools in the area.

“I am so excited that I finally have my own divers to mold, hopefully into college athletes,” says O’Neil.

O’Neil is making the most out of his ACE degree to establish a career based on the incredible education the professors provided to him.

“I have taken much of what we discussed in Dr. Dieffenbach’s training theories class to give the kids the best opportunity to improve, mainly focusing on balance and coordination. I am straying away from doing what they’ve always done and going toward what should make them the best according to theory,” explains O’Neil.

O’Neil is using the ACE program to reach his goal of eventually becoming a Division I coach. He gives credit to Drs. Ziatz, Flett, Dieffenbach and others for guiding him in how to be successful in his career.

“Every single day both at my job and while I’m coaching I constantly use what I was taught by Dr. Ziatz. My kids now know that attitude is the most important thing to bring to practice and that ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ even in such an individual sport,” O’Neil adds.

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