Chris DeSantis Coaching
The Blog

Notes on mindset, coaching, and the craft of sport.

Essays on Positive Psychology, talent development, and what it really takes to perform at your best.

Mindset

Back in The Gulf

I'm living the dream. I'm writing this from my hotel in Downtown Houston. I'm down in the area for the third time...

April 5, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

How to Demonstrate Your Support

This blog has a renewed sense of focus on change in the way structurally and culturally we combat abusive coaching.  One of...

April 3, 2018 · 4 min read
Mindset

Practice Apologizing to A Small Child

Parenting brings with it many wonders. If you're reading this post and sick of hearing about what i've learned being a parent...

April 2, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

Media Roundup: Swimswam and Glamour

Yesterday, Swimswam published a far-reaching and extensive interview that I spoke about a couple weeks ago. I appreciate that Swimswam published all of my...

March 30, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

Leave the Door Open With Empathy

One of the questions that I often field from coaches goes something like this: "What do I do about (athlete x)? They...

March 29, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

Sally Jenkins Is Asking the Right Questions

Sally Jenkins is one of the most read columnists in the United States. So it's very satisfying for those of us who...

March 28, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

NCAA Swimming Melds the Best of Fun and High Level Swimming

Another NCAA Swimming Championship season has passed us, and I find myself once again feeling the usual amount of awe. These meets...

March 26, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

Podcast Preview: Susan O’Brien Williams

Later today I'll be recording a podcast with Susan O'Brien Williams. Williams has the Masters World Record in the 50m Fly, LCM...

March 22, 2018 · 1 min read
Mindset

Safe Sport is Looking Into Paul Bergen

One of the lessons I learned from the last round of "Safe Sport" reforms in swimming was that we all need to...

March 21, 2018 · 2 min read
Mindset

Update: USA Swimming Has Done (Almost) Nothing

I once had a college teammate take a swing at me for counting the yardage of practice out loud. So I know...

March 20, 2018 · 3 min read
Mindset

Kids Will Be Very Brave Once They Feel Safe

On Saturday, there were no Disney parks in our plans. I spent most of the day at the pool, with my four...

March 19, 2018 · 4 min read
Mindset

Katie Ledecky and Short Course Yards

Katie Ledecky is the best swimmer in the world. It is likely that, even if her progression continues to stall out and...

March 17, 2018 · 2 min read