10 Questions With Carleanne Fierro, Swim Coach of Westchester Aquatic Club

Westchester Aquatic Club, a Westchester-based swim club, embraces all levels of swimmers and provides comprehensive training from Certified USA swimming coaches, one of which being Carleanne Fierro. Fierro has been a swim coach for over 30 years and has been a top 10 finalist for the past two years' American Swim Coaches Association's National Age Group Coach of the Year award. She believes that her knowledge, experience, and philosophy of "offering the opportunity for all swimmers, regardless of age or ability, to reach their highest personal potential" has helped several children succeed over the years. Patch caught up with Fierro to hear more about her secrets to a successful career.

Patch: How long have you been doing business in town?

Fierro: I have been coaching swimming since 1984.

Patch: What attracted you to the business you’re in, and how did you get started?

Fierro: I have always loved swimming. I had a great job at IBM, but after I gave birth to my daughter, Tricia, I wanted a job that offered me the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. My brother was offered a job coaching the Rye High School Girls' Swim Team. However, he was unable to do it and offered the job to me. I interviewed for the position and was thrilled to get the opportunity to coach swimming. I coached at Rye High School from 1984-2011, but due to the commitments of owning my own swim club, I was unable to find time to coach at the high school.

Patch: If you had to sum up your business mission to a stranger in five words, what would those words be?

Fierro: Positive Attitude, Experienced, Dedicated, Integrity, and Caring.

Patch: What’s the biggest challenge or most difficult moment you’ve faced in your job?

Fierro: In 2010, I decided to go off on my own and begin my own business based upon my personal business goal of offering the opportunity for all swimmers, regardless of age or ability, to reach their highest personal potential as both a person and athlete.

Patch: What’s the most satisfying part of your job?

Fierro: Watching children work together as a team to reach a goal they have set.

Patch: You’re not the only person in this business. How do you distinguish yourself from the others?

Fierro: I have a very strong work ethic and I am dedicated to the development of all the children in my program. Not just the ones who have talent.

Patch: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to success?

Fierro: There are never problems, only solutions. I always try to work out the problem based on my experience in swimming and working with families.

Patch: What would you say are a few secrets to your success?

Fierro: My experience and knowledge is key. I’m a continuous learner, always trying to improve my skills. I have a great desire to help children succeed and they know that I care about their development as an athlete. I have seasoned experience in swimming and I am willing to share my skills, knowledge and expertise.

Patch: What is your favorite thing about Patch?

Fierro: It brings back the hometown paper. I love reading about what is going on in my community.

Patch: Do you have any events coming up in your community? If so, tell us
about them.

Fierro: We have open enrollment going on the next few weeks.

• 2017 August Evaluation Schedule Competitive Team- August 30, 31, Sept 1, 2, 3 - 9:30 am
• Swim School Stroke Development - August 30, 31, Sept 1, 2, 3 - 9:30 am
• Location: Saxon Woods Pool, 1800 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains NY, (Enter the pool via the Left Service Entrance.)
• RSVP the day you would like to come.

• 2017 September Evaluation Schedule Competitive Team & Swim
• School Stroke Development: Competitive Team & Swim School Stroke Development - September 6, 7, 8 at 5:30 pm, September 9 & 10 at 12 pm. Additional dates will be available upon request.
• Location: College of New Rochelle Wellness Center -215 Liberty Avenue, New Rochelle, NY
• RSVP the day you would like to come.

How can Patch readers learn more about your work and business?

Visit our website, Facebook, or Twitter.

Image Credit: Carleanne Fierro

This Patch article is sponsored by Westchester Aquatic Club.