Q&A with Amit Kaul: HC of Cedarburg’s boys and girls swim teams
CEDARBURG, Wis. — Q&A with Amit Kaul, the head coach of Cedarburg High School’s boys and girls swim and dive teams.
How long have you been coaching?
Amit Kaul: Since 2001. For four years, I was assistant coach to Hall of Famer Steve Keller. In 2005, I became head coach, as he transitioned to focus on coaching Ozaukee Aquatics and running the Swim America lesson program.
What is your background in this sport?
Kaul: I swam competitively from the age of 6 to 18. My family moved to Cedarburg in 1984 when I was 9 years old, and I competed until 1993. After graduating from University of Wisconsin in 2001, I came back to CHS to teach and coach.
What are one or two things that the team does in training that are keys to success?
Kaul: Our student-athletes demonstrate consistent intensity, focus and leadership. They persevere, and they prepare to compete with enthusiasm.
Please describe the most memorable competitions your team has won.
Kaul: After 20 years and a combined seven runner-up finishes (four for boys and three for girls) at state meets since 2007, we finally broke through to win our first state championship in 2021.
How do you encourage the team after a disappointing loss?
Kaul: First, by taking full responsibility for our failure. By helping them see a bigger picture and reminding them of measurable gains that they made despite the loss. By encouraging them to be patient and to continue enjoying their daily work towards a larger goal that many times transcends sport.
Describe your proudest coaching moment.
Kaul: The greatest pride comes from a mutual heartfelt appreciation between coaches, between coach and athlete, between coach and parent. These take the form of a simple note, a card, an email, a handshake or hug at a season-ending banquet, or a casual conversation on the pool deck. It comes from the knowledge that, as a community, we helped a young person reach his or her potential – that we helped them grow into a more resilient, talented, curious and self-aware human being.
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned from being a coach?
Kaul: To be an artist of life.
What legacy do you hope to leave as a coach?
Kaul: Perseverance in the pool can lead to temporary fulfillment as an athlete. Indeed, we can experience overwhelming joy in achieving a fast time or winning a race. But only when we combine this pursuit with real love in all of its forms – love for each other, love for work, love for art – can we hope to achieve a longer-lasting, deeper fulfillment. A gratitude for life itself.
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