Luther College expands partnership with the Northeastern Swim Team

Luther College and the Northeastern Swim Team (NST) are expanding their partnership to benefit area swimmers. Beginning on Sept. 1, NST will be under the direction of Aaron Zander ’10, Luther College aquatic director and head men’s and women’s swimming and diving coach.

Connecting students from the Northeast region of Iowa, NST is the local USA Swim Team. Members come from neighbouring towns including Calmar, Cresco, Decorah, Elkader, Harmony, McGregor, Monona, Ossian, Postville, Preston, Ridgeway, Waukon and West Union.

Due to its proximity, NST has always utilized the Luther Aquatic Center. This newly expanded partnership will now provide their athletes a college level swimming experience.

“This partnership offers benefits to both programs,” said Zander. “For the Luther coaches, it offers greater exposure and experience working with younger swimmers up to national level high school athletes. For NST, it offers long-term coaching stability and foundational coaching principles that are being taught at the college level, better preparing our area’s youngest swimmers.”

Zander will oversee NST coaches Linnea Lee-Brown ’21, Christian Johnson ’23 and other Luther swimmers and will mentor and help them develop effective and fun workouts for the swimmers.

“To be under the direct mentorship of Coach Aaron Zander ensures that our developing swimmers receive technically sound instruction and advice both in and out of the pool to help swimmers achieve their goals. Partnering with Luther helps our club establish the sustainability that we have been tirelessly working towards for years,” said Joie LaFrentz, vice president of NST.

This partnership also opens the door for Luther swimmers to practice and enhance their coaching and leadership skills.

“New coaching opportunities will be available for Luther staff and Luther Swimming & Diving athletes. This will be a great resume builder for our student athletes who hope to coach professionally after graduation,” said Zander.

The NST is devoted to providing a positive learning environment for swimmers to grow, improve both physical and mental strength, and enhance their technique in order to reach their full potential in swimming. Click here for more information or to register.

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