Johnny Depp a U.S. Masters Swimmer? No such luck. What I did find at a recent Marin Pirates swim practice was dedicated, enthusiastic, passionate and accessible Head Coach Cokie Lepinski and an extremely demonstrative and nice Assistant Coach Susie Powell. Both women are certified ASCA and USA Swimming coaches.
Cokie is a fierce competitor who holds US Masters National Records in the women's 50-54 age group 100- and 200-yard breaststroke and the 100 meters (short course meters) breaststroke. Susie competes in open water swims and pool competitions and owns several Top 10 rankings with US Masters Swimming. She is a member of a World Record setting relay team. (And yet they associate with a slacker like me!)
Here are some images from the day:
Cokie and Annie Pedlar
That's Susie on the left and Cokie on the right.
Susie
The Marin Pirates Masters Swim Team holds six 75-minute workouts each week at College of Marin’s Indian Valley Campus in Novato, California. If you would like more information, visit the Marin Pirates website.
Thank you Cokie and Susie and Marin Pirates swimmers: Lori, Annie, Jim, Kate, Kent, Duncan and Terry for allowing me to join you with my camera gear.
June 28th, 2010 at 3:11 pm
Tracy you are awesome! Thanks for coming out and taking some fantastic photos of us. We love following your blog – humorous and informative. And your pictures are always spectacular.
August 4th, 2010 at 5:28 pm
This is a great writeup of one of the best "team" teams I've ever met. Cokie and Susie foster an environment of fun, dedication, discipline, support, and true caring. You see it at their meets; you see it at their parties; you see it at their practices. Cokie had a vision and she's created it. She's currently in Sweden at FINA, coaching and competing, while Susie is running the local practices with the remaining team. GO PIRATES!
August 4th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
Thank you for your comments Keven. Cokie speaks highly of you and your photography. I agree wholeheartedly with your observations! Cokie and Susie are enthusiastic, disciplined, open-minded, kind, firm, playful and they are both outstanding athletes.
I've been following Cokie's reports from Sweden, and I am looking forward to hearing her details in person – hopefully after swimming in one of her practices.