When Shelli Reed graduated from San Benito High in 2009, she left behind a mark of swimming excellence.
As one of the two new coaches—Zack Tolentino being the other—of San Benito Aquatics, she’s back and ready to leave another legacy, this time as a coach. Reed, who posted some of the fastest times in San Benito swim history, feels blessed her new job has taken her back to the scene of some of her athletic accomplishments (SBA holds its practices at the high school).
“I was part of the program growing up, my sister (Erin) was and both of my parents (Jeff and Debbie) were board members,” Reed said. “I’m really happy with where I’m at right now because coaching is the one thing in life I know and understand.”
The 22-year-old Reed actually majored in nutrition and wellness at the University of New Hampshire, where she earned an athletic scholarship before graduating in 2013. Upon earning her degree, Reed returned to Hollister, where she served as an assistant for SBA while simultaneously working a couple of other jobs on the side.
With the scarcity of jobs in the health and wellness field in Hollister, Reed turned her focus to swimming, and before she knew it, a position opened up at SBA.
“I wasn’t planning on being a (head) coach this soon by any means, so it’s definitely a blessing,” she said. “I always knew I wanted to stay in the sport, and it’s something I never want to give up.”
The 5-foot-4 Reed is proud of SBA and all that it stands for and represents, and she only wants to see the program expand and grow into a place where even residents from outside of Hollister would want to bring their children to advance their skills.
“I believe if we continue to work on stroke technique and continue to challenge our swimmers, they’ll grow and see results,” she said.
Reed also plans on building the ultimate team environment—SBA has approximately 80 kids in the program—because even in an individual sport like swimming, a teammates’ support can go a long way. Reed saw this firsthand at New Hampshire, which won the American East Conference championship in 2009, Reed’s senior year.
“In college, I realized how important it was for every individual to feel like they’re a part of a team, something greater than even their own individuality,” Reed said. “When you have a great team atmosphere, everyone is motivated to do well.”
Reed, who was voted team captain for her senior season at New Hampshire, established personal-best times of 23.57 seconds in the 50 freestyle, 50.92 in the 100 free, 57.23 in the 100 butterfly and 1:50.25 in the 200 free.
Reed consistently posted strong times, and she earned all-conference honors during her junior and senior season.
“My college career was incredible,” she said. “It was the best time of my life. I couldn’t have imagined a better ending to my college career than the team winning the conference championship.”
Reed hardly ever needed motivation to flourish in the pool. At 3 or 4, Reed became enamored with the sport after watching Erin swim. Reed, who was on the pool deck at the time, laughed as she recalled one of her first memories being around a pool.
“I was watching my sister swim and they (my parents) decided to throw me in the pool probably because I was causing trouble,” Reed said. “I never got out of the water, and I guess I can thank my sister for that.”
Although the summer season is just underway, the schedule gets hectic soon, with the prestigious Junior Olympics and Far Western Nationals coming up in July. SBA has qualified Jaya Waller and Brandon So—a pair of 10 years old—for both events.
In time, Reed would love to see SBA qualify individuals from all age levels to the Junior Olympics and Far Western Nationals. Until that happens, Reed will be working hard, in and out of the pool. Although she doesn’t get in as much swim time as she would like, Reed runs and does Crossfit throughout the week.
That keeps her in shape, and more importantly, keeps her mentally fresh to lead a new generation of SBA swimmers to high water.
