Most high schoolers become lifeguards and camp counselors when summer starts, but senior Braden Hanna took on a unique job this summer. 

Hanna is now a coach on a club USA swimming team.

“I am a coaching assistant for KCSA, [Kansas City Swim Academy],” said Hanna. “It’s a club team in the Kansas City area.”

While the job is a serious responsibility, Hanna still managed to have a good time. 

“The experience has been a lot of fun,” said Hanna. “I’ve learned a lot.”

However, the experience was not without its challenges. There were obstacles caused by the age difference between him and the swimmers he coached. 

“It was really hard at first to get respect,” said Hanna. “They thought of me more as a friend [and] less of a coach.”

Hanna liked it so much that he chose to continue it beyond summer break.

“I coached every other day [during the summer and] will continue coaching throughout the school year.”