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Andover/North Andover YMCA Synchro Head Coach Wins National Award at USA Synchro Convention
ANA Synchro Head Coach Leah Pinette won the "Developmental Coach of the Year Award" at the September USA Synchro 2014 National convention.
ANA Synchro Head Coach Leah Pinette won the “Developmental Coach of the Year Award” at the USA Synchro 2014 National convention held earlier this month in Jacksonville, FL.
The award, given out by USA Synchro, the national governing body of synchronized swimming, is presented annually to the top coach in the country who has made a significant impact in helping athletes progress to higher levels of the sport within the last 12 months.
“This award reinforces what all of us at the Y know already – that Leah inspires confidence in young girls and helps them achieve great things,” said Alex Turek, Executive Director of the Andover/North Andover YMCA. “She is dedicated to the girls on the team, she is passionate about her sport, and she understands how positive coaching helps young girls achieve performance and build character.”
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Pinette took over as Head Coach of ANA Synchro in September 2013. Prior to that, she was a 9-time member of the U.S. National Synchronized Swimming Team and served as captain of the 2011-2012 U.S. Olympic Selection Team.
In addition to her work with ANA Synchro, Pinette also serves on the Athletes Skill and Development Coordinating Board of USA Synchro, where she works with other coaches across the country to help USA Synchro implement its Long-Term Athlete Development Program.
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“I am truly honored by this award,” said Pinette. “It’s very rewarding to work with our young girls and to advance this sport that has given me so much.”
ANA Synchro is the competitive synchronized swimming team of the Andover/North Andover YMCA. Girls wishing to join the team or try the sport for the first time should contact Head Coach Leah Pinette at 978-685-3541, lpinette@mvymca.org.
Synchronized swimming combines music, dance and swimming into “the ultimate team sport”. Through the artistry and athletics of synchronized swimming and team competition, girls build lifelong friendships and skills while developing the confidence to dream big and pursue their goals. The team is open to girls ages 6 to 19.
