Our Approach
Our approach
Great swimmers are developed through purpose, patience, and consistency — not endless laps and accumulated yardage.
The C26 coaching system
Our coaches don't supervise workouts. They coach.
At C26 Aquatics, every coach teaches from the same coaching philosophy.
Every drill, every set, every conversation, and every practice is intentionally designed to develop not only faster swimmers — but more confident athletes and better people.
That means every practice includes:
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Teach
Every swimmer receives technical instruction throughout practice — not just corrections when something goes wrong. We explain why. We demonstrate how. We help swimmers understand what they are trying to accomplish.
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Observe
Our coaches are constantly watching — not simply counting intervals. We look for movement patterns, habits, body position, breathing, timing, confidence, and effort. Small adjustments made daily become major improvements over time.
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Correct
Immediate feedback matters. Because of our smaller coach-to-swimmer ratios, corrections happen in real time. Instead of repeating poor habits for months, swimmers receive consistent coaching every practice.
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Reinforce
When swimmers make improvements, we recognize them. Confidence grows when athletes know what they're doing well. Positive reinforcement creates athletes who enjoy the process of getting better.
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Challenge
Every swimmer deserves to be challenged — but at the appropriate level. Practices are designed to stretch athletes beyond their comfort zone without overwhelming them. We meet swimmers where they are while preparing them for where they want to go.
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Connect
Relationships matter. Great coaching begins with trust. We intentionally build relationships with every swimmer so they know they are valued beyond their performances.
Most swim clubs measure success by attendance and race results. We believe race results are simply the outcome of hundreds of meaningful coaching moments. Our responsibility is to win those moments every single day.
Every coach at C26 Aquatics is trained within this system. Regardless of which coach is leading a lane on a given day, families can expect the same standard of instruction, communication, accountability, and care.
The C26 method
Train with purpose
Every practice has a purpose. Every set has an objective. Every season has a plan. Our whole philosophy comes down to four commitments we make to every swimmer.
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Train with purpose
We prioritize quality over quantity — technique, efficiency, and movement patterns. The goal isn't to out-yard everyone else; it's to maximize every yard we swim.
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Develop for the long term
Science-backed periodization lets swimmers grow progressively. Rather than chasing early wins at 11, 12, or 13, we build toward full potential at 16–18 and the collegiate level.
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Peak when it matters most
We balance training stress, recovery, strength, and mobility so athletes perform at their best when it counts — while reducing the risk of burnout and overuse injury.
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Love the process
Success isn't only times on a scoreboard. It's confidence, resilience, discipline, and friendships — healthy young people who love the sport for life.
Train with purpose. Develop for the long term. Peak when it matters most. Love the process.
Why C26
The C26 difference
At C26 Aquatics, we believe every swimmer deserves consistency, individual attention, and a clear path for long-term growth. We built our program intentionally to create an environment where athletes can develop confidence, skills, and a lifelong love for swimming.
Traditional Swim Clubs
- Multiple pool locations and changing practice sites
- Different coaches from practice to practice
- Generalized training plans for large groups
- High-volume, "make it or break it" environments
- Large groups, limited individual attention
- Dryland focused on basic exercises
- Swimmers wait months for evaluations or move-ups
- Parent fundraising requirements
- Governed by a board of directors
C26 Aquatics
- One home. One pool. One standard. We own our facility and every swimmer has a true home base.
- Consistent coaching staff who know your swimmer, their goals, and how they learn best.
- Individualized development tailored to age, ability, and long-term growth.
- Purposeful training focused on technique, progression, and sustainable development.
- Excellent coach-to-swimmer ratios for meaningful instruction and feedback.
- Strength and performance training — injury prevention, mobility, strength, power, and movement quality specific to swimming.
- Move-up standards happen as needed. When a swimmer is ready, they move up — no waiting for a calendar date.
- No mandatory fundraising.
- Parent Advisory Board that provides feedback while letting coaches focus on developing swimmers.
We don't believe in simply putting swimmers through yards. We believe in developing athletes. We coach the person first and the swimmer second. We prioritize relationships, consistency, and intentional progress. Our goal is to create confident, resilient young people who learn discipline, accountability, and a love for the process.
One Home. One Pool. One Standard.
Our mission
To inspire every swimmer to reach their potential through individualized training, meaningful goals, positive culture, and a commitment to personal excellence.
Our vision
We strive to create a dynamic and supportive environment where every athlete feels valued, challenged, and inspired. Through individualized training plans, meaningful mentoring, and a culture built on positivity and growth, we empower swimmers to overcome challenges, achieve personal success, and develop confidence that extends far beyond the pool. We seek to create an exclusive feeling of belonging within an inclusive team environment where every swimmer has the opportunity to thrive.
What we stand for
Our core values
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Individual Focus
Every swimmer's journey is unique. We provide individualized training and support to help each athlete achieve their personal goals.
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Meaningful Goals
Purpose drives progress. We encourage swimmers to set meaningful goals and pursue them with determination.
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Positive Culture
We foster an environment of encouragement, respect, accountability, and celebration of success.
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Inspire Potential
We believe every athlete possesses untapped potential and we strive to help them discover and maximize it.
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Overcome Challenges
Growth comes through adversity. We embrace challenges as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve.
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Dynamic Excellence
We pursue continuous improvement through innovation, effort, and a commitment to excellence.
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Mentoring for Life
Swimming is our vehicle for developing confidence, character, leadership, and lifelong success.
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Inclusive Belonging
We cultivate a team culture that feels special and personal while welcoming athletes of all backgrounds and abilities.
Beyond the scoreboard
More than a sport
Swimming isn't just about learning strokes and improving times. Research consistently shows that regular physical activity can improve anxiety, emotional regulation, attention, and executive functioning in children and adolescents.
The unique nature of swimming makes it especially beneficial. The rhythmic breathing, repetitive movements, structured environment, and sensory experience of the water can help many children feel calmer, more focused, and more regulated. Swimming also provides predictable routines, clear expectations, and opportunities to build confidence through measurable progress.
For children with ADHD, research has found that regular exercise can significantly improve attention, emotional regulation, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. Studies examining different forms of exercise have also found that aquatic exercise may be particularly beneficial for improving attention and cognitive flexibility.
At C26 Aquatics, we've seen firsthand how swimming can become much more than a sport. It can be an outlet, a confidence builder, a source of belonging, and a place where kids discover what they are capable of achieving.
Our home
One facility. Everything your swimmer needs.
Unlike clubs that rent and rotate pools, we own our home at the C26 Hub inside AdventHealth SportsPark at Bluhawk — a dedicated three-lane lap pool with its own entrance and parking.
Connected to a 10,000-square-foot performance facility for dryland, strength, and recovery — infrared saunas, cold tubs, and compression for swimmers 13 and older.
Beyond the pool
The Midwest's premier open water swimming program
We believe swimming should create opportunities that extend far beyond the lane lines. Open water is one of the fastest-growing disciplines in the sport — and one of the areas that truly separates C26 Aquatics.
Coach Robbie is widely recognized as one of the Midwest's leading open water coaches, with a decade guiding hundreds of swimmers at every level of the sport.
- Top-5 · Open Water Zones
- National 5K Collegiate
- Pro Triathlon
- English Channel
Open water action photo