The American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) will kick off 2026 with one of its most popular regional events — the Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic, returning January 9–11, 2026, at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California.
This year’s lineup features coaching legend Bob Bowman of the University of Texas, highly accomplished club coach Abi Liu of Bellevue Club Swim Team, world renowned stroke expert Russell Mark of ASCA, Bellevue developmental coach Dwayne Stewart, age group specialist Dana Skelton of USA Swimming, and Club Owner/Head Coach Laura Mitchell of Alto Swim Club who will lead a panel on retention.
A full schedule with speaker bios and talk topics can be found at www.swimmingcoach.org/clinics.
A Premier Coaching Experience
The three-day event is designed for coaches at every level — from age-group to elite — and features an impressive schedule of topics focused on teaching technique, improving program design, and strengthening leadership on and off the pool deck.
Attendees can expect in-depth sessions on topics such as stroke mechanics, training systems, season planning, and athlete development, along with a discussion on athlete and coach retention.
In addition to the main clinic program, participants can register for extra paid sessions:
- The ASCA Stroke School with Russell Mark (Friday) – Whether you’ve been coaching for 20+ years or less than 1 year, the time spent here will be valuable. You will get fresh perspective, new approach & language, and most importantly it will be technically current. Russell is constantly evolving the curriculum. This course meets the ASCA Level 2 Certification course requirement.
- The Planning, Writing, and Managing Age Group & Novice Workouts (Sunday)- Coaches will get a new perspective on how to create an Age Group workout as well as ideas that can be immediately implemented into their daily practice writing and coaching habits.
The clinic also kicks off with a Women Coaches Meet & Greet on Friday afternoon, providing a relaxed and supportive space for women coaches to connect, share experiences, and build networks that empower their careers in competitive swimming.
Top Reasons to Attend the 2026 Pacific Coaches Clinic
- Learn from the Best
This is your chance to meet and learn from some of the most accomplished swimming coaches working today. - Build Your Network
Connect with peers, mentors, and industry partners in a relaxed, collaborative environment designed for sharing and support. - Recharge and Refocus
Take time away from the daily grind to reflect, gain perspective, and return to your team with renewed energy and purpose. - Explore New Tools and Trends
Discover the latest in training technology, performance tracking, and program development from exhibitors and partners. - Experience Napa
Learn by day, unwind by night — with world-class dining, scenery, and relaxation opportunities just minutes away.
ASCA Legacy of Coach Education
Since its founding in 1958, ASCA has been the professional home for swimming coaches, offering certification, continuing education, and advocacy to elevate the coaching profession. The Pacific Coaches Clinic is part of ASCA’s series of regional educational events that complement the annual ASCA World Clinic, providing accessible, high-impact learning opportunities throughout the year.
Each clinic brings the best of ASCA’s educational philosophy — evidence-based training insights, practical application, and mentorship — to coaches where they live and work.
Earn ASCA Education Credits
Coaches who attend the Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic, will earn 20 ACEs (ASCA Credits for Education) which will appear in your online profile and can be used for certification.
Registration Now Open
Registration for the 2026 ASCA Pacific Swim Coaches Clinic is now open at ASCA’s official event page.
The event runs Friday through Sunday, January 9–11, 2026, at the Napa Valley Marriott, 3425 Solano Avenue, Napa, CA. Coaches are encouraged to register by December 9, 2025, to take advantage of early bird rates and limited hotel availability.
— The above press release was posted by Swimming World in conjunction with ASCA. For press releases and advertising inquiries please contact Advertising@SwimmingWorld.com.
