The Pirates are now missing their captain but will look back fondly on the contributions of longtime coach Allyson Corbett.
Corbett recently announced that she will be stepping down from her position as head coach of the local swim club and is doing so with a heavy heart.
"It is with much regret that I have to tell you that this Friday [May 11] will be my last practice as a coach this summer," Corbett stated in an email to Pirates parents. "Unfortunately, upon seeing the specialist yesterday, it was determined that coaching is detrimental to the healing of the brain injury I sustained in the car wreck, so I need to step away."
Corbett added that she believes the Pirates will be very successful in the upcoming summer season and didn't close the door on a return to the team in the future.
"The past five years with the Pirates have been a fantastic experience," she said. "And I thank you all for the role you had. Hopefully I'll be able to coach again with The Pirates sometime in the future."
Parent Lynn Chappell said Corbett has been a great coach during her tenure.
"It's very sad to see her step down but we completely understand and we care for her," she said. "Her health and well being are paramount. She's been with us for five years, first as an assistant coach and then as head coach for the last year and half. She had such an amazing connection with the kids and understood their individuality andmotivations, leading tomany successes with thePirate swimmers.We will be thinking of heras she recovers."
Chappell said the kids will deeply miss Corbett but they ultimately want what's best for her.
"Our Pirates have a strong sense of team, and I know that they are behind her every step of the way during her recovery," she said.
Despite the loss of Corbett, Chappell said the Pirates have a strong base of coaches to help replace her. She noted that Sarah Dale, Alex Wuolle and newcomer Emily Hennigar will share duties and do their best to fill in the void left by Corbett.
The club will host the kickoff to the competition season for the Vancouver and District Region on May 27. Close to 250 swimmers will invade the Brennan Park pool, with swimmers hitting the water starting at 8 a.m.
For more information on the Pirates, visit www.squamishpirates.com.
