Ten years ago, the Piedmont Swim Team hired a new head coach, Stefan Bill.
Lisa: Stefan grew up in Switzerland and was recruited to coach in the UK. He came to Piedmont with big dreams for the small team.
Lead Coach Colby Price: Once we got him, I knew things were really going to change.
PST Parent Amy Aubrecht: I don’t know what life or career goals you have for yourself, but if making a difference in the lives of your swimmers is anywhere on that list, you have achieved it 100 fold.
When Stefan took over the Piedmont Swim Team in 2014, there were 60 swimmers.
Lisa: Today, it has grown to just under 200, and the number of swimmers competing in high-level meets has significantly increased.
PST Alum Parker Long: I think I was around nine years old when Stefan first came to interview for Piedmont Swim Team. And in that first practice, just the way that he said things, it was clear that he knew what he was talking about.
PST Alum Aaron Wu: Thank you for taking a chance on our team to build it from the ground up.
PST Alum Paige Arnold: Thank you for transforming the team into the competitive, high reaching, supportive community that it is today.
PST Alum Joise Oesterer: And we have full faith that you’ll continue bringing the team to new and higher levels.
PST Alum Kate Aubrecht: At the end of the day, we wouldn’t be who we are today without you and your support, and we’ll always be so grateful that you chose PST.
At this year’s annual Piedmont Swim Team awards banquet, parent volunteers surprised Stefan for his decade of dedication by raising over $5,000 for the team’s financial aid fund.
Lisa: Then they surprised Stefan with video messages from his current swimmers, past swimmers, and coaches.
PST Alum Simon Lins: Words can’t describe the amount of impact you’ve had on me and the rest of the Piedmont community. I know I wouldn’t be the same man I am today without you.
PST Alum Ryan Stokes: He’s a master of his craft and it’s really amazing to see how far Piedmont Swim Team has come in the past ten years with Stefan as the head coach.
PST Head Age Group Coach Rob Moreside: But most of all, thank you for what you’ve done for this tired old coach. You have rekindled a fire in me for swimming and coaching, and for that I will be forever grateful.
Lisa: After the heartfelt video messages, the entire room of swimmers, parents and coaches rose to their feet, overwhelmed with gratitude and appreciation for a true community treasure. Piedmont Swim Team’s head coach Stefan Bill.
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