brazadas

Trying Leaves Room for Failure

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 17:41:46 GMT

Trying Leaves Room for Failure

So many times we accept, "Well, I tried" or "I'll try my best" as an acceptable response. The thing is, by bringing the word try into our vocabulary, we allow ourselves to believe that we may fail, which is absolutely a negative mindset. We can choose to change our negative attitudes into positive ones, but this only works if we are willing to change.

Choice #1: Evaluate Your Present Attitude

This process involves identifying problem feelings, behaviors, and attitudes. It also means clarifying the truth and securing a commitment within ourselves. "What must I do to change?" turns into the thought process of "I must change," which leads to planning and carrying out that choice.

Choice #2: Realize That Faith Is Stronger Than Fear

This isn't necessarily talking about religious faith, but rather faith in yourself and believing from the beginning that you can do it.

Choice #3: Write a Statement of Purpose

This would be a great thing to do as a family so you can work on holding each other accountable to fulfilling that purpose.

a) Write specifically what you desire to accomplish each day. Pick one battle at a time, and for each battle you win, make note of it. As you see your progress, your desire to keep going will grow.

b) Verbalize to an encouraging friend or family member what you want to accomplish each day. Continually use positive statements.

Eliminate the following phrases from your vocabulary:

I can't
If
Doubt
I don't think
I don't have the time
Maybe
I'm afraid of
I don't believe
(Minimize) I
It's impossible

Bring these phrases into your everyday speaking:

I can
I will
Expect the best
I know
I will make the time
Positively
I am confident
I do believe
(Promote) You
All things are possible

c) Take action on your goal each day.

Choice #4: Have the Desire to Change

When all else fails, desire alone can keep you heading in the right direction.

Choice #5: Live One Day at a Time

It's not the experiences of today that drive people to distraction; it's the remorse or bitterness over something that happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.

Choice #6: Change Your Thought Patterns

We can control our thoughts. Our feelings come from our thoughts. Therefore, we can control our feelings by learning to change how we think.

Choice #7: Develop Good Habits

An attitude is nothing more than a habit of thought. Attitudes are not instincts; they are acquired actions and reactions.

Choice #8: Continually Choose to Have the Right Attitude

You are the only one who can determine what you will think and how you will act. This means that you can make your attitude what you want it to be.

As swimmers mature, coaches seek mindsets of, "I WILL go out and swim my hardest," instead of, "I'll TRY to swim my hardest."

Parents, keep supporting your swimmer no matter what happens in the pool. Take time to sit down and decide what your purpose statement(s) are as individuals and as families. It may be interesting to see what happens!

The Tortoise and the Hare: Who Really Won the Race?

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 04:15:49 GMT

The Tortoise and the Hare: Who Really Won the Race?

Most of us grew up hearing the classic story of the tortoise and the hare.

A tortoise and a hare argued about who was faster, so they decided to settle the debate with a race. The hare sprinted ahead and quickly built a large lead. Confident he had the race won, he decided to take a nap under a tree before finishing.

While the hare slept, the tortoise continued moving forward, slowly but steadily. He eventually passed the sleeping hare and crossed the finish line first. When the hare woke up, he realized he had lost.

The moral? Slow and steady wins the race.

But what if the story didn't end there?

Race #2: Learning From Failure

The hare was disappointed. After reflecting on his loss, he realized he hadn't lost because the tortoise was faster. He lost because he was overconfident and careless.

So he challenged the tortoise to another race.

This time, the hare ran hard from start to finish without stopping. He won easily.

The moral? Fast and consistent beats slow and steady.

Still, the story wasn't over.

Race #3: Play to Your Strengths

The tortoise knew he could never beat the hare in a traditional foot race. So he proposed a new course.

The hare agreed.

The race began, and the hare again raced far ahead until he reached a wide river. The finish line was on the other side. The hare didn't know what to do.

Meanwhile, the tortoise arrived, entered the water, swam across, climbed out, and continued to the finish line.

The tortoise won.

The moral? Identify your strengths and create opportunities that allow those strengths to shine.

But even that wasn't the end.

Race #4: Better Together

By now, the hare and tortoise had become friends.

Together, they realized something important: neither of them had performed at their best in the previous race. Instead of competing against each other, they decided to run the course as a team.

The hare carried the tortoise to the river. Then the tortoise carried the hare across the water. Once they reached the other side, the hare took over again and carried the tortoise to the finish line.

Together, they finished faster than either could have alone.

And both felt a greater sense of accomplishment than they had in any of their previous victories.

The moral? Individual talent is valuable, but teamwork is powerful.

The Bigger Lessons

There are several important lessons hidden within this expanded story:

Learn from Failure

Neither the hare nor the tortoise gave up after losing.

The hare responded by working harder and becoming more disciplined.

The tortoise responded by changing his strategy.

Sometimes success requires greater effort. Sometimes it requires a different approach. Often, it requires both.

Play to Your Strengths

The tortoise stopped trying to beat the hare at the hare's game.

Instead, he found a situation where his unique abilities mattered.

Success often comes from understanding your strengths and positioning yourself where those strengths create value.

Embrace Teamwork

The greatest result came when the hare and tortoise stopped competing and started collaborating.

Great teams recognize individual strengths and allow the right person to lead in the right situation.

Compete Against the Challenge, Not Each Other

The most powerful lesson may be the last one.

When the hare and tortoise focused on defeating each other, one had to lose.

When they focused on solving the challenge together, everyone won.

In life, business, sports, and leadership, we often achieve more when we stop competing against one another and start working together to overcome the obstacles in front of us.

Sometimes the real victory isn't crossing the finish line first.

Sometimes the real victory is crossing it together.

More Than Swimming: The Brazadas Team Rules

Tue, 09 Jun 2026 00:00:39 GMT

More Than Swimming: The Brazadas Team Rules

During this week, members of our White Team, Navy Team, B-Team, and Masters Team should have received their official Brazadas Athlete Bag Tag from their coach.

This bag tag is more than just a name tag for a swim bag—it represents something special. Every athlete who receives one is an important part of the Brazadas family. It is a reminder that each swimmer belongs to a club that is committed to growth, excellence, and supporting one another.

On the back of every bag tag are the four Brazadas Team Rules:

Show Up
Honor Your Teammates with Your Effort
Be Honest
Be Willing to Make Changes

Recently, our Navy Team and B-Team swimmers spent time discussing what these rules mean. While the words may seem simple, the conversations revealed just how powerful these principles can be.

Many swimmers shared that "Show Up" means more than simply attending practice. It means being present, being ready to learn, and giving your best effort even on days when you don't feel like it. Life will always have challenges, but success often starts with simply showing up consistently.

When discussing "Honor Your Teammates with Your Effort," swimmers recognized that every person on the team contributes to the culture of practice. Working hard isn't just about personal improvement—it's about pushing teammates to improve as well. Effort is contagious. When one swimmer gives their best, it inspires others to do the same.

Our athletes also talked about honesty. Being honest means doing things correctly when nobody is watching. It means counting every lap, following directions, being truthful with coaches and teammates, and taking responsibility for mistakes. Integrity is a skill that will serve swimmers throughout their lives.

The fourth rule, "Be Willing to Make Changes," sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations. Many swimmers acknowledged that change can be uncomfortable. Whether it's learning a new technique, adjusting a habit, accepting coaching feedback, or trying something outside your comfort zone, growth only happens when we're willing to improve and adapt.

These lessons extend far beyond the swimming pool.

In school, showing up prepared and putting forth effort leads to academic success. In future careers, honesty and accountability build trust with coworkers and employers. In friendships and relationships, respecting others and being willing to grow create stronger connections.

The habits that make great swimmers are often the same habits that make great students, employees, leaders, and community members.

At Brazadas, we believe our mission is bigger than swimming fast. We are helping young people develop the character, discipline, and resilience that will help them succeed throughout their lives.

The next time you see your Brazadas Athlete Bag Tag, remember that it represents more than membership on a club. It represents a commitment to a set of values that can help guide you in the pool, in the classroom, at work, and wherever life takes you.

We're proud of the conversations our athletes are having and the culture they are helping build every day.

Go Brazadas!

Stick With Swimming—What Can a Parent Do?

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 22:29:15 GMT

Stick With Swimming—What Can a Parent Do? by USA Swimming

The Unfortunate Path that Many Swimmers Follow

The swimmer’s career often starts with 8 & Under success and high parental enthusiasm. The child is encouraged by parents and others to excel, and a big deal is made out of every accomplishment.

As the child changes age groups and moves into the 9-10 group, even the most successful child may struggle because he or she has a harder time finding success against 10-year-olds. What successes are achieved may not be as noticeable. Unfortunately, as many as one-third of young swimmers and their families do not make it past this point.

By the time swimmers are 10 or 11 years old, they (or their parents) may realize that twice-a-week practices or summer-only swimming is not enough to compete with others who are practicing more frequently. Physical ability and natural coordination can still help an athlete stay competitive and have success, but it is getting harder to stay on top. More big changes and rude awakenings are lurking in the future.

The First Big Change: From 10 & Under to 11-12

Events become longer, going from 25s and 50s to 50s and 100s, and even some 200s and distance freestyle events.
Competition changes from sprint competition to race pace and strategy.
In some programs, one-half of the athletes and their families do not make this change. They never give the coaches or the program a chance to help the athlete adapt to the changing nature of swimming competition.

The Second Big Change: From Age 12 to 13-14/Senior Swimming

Events change again. Now it is all 100s and 200s, along with 400/500 and 1000/1650 events.
The athlete must develop a work ethic and intensify the training aspect of swimming.
Physical changes affect both male and female athletes. Athletes get bigger and stronger, but many, especially girls, may struggle to cope with their “new bodies.”
This can be one of the most rewarding phases of an athlete’s career, yet many will give up.

The Third Big Change: A Focus on College Swimming

Swimmers who remain in the sport start to look at the possibility of swimming in college.
Questions arise concerning the choice of colleges, the level of swimming, the possibilities of scholarships, and the willingness to compete and train for another four years.

 Let’s Put These Changes Into Real Numbers

Suppose a team has 12 novice swimmers:

Only 8 will remain in swimming past the first big change.
Only 4 will remain in swimming past the second big change.
Only 2 will remain in swimming past the third big change.

The Role of the Parent in Navigating the Big Changes

Sometimes, unfortunately, it is the parents who are responsible for their child leaving the sport. For example:

Parents who are former athletes, especially former swimmers, may have unreasonably high expectations.
Parents believe they are in charge of the athlete’s happiness and that only winning can bring happiness.
Parents believe that early success equates with long-term success. The 8 & Under star will, of course, become an Olympian.
Parents may not understand the need for technical and skill development before “swimming fast.”

Parents must examine their own motives. Form a philosophy that emphasizes the process, not the outcome. Be the guides on the “fun path,” not the “victory path.”

When parents use these words, their emphasis is misplaced: We, Beat, Win, Fast, Lost, Try, Only, My

What Can Parents Do to Reverse the Trend?

Parents must develop, progress, and grow just as athletes do. Experience is the key, and communication is the mode.

Swimmers already have coaches, friends, and teammates. They need a parent to fill the parental role.

“Coaches coach children, parents raise children.”

Benefits of Staying With Swimming

Life Lessons

Only one swimmer can win the race. Does this mean everyone else is a loser? Of course not.

Swimmers need to constantly be reminded that a top-notch effort on their part will result in personal satisfaction and a contribution to their team.

Most USA Swimming clubs design a program of competitive training and competition for younger swimmers based on long-term development. Therefore, we may not stress early competitive success with a great deal of fanfare.

Remember that swimmers under the age of 12 are very inconsistent, which can be frustrating to parents and swimmers alike. Fun and patience are the keys here.

Leadership

In many cases, our team leaders and successful senior swimmers were not outstanding age-group swimmers.

Those who “stick with it” often develop into outstanding leaders, having learned patience, dedication, and commitment. Steady progress and understanding the meaning of various accomplishments will help create a motivated, well-adjusted senior swimmer.

USA Swimming clubs go to great lengths to provide opportunities for all swimmers equally, although sometimes it may seem that more emphasis and time are spent on senior swimming.

An 8 & Under swimmer may swim no more than 60 minutes two or three times a week, while a senior swimmer may be in the water 18 hours per week. Both swimmers are having their needs met as part of a long-term progression.

Understanding the long-term benefits and progression will help parents navigate the waters of a swimmer’s career. If you associate “time” with “attention,” the longer a swimmer stays with swimming, the more attention he or she will receive.

Celebrating One Year of Brazadas

Sun, 31 May 2026 18:51:23 GMT

Celebrating One Year of Brazadas

Brazadas Families,

On June 2, 2025, we held our first practice.

This June, Brazadas celebrates its first birthday.

One year ago, we dove into the water together for the very first time. Looking back now, I can honestly say I couldn't be happier with how our first year has gone.

Before anything else, thank you.

Thank you to every swimmer who has ever put on a Brazadas cap. Thank you to every parent who has trusted us with your child. Thank you to every volunteer, official, coach, community partner, and supporter who has helped make this first year possible.

This club would not exist without you.

Many of you may not realize that when Brazadas launched, our home pool wasn't even open yet.

East Side Aquatic Center was still under construction, and while we knew something special was coming, we had to find a way to get started. Thanks to the Kern High School District, we were able to begin our journey at the Kern Aquatic Center while East Side was being completed. We remain incredibly grateful for that opportunity to rent space at KAC.

When East Side Aquatic Center officially opened on September 2, it finally gave us a place to call home.

Like any new relationship, there have been learning moments along the way. Scheduling has had its ups and downs, but we've learned a lot together. We are thankful to the Kern High School District for providing us the opportunity to operate at East Side Aquatic Center. We appreciate the District's willingness to listen and collaborate as we continue to grow. We are fortunate to train in one of the most beautiful aquatic facilities in California.

And grow we have.

In just one year, Brazadas has grown to more than 80 year-round members, built a blossoming Masters program, welcomed more than 70 swimmers to Summer Rec Team, and expanded partnerships throughout our community.

This week, we officially launch Swim School. Teaching children how to swim has always been a core part of the vision for Brazadas, and we're excited to begin serving even more families through lessons, water safety education, and learn-to-swim opportunities.

We've watched swimmers compete in USA Swimming for the first time. We've watched athletes qualify for championship meets. We've watched parents become volunteers and officials. Most importantly, we've watched friendships form, confidence grow, and a community begin to take shape.

A year ago, none of this existed.

Today, hundreds of swimmers and families call Brazadas home.

For a club that is only one year old, that's pretty incredible.

More importantly, we've done it together.

Every swimmer, parent, volunteer, official, coach, and community partner has helped shape what Brazadas has become during its first year.

As we celebrate this anniversary, I also want to share a little bit about why I'm here.

More than two years ago, while consulting on aquatic projects around the country, I met a Bakersfield native who believed this community deserved something special. Swimming had changed his life, and he wanted to create opportunities for future generations through aquatics.

As we talked, we shared a belief that swimming can be so much more than competition. Swimming builds confidence, creates friendships, teaches accountability, saves lives, opens doors, and strengthens communities.

I knew immediately that I wanted to help.

When I moved to Bakersfield, there was no guarantee any of this would work. There wasn't a pool lease agreement in place. There wasn't a swim club. There wasn't a paycheck waiting for me at the end of the process.

There was simply a vision.

I believed in that vision enough to take the leap.

What followed were months of meetings, negotiations, paperwork, and problem solving. Some of the toughest professional work I've ever done went into helping secure the long-term agreement that allows Brazadas to operate at East Side Aquatic Center. We don't own the facility. We are proud tenants of East Side Aquatic Center, and I don't take that responsibility lightly.

I didn't come to Bakersfield to be a swim coach.

I came here to help build something from the ground up: a club, a culture, and a community that could serve Bakersfield for generations.

My focus was on building the foundation: creating a nonprofit organization, developing programs, establishing partnerships, and creating opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities.

Then, last September, I found myself back on the pool deck.

What started as helping with a small group of 13–14-year-olds quickly reminded me why I fell in love with swimming in the first place.

Those athletes may not realize it, but they helped reconnect me with the reasons I entered this profession decades ago.

They reminded me that swimming isn't really about facilities, budgets, contracts, or schedules.

It's about people.

It's about helping young athletes discover what they're capable of.

To those swimmers, and to every swimmer I've had the opportunity to coach this year, thank you.

You have given me far more than I could ever give back.

As Brazadas continues to grow, my role will continue to evolve. I won't always be the coach standing on deck every day, and that was never the original plan.

But I will continue doing whatever Brazadas needs from me because I believe in what we're building together.

One of my favorite moments this past year happened shortly before East Side opened. My childhood swim coach, who coached for more than forty years before retiring, made the trip to Bakersfield to see what we were building. My brother joined us, and we spent hours sharing stories about swimming, family, and life.

As I listened, I was reminded that swimming was never really about times, medals, or championships.

It was always about people.

My coach changed my life.

If I can help provide even a small part of that experience for the swimmers and families of Brazadas, then I'll consider my career a success.

Over the last two years, Bakersfield has welcomed me, challenged me, taught me, and ultimately become home.

And this is home.

I didn't move here for a job. I moved here because I believed this community deserved something special.

I also want to recognize Coach Jay. In just a few short months, he has already made a tremendous impact on our swimmers, families, and staff. We are fortunate to have someone with his experience, leadership, and passion helping us build the future of Brazadas.

Looking ahead, our work is far from finished. We want to teach more children to swim, expand our community partnerships, create scholarship opportunities, develop future coaches, and continue building pathways for athletes at every level. Whether someone joins us for their first swim lesson, their first swim meet, or their first Masters practice, we want Brazadas to be a place where they can belong and grow.

As we enter Year Two, I want you to know that I'm committed to this club and this community for the long haul.

We're here to build something meaningful, sustainable, and lasting for generations.

I often say that success is doing something that's never been done before.

That's what we're trying to do together.

So as we celebrate our first birthday this June, let's take a moment to appreciate how far we've come. Then let's get back to work building what comes next.

We'll have a special anniversary treat available for swim club members on Tuesday, and we'll be celebrating throughout the month with a few surprises and special guests.

Thank you for believing in us.

Thank you for being part of our first year.

And thank you for helping build what comes next.

Here's to Year Two!

With gratitude,

Craig

Craig Charlson
Director, B-Town Brazadas Swim Club

Rethink College Swimming

Tue, 26 May 2026 18:51:15 GMT

Rethink College Swimming

The school year is quickly coming to an end, and for many swimmers that means summer training, vacations, championship season, and for some of our older athletes, thinking seriously about college swimming opportunities.

For years, many swimmers and parents have viewed the dream as earning a full ride scholarship to a major Division I program like Texas, Stanford, Cal, Florida, or other nationally recognized schools. The reality is those opportunities are extremely competitive and usually reserved for national level athletes who can immediately impact a program at the NCAA Championship level.

But here’s the good news. There are so many opportunities to continue swimming in college beyond just the top powerhouse programs.

One thing I firmly believe is this:

There is a place in college swimming for almost every athlete who truly wants it.

Whether that is Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA, or Junior College swimming, athletes can continue their careers while earning an education, growing as people, and being part of a team environment that can shape the rest of their lives.

And first and foremost, college is about getting an education.

Yes, go after the scholarship opportunities. They absolutely matter and can significantly help families financially. But finding the right fit academically, socially, and athletically is just as important as the level of the program itself. And you have a far better chance earning an academic scholarship vs an athletic one.

Over the years as a head coach, I’ve been fortunate to help guide many swimmers through the college recruiting process. I’ve coached athletes who have gone on to swim for Division I Top 10 programs and earn All American honors. I’ve also had swimmers continue successful careers at Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior College programs.

And honestly, success looks different for every swimmer.

One thing that has changed a lot over the years is the level of swimming across all divisions. There are incredibly fast swimmers at the Division II, Division III, NAIA, and Junior College levels. Some Division III national level swims are as competitive as many Division I conference championship finals. Because of that, families should never overlook opportunities simply because of the division label attached to the school.

Finding the right fit academically, socially, financially, and athletically is what matters most. For many swimmers, the best overall college experience may actually come from a program outside the traditional powerhouse Division I schools.

For some athletes, success means competing at the NCAA Division I level. For others, it means finding a smaller school where they can contribute immediately, balance academics and athletics well, and enjoy the full college experience.

One of my favorite parts about coaching has always been helping athletes navigate that journey. Sitting down together, discussing goals, evaluating programs, talking honestly about fit, making phone calls to college coaches, helping swimmers understand the recruiting process, and preparing them for what comes next.

Over time, many college coaches began trusting the athletes coming from our programs because they knew they were prepared for the next level. They knew our swimmers were team driven, accountable, coachable, hardworking, and still developing. They understood these athletes were capable of lasting all four years at the college level and continuing to grow both in and out of the pool.

That matters.

College coaches are not only recruiting times. They are recruiting people, teammates, work ethic, attitude, and long-term potential.

For swimmers hoping to continue to the collegiate level, versatility is also important. Coaches love athletes who can contribute in multiple events and continue improving over time. Strong academics matter too. The ability to balance school, training, and responsibility often says just as much about a swimmer as their race results.

And for parents, remember that the recruiting process is a journey too. Every swimmer develops differently and on a different timeline. Some athletes are heavily recruited early, while others continue improving later in high school and find opportunities later in the process.

No matter where a swimmer lands, continuing the sport at the collegiate level can be an incredible experience.

Swimming teaches discipline, accountability, teamwork, resilience, time management, and independence. Those qualities last long after competitive swimming is over.

As coaches, we’re always happy to help guide families through the process and answer questions along the way. The journey to college swimming can sometimes feel overwhelming, but there truly are more opportunities out there than many people realize.

And for those younger swimmers just getting started, keep dreaming big. The journey begins one practice, one meet, and one step at a time.

If you have questions, just ask Coach Jay or me. We are here to see each swimmer succeed.

Community Partnership Spotlight: Brazadas and Beardsley School District

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:23:41 GMT

Community Partnership Spotlight: Brazadas and Beardsley School District

At Brazadas Swim Club, we believe swimming is about much more than competition. It is about building confidence, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and teaching life-saving skills that can impact a child's future.

That is why we are incredibly excited to announce a new community partnership with Beardsley School District that will provide approximately 300 swim lessons and water safety education opportunities to local students this summer.

As a first-year organization, this partnership represents a major milestone for Brazadas and reflects exactly the kind of impact we hope to have throughout Bakersfield and Kern County.

More Than Swimming

Learning how to swim is one of the most important skills a child can develop. While many people view swimming as a sport or recreational activity, it is also a critical life skill.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 5–14. Access to quality swim lessons and water safety education can play a vital role in preventing these tragedies.

Every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe and confident around water.

Creating Opportunities

We recognize that access to aquatic programs is not always available to every family. Through this partnership, hundreds of students will have the opportunity to develop water safety skills, gain confidence in the pool, and experience the many benefits that swimming can provide.

For some students, these lessons may simply help them become safer around water. For others, it may be their first introduction to a lifelong love of swimming.

Either outcome is a success.

Building Community Through Aquatics

One of Brazadas' core goals is to make swimming more accessible throughout our community. We want to create pathways that allow children and families from all backgrounds to participate in aquatic activities, whether through swim lessons, recreational swimming, competitive swimming, or other water-based programs.

Partnerships like this allow us to extend our impact beyond the pool deck and help ensure that more young people have access to opportunities that can positively shape their lives.

Looking Ahead

We are proud and grateful to begin building this relationship with Beardsley School District and are excited to welcome students to the pool this summer.

As Brazadas continues to grow, we remain committed to serving our community, expanding access to aquatics, and creating meaningful opportunities for youth and families throughout Bakersfield.

This is just the beginning, and we cannot wait to see the impact this partnership will have in the years ahead.

Together, we are making our community safer, stronger, and more connected—one swimmer at a time.