Today we’d like to introduce you to Cygnets of San Antonio .
Hi Cygnets of San Antonio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Cygnets of San Antonio was organized in 1964 when Margaret Swan watched a demonstration of synchronized swimming and came home to teach the sport to girls locally. The name of the team is derived from the term “Cygnet” meaning “little swan.” JoAnn Glauberg Owens, who was a member of the original Cygnets, states that some of the original team members came from The Silver Fins, the first synchronized swimming team in San Antonio formed by Mrs. Joan Bailey at the downtown YWCA.
When Mrs. Swan organized the Cygnets, they quickly became competitive. Over the next fourteen years, the team obtained nine Junior National Championships with the first one earned within two years of the team’s start. In addition, according to Mrs. Owens, the original team placed 6th in the Nationals, the first team to ever place that high outside of the state of California. During the 1970s, the Cygnets regularly performed in many city events. The highlights include swimming in the Fiesta River Parade in the San Antonio River and performing in Hemisfair Lake, also used at the time for water ski events.
Also during the 1970s, future coaches Nancy Doyle, Linda Lampe, Melodie Wallace, and Kara Lindemann swam under the direction of Margaret Swan and the Cygnets earned one of the Junior National Championship honors.
Margaret Swan continued to be a dominant influence in the development of the sport of synchronized swimming. She helped write the criteria for many of the skills that the athletes are judged against. Margaret Swan was elected to the U.S.S.S. Hall Of Fame in 1972 for her contributions to synchronized swimming. In 1978, Margaret Swan married Harry Forbes and disbanded the team to concentrate on family matters. Margaret authored the book, Coaching Synchronized Swimming Effectively in 1984.
In 1986, two former Cygnets, Nancy Doyle and Linda Lampe, reorganized the team. With Nancy’s expertise, the new team quickly learned the skills necessary to compete against the established teams in Houston and Dallas. Nancy Doyle left the Team in 1989 and Kara Lindemann became head coach. By 1990, the team was again taking first place awards at the South Zone Championships. In the 1990-1991 season, Linda Lampe became the head coach and the team was on its way to victory again. Melodie Wallace joined the team as a coach in 1998 and the teams have continued to be strong. The Cygnets of San Antonio team has competed at the National Age Group Championships in Solo, Duets, and Trios since 1993. The team has had swimmers nationally ranked in Solo, Duet, and Figure competition. Others will most likely follow in the coming years.
As an interesting side note, the Swan’s Landing Apartments on Perrin-Beitel Road is the former location of Margaret Swan’s home. There, she had a full-size pool where all of the Cygnets’ practices were held while she was coaching.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Each year presents its own unique set of challenges. Athletes grow and age out of the program, new members join, each group has its own strengths, weaknesses, and specific needs. Each year we have to evaluate the group that make up the Cygnets and adjust to those needs. Finances are also always a challenge as pool rentals and coaching stipends add up quickly.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
The Cygnets of San Antonio is operated by a board of directors made up of parents and coaches. Our current board is made up of parents who are book keepers, teachers, administrator and engineers. Having such a diverse board helps each of us manage our specific officer responsibilities. I am proud of the effort and energy of each volunteer gives to work full time, raise a family and still give time to help keep the team operational and thriving.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
One of the most powerful things I’ve learned along working with this club and others is that its important to look at decisions through a lens that brings the focus on the kids. Its easy to get caught up in managing the business of operating a club and let that be the focus. The second lesson learned that I think has made a huge difference in leading a club is to always react with kindness first. We have amazing families that give and give, but there can be stress and misunderstandings which can lead to tension. Reacting in self defense instead of understanding and kindness can drive a wedge between relationships, but leading with kindness make people feel safe and heard and strengthens trust and community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cygnetssatx.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cygnets.synchro
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSASynchro
