Loyda named state swimming Coach of the Year

The Wave Ryders head swim coach Deidre

Loyda was recently named Coach of the Year by Montana Swimming.

Loyda has been with the club for six seasons.

“It’s a pretty big honor,” Loyda told

the Pilot. “The team is doing well, and that was recognized.”

The Ryders recently took sixth place

overall at the state swim meet, racing against teams with three

times as many swimmers. Their 30-point average per swimmer is much

higher than the state average of 23 points.

Loyda’s goal going forward is to crack

the top-5 in the state.

“We need depth to do that,” she said.

“We’re getting there.

“The only reason we don’t score more

points is because we don’t have more kids to score them.”

The Ryders’ depth has grown immensely

since Loyda came on as coach. She started with only seven swimmers

and today there are 80 kids on the roster.

This fall the team looks to expand and

hire a personal trainer so team members get some dry-land training

a few days a week.

“I want to make the program more

comprehensive,” Loyda said, noting that she’s shooting to get 100

kids on the team.

She credits much the team’s success in

recruiting to the well-balanced atmosphere she and the other

coaches create.

“Kids are vulnerable,” Loyda said, “but

our deck is a place anyone can come to. Everybody is welcome.”

Loyda never pressures swimmers into the

sport and she encourages the kids to try other athletic

outlets.

“They’re kids and they need balance,”

she said. “Our team is mostly 12 and under. If they want to play

piano or soccer, those are healthy things to be doing, too.”

Watching a swimmer grow in the pool and

reach their goals motivates Loyda in her full-time coaching

position. She notes team member Emily Sullivan’s success in the

pool as a prime example.

“Emily started with me at the

beginning,” Loyda said, “and now she’s seeded in the top-20. To be

part of that process and development is very exciting.

“It’s a very addictive job.”