Name: Lucy Jordan
Course: Sport and Exercise Psychology
School: School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences
Role(s) within Loughborough Sport: Swimming Coach
Lucy Jordan
Swimming Coach
Since joining Loughborough last year, Lucy has coached with Loughborough Performance swimming. Her work includes coaching both para and non-para-athletes and she has strong aspirations to develop as a coach even further over the coming years.
Tell us a little bit about yourself (hobbies, interests and background):
Since the age of 8, I have been swimming competitively and have grown up with the love of sport. As well as swimming I also used to do judo and loved it, but then I had to choose which sport I wanted to continue with, so I chose swimming. As soon as I was old enough, I got my swimming teaching qualifications and really enjoyed that so decided to take it further and have gone onto doing my level one coaching, hoping to my level two. I am a qualified swimming official and have officiated at a variety of different championships including Olympic trials and British championships. In the summer for the past two years, I have worked out in America on summer camps as a water front specialist and it is such a rewarding opportunity that I would encourage people to try.
How did you first get involved in volunteering within sport at Loughborough?
Before I decided to go into coaching, I taught swimming, and a lot of people said I would great at coaching. My mum was a swimming coach and along with my head coach inspired me to give it a go. During Covid, and the lockdown, swimming stopped, and I injured my shoulder quite badly meaning that I could not do anything, in the end this topped me training and competing. As a result of not being able to do what I loved, my coach asked me to come along and help coach. This is where I found my love for coaching and since then have not stopped. Coaching swimming allowed me to continue in the discipline that I have grown up with and as a result has helped me to fall back in love with swimming.
What has your experience volunteering been like whilst at Loughborough?
Since joining Loughborough this year, I have started coaching with Loughborough Performance swimming. I started working with para swimmers but now I coach both para and non para-athletes and I am really enjoying it.
How has being involved with Loughborough Sport helped you develop and progress (personally and professionally)?
The CVA has helped to provide me with opportunities to help me develop as a coach. I have joined the female leadership programme which has allowed me to meet other coaches, I have been able to develop new skills that will be useful to help me progress further with coaching. As well as this the CVA has helped me to complete courses such as safeguarding and other workshops that link to developing coaching skills. Having a wide range of courses and workshops and other opportunities has helped mee to grow and also gain new confidence. It is great that I can be recognised for the hours I put in.
What’s the best advice you could give to a Loughborough student looking to get involved in volunteering & gain the most out of their university experiences?
For anyone thinking about coaching, I would say give it a go. Even if you have not coached before the CVA and Loughborough in general can provide so many opportunities to help you along the way. It can help create connections who can then be used in the future, and it looks great on your CV for future employers.
Finally, what are your coaching aspirations?
One of my coaching aspirations is to complete my level 2 swimming coach. I would also love to get the opportunity to coach at a higher level but also have the opportunity to work for high experienced coached to gain to knowledge and insight.
Feeling inspired?
Feeling inspired by Lucy's experience? Check out the CVA Portal regularly for opportunities like this.