Core Pieces to a Successful Program

In this episode of Between the Lane Lines, Highland Park High School swim and dive coach Jason Pullano shares his coaching journey from a burned-out high school athlete to leading one of Texas’ top programs. Jason reflects on early lessons learned as a young head coach in Granbury, his transition into district-level education leadership, and ultimately his return to the pool deck at Highland Park. He discusses the stigma often attached to high school coaching and why he’s made it his mission to prove the value of the role.The conversation dives deep into his innovative use of gamification during the pandemic, how he leverages technology and spreadsheets to keep athletes engaged, and the importance of creating memorable experiences rather than just logging yardage. Jason also highlights the power of “anchor kids,” stories of athlete development, and the role of culture in fostering buy-in over four years. Listeners will hear insights from his presentations at ASCA clinics, his thoughts on resourcefulness versus resources, and why he believes high school swimming can spark flow states and peak performances that rival any club environment.

Coach Pierce shares how a transformational high school mentor, Coach Curt, inspired him to start coaching at 20 and still guides his decisions today. He defines culture leadership as shaping people first and swimmers second, illustrated by his team’s family response to a tragic accident and by his children’s books that teach servant leadership. In practice he keeps all levels engaged with tiered challenges, theme days, and One Shot Wednesday, while weekly core values like integrity carry into the classroom motto to do the right thing and treat people right. He credits a strong support system, including his wife, administration, and a staff of former swimmers, and he wins parent buy in through clear, frequent communication and visible team unity. As NISCA’s education coordinator, he outlines plans for richer online resources, technical Zoom sessions with guest experts, and an education committee to share practical solutions for coaches at every level.

In this episode of Between the Lane Lines, Kyle sits down with longtime coach and past NISCA president Mark Jedow. With more than 30 years of experience leading high school and collegiate programs, Mark shares his journey from a summer league swimmer to coaching multiple UIL state championship teams and guiding athletes to national and international competitions.Mark reflects on the mentors who shaped him, how his coaching style evolved from fiery intensity to relationship-driven leadership, and why staying grounded in core values has been key to his success. He also discusses the challenges of growing high school swimming across diverse states, the importance of making the sport affordable for families, and the need to prepare and support new coaches.Packed with stories, insights, and practical lessons, this conversation highlights what it takes to build programs that last, foster leadership in athletes, and grow the sport of swimming nationwide.

NFHS Director of Sport Sandy Searcy talks about her background, her role at the NFHS, and how rules get formed

Live at the NISCA Convention, Kyle interviews Coach Mark Onstott about his career

Shannon Danaher from Moravian started a program from scratch and now has 4 programs part of her co-op swim program.  We talk about what it takes to start from scratch

Eve Julian talks about going to back to your old high school to coach and being able to coach your own kid(s)

Take a dive with Texas High School Swimming legend, Kevin Murphy, as he discusses the policies and procedures that have built Southlake Carrol Highschool into a 13x state championship program during his tenure. Coach Murphy shares a "10 days out" practice with us where he goes over the structure and expectations for going into a big midseason meet.   Coach Murphy is the Southlake Carroll High School Swim Team Head Coach. In his tenure, Southlake Carrol has won 9X Boys and 4x Girls, State Championships. Coach Murphy is a Texas Certified Teacher who has 43 years experience teaching and coaching swimming. You won't find a better opportunity to help your child learn to swim or improve their existing swim skills. Coach Murphy has been professionally coaching since 1979. He has a BS in Physical Education from the University of Tulsa and is a member of the American Swim Coaches Association, the National Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association, The Texas Girls Coaches Association, and the Texas Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association. Coach Murphy is assisted by Paul Wallace and Rachael Ausdenmoore.   Link to Kevin's practice: bit.ly/kevinmurphywow  Link to all NISCA WOW practices: bit.ly/niscawow

Mike Rose talks about his 39 years of HS Coaching and the pieces that make up a successful program

Take a dive with Connecticut High School Swim Coach, Lee Schwartzman, as he discusses his annual BPOTY (Best Practice of the Year) tradition set! The set is designed to encourage athlete's the blindly set a "Fast" bar and then coax them into reaching, striving, and encouraging one another to not just meet the bar, but to exceed the bar!   Lee has been coaching for 28 years.  He has been the Head Coach at Wethersfield High School in Wethersfield, CT for 15 years where his Eagles and Lady Eagles have combined for a total record of 227-49-1.  The Lady Eagles have won their Conference for the last 13 years.  In total the boys and girls have won 26 conference titles since he took over.  Both teams regularly place in the top 5 at the State Meet and both teams also consistently finish in the top 10 in the NISCA Dual Meet PowerPoint National Championship in their respective class.  In 2009 he won the CT High School Boys Coach of the Year.  He prides himself on that the fact that 99% of the athletes that have swum for all four years have graduated as a state qualifier.  Lee has been teaching for 18 years and is a graduate of the University of Tennessee.  He also completed a Master's Degree four years ago in Educational Counseling and Leadership with an emphasis on Positive Coaching from the University of Missouri.     Link to Lee's practice: bit.ly/leeschwartzmanwow  Link to all NISCA WOW practices: bit.ly/niscawow