A Week of Growth and Excellence: USA Artistic Swimming Brings Athletes and Coaches Together in Colorado Springs

USA Artistic Swimming concluded a dynamic and inspiring week in Colorado Springs, Olympic City USA, as the organization hosted its Senior National Team Preseason Camp, Coaches College, and All-Star Camp at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center.

The week began in Casper, Wyoming, where the Senior National Team received a warm welcome from the local community. Athletes spent the day training, exploring the area, and presenting an exhibition performance at Kelly Walsh High School. During the visit, team members and newly appointed Head Coach Megan Abarca introduced artistic swimming to a region where the sport is less commonly seen, offering insight into its athleticism, artistry, and technical depth.

By Friday morning, Senior National Team athletes and staff transitioned to Colorado Springs, where they joined 180 athletes and coaches arriving for All-Star Camp and Coaches College. Under the leadership of USAAS High Performance Manager Lara Teixeira, the weekend featured a robust schedule of sessions led by respected experts across multiple disciplines. Contributors included gymnastics coaches Tatiana and Andriy Stepenchenko; world-renowned male artistic swimmer Giorgio Minisini; USAAS Youth National Team Coaches Ludi Stesepaniuk and Anna Yesipova; sports psychologist Karen Cogan; Senior National Team strength coach Matthew Nichols; SNT physical therapist Chelsea Fan; world medalist and longtime supporter Bill May; dance instructor and former National Office staff member Alyssa Jacobs; and Senior National Team coaching staff Marivi Escalona, Paula Klamburg, and Lara Teixeira. Senior National Team athletes also took part in on-deck and in-water demonstrations, offering guidance and feedback to participants.

Throughout the weekend, athletes gained valuable experience across gymnastics, dance, and in-water training, benefiting from instruction designed to elevate skill development, broaden perspectives, and build excitement for the upcoming competitive season. Coaches engaged in sessions covering male athlete integration, foundational training principles, AWD program education, injury prevention, technique enhancement, artistic impression, pattern work, and more.

For those who were unable to attend but are interested in expanding their knowledge, USA Artistic Swimming offers a wide range of educational resources through USAAS Academy. Courses are available to both USAAS members and non-members seeking to deepen their understanding of the sport.