FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

What is Masters Swimming?

Masters swimming is a program that incorporates conditioning, stroke technique, strength and endurance.

Each workout is designed to improve swimming skills and provide the best physical exercise you can do for your body. 

It is also a great social network in which to find friends who love the water as much as you do.

Who can join?

Anyone who wants to swim. Current swimmers range in age from 18–97. 

You need not be a strong swimmer, or even have a desire to compete, in order to enjoy the benefits of working out in the water.

Do you have to compete?

MOST has members who do compete in formal Masters swim competitions. Some members train in order to improve their swimming for triathlons. We also have members who workout for the simple pleasure of swimming. Over one-third of our swimmers have never competed nor have any plans to compete.

Not in swimming shape?

You will quickly improve by just simply getting in the water and doing it. Every workout is adjusted for each swimmer’s ability level.

Our program is one of the best and largest in South Texas. Members range in ability from beginners to World Record holders, and from former high school swimmers to internationally ranked triathletes.

Who are the Coaches?

Head Coach Susan Ingraham

Head Coach Susan Ingraham 

  • 2023 Texas Swimming & Diving Hall of Fame Inductee
  • 2021 Inducted into the Texas State Senior Games Hall of Fame
  • 2021 & 2018 National Champion in USMS National Open Water Championships
  • 2017 Jesse Coon Legacy Award – South Central Zone Inspiration Recognition
  • 2011 Awarded Outstanding JCC Athletic Department Staff
  • 2010 National Champion in both the 50 Fly & 100 Fly
  • 2008 USMS National Coach of the Year
  • Currently ranked in the Masters World Top Ten
  • National USMS Top Ten Ranking yearly - earning USMS Postal and Pool Relay Records 
  • Coaching 45 years of experience with summer league, age group, high school, and Masters
  • Qualified for Olympic Trials in 1980
  • Team Captain for University of Arizona 1979
  • All-American swimmer at the High School, Collegiate, and Masters level 

Susan & husband Corky, have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren, enjoy working endless hours in the yard, traveling, and the open water.

Asst. Coach Tiitta Elias

Tiitta has been a MOST Team Coach for 17 years and is both an USMS Level III Certified Coach and Adult Learn to Swim Instructor. Tiitta has 30+ years of swim coaching experience which includes Age Group and Masters. Tiitta swam for the Finnish National Team and was Finland’s National Champion from 1984-1988. She was selected for the European Championships and World Championships in 1985 and 1986. She attended University of Houston with a full swim scholarship 1989-1992 and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology. Tiitta attended University of Texas-Pan American from 1992-1995 and graduated with Masters in Exercise Science. While at Pan Am she was the teaching assistant for swimming and weight training coach for the McAllen Swim Club age group swimmers.  In 2010, she was recognized as a National Top Ten swimmer for USMS in both Free and Fly and has achieved that ranking several times since. Tiitta is married to Pancho, with two adult sons, Panchito and Tero.

 

Asst. Coach Elaine Valdez

Elaine Valdez is a certified USMS level III coach with over 20 years of experience coaching swimming for children and adults.   She was presented with the 2018 Kerry O’Brien Coaches Award for her innovative coaching style and leading our UTSA training group.  This national award was presented by USMS, recognizing her passion for the sport, teaching style, and caring encouragement she gives to the novice adult swimmer.  She is also a USMS certified Adult-Learn-to-Swim Instructor.
Elaine has been a highly competitive Master swimmer herself since 1980, consistently ranked in the annual “Top Ten” lists at the national level.  She has earned “All American” (#1 ranking) 15 times in her swimming career. 
In the summer months Elaine is employed with San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department as an aquatic program supervisor.


 

 

Sounds great! How do I sign up?

Please give us a call, Coach Susan (210-859-2859), who can answer any further questions you may have. Come and try your first workout at no charge.
The JCC offers a special discount for prospective Master's Swimmers! Contact the membership director 210-302-6866 for more information.

Call today and allow us to assist you in reaching your personal fitness and swimming goals.