Penn State Researchers Survey Collegiate Swim Coaches

The study investigates how training interruptions impact athlete performance in the water.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Swimming

Penn State Researchers Survey Collegiate Swim Coaches

Live Poll

Do you believe sports medicine research should heavily rely on the practical observations of coaches?

Researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine have launched an anonymous survey for collegiate swim coaches across the country. The initiative aims to gather professional insights into performance changes observed following extended training breaks.

Why it matters

Understanding how training interruptions affect athletic output can help coaches develop more effective recovery strategies for their swimmers. This research seeks to bridge the gap between training hiatuses and sustained performance.

The anonymous survey collects observations from collegiate swim coaches regarding performance shifts, with the study currently targeting coaches across the U.S. collegiate landscape.

The players

Baxter Smelzer

He is a medical student involved in conducting research on athletic performance at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Dr. Caitlyn Haines

She serves as a sports medicine physician at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Penn State College of Medicine

This academic institution is the base for research into sports medicine and health-related studies.

The details

Medical student Baxter Smelzer and Dr. Caitlyn Haines are leading the effort to identify trends in swimmer performance after time away from the pool. Coaches are asked to voluntarily provide strategies they employ to restore swimmers to their peak capabilities.

October 26, 2026: The survey availability was announced.

Season Trajectory

This study aligns with the Penn State College of Medicine sports medicine research program's focus on evidence-based practices. It aims to formalize how coaches navigate the gaps in training that often occur between competitive seasons.

This research could eventually provide collegiate swim programs with standardized protocols for managing training breaks during the season. Coaches who participate contribute to a data set that may influence how future swim training schedules are structured to optimize swimmer performance.

The takeaway

The findings are expected to be presented at a national conference and published in a sports medicine journal. Coaches can look forward to seeing if their anecdotal training experiences are backed by broader data trends.