Clarke Central High School head varsity swim and dive coach Rick Simonds poses in Room 407 at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School on Aug. 12. Simonds,a CCHS Class of 2003 alumnus, has returned to the Clarke County School District for the 2025-26 school year to teach eighth-grade Georgia Studies at BHL and coach at CCHS. “I miss being around the water. I miss being around the pool, the kids, teaching them (and) coaching,” Simonds said. “I was very fortunate that when I got the job at BHL, (I) happened to see that there was a position and sort of right time, right place. (I) couldn’t be happier that I’m back (in the) Clarke County and helping out with my old high school.” Photo by Liya Taylor
CCHS head varsity swim and dive coach Rick Simonds discusses his career as a swimmer and expectations for his first year as CCHS’ head coach.
Sports Editor Liya Taylor: What is your past experience with swimming and diving?
Clarke Central High School head varsity swim and dive coach Rick Simonds: I am from Athens, and I learned to swim at the Athens YMCA when I was about 4-years-old. Then, when I was in high school (at Clarke Central High School), I needed a job. I got certified and became a lifeguard. (Then, my old coach) convinced me to become a swim instructor, (so) I was (teaching) swim lessons. When I graduated college, I just enjoyed being a part of the Y, being a part of the nonprofit (and) helping kids out (so I) became an Aquatics Director over in Beaufort, S.C.. (There, I) had a swim team that I took over as coach and (I) sort of worked my way up throughout the YMCA nonprofit, and now we’re here.
LT: How would you describe your coaching style?
RS: I hope that my coaching and my teaching are very similar: higher expectations, better results. Whether it’s in the classroom or in the pool, if you set higher expectations, you’re going to have better results. If you are okay with being mediocre, then the commitment is not there. I’m a firm believer that if you set the bar high, you’re going to get better results. So, when it comes to that (in terms of) coaching, you’re always trying to push yourself. You’re always trying to get better times, faster times (and) really trying to make sure that we are progressing and (are) not just OK with being OK.
LT: What do you bring to the CCHS team?
RS: My background (and) my knowledge being around aquatics (from) my previous experience, we had a team (in) the YMCA league (with a) little bit over 100 kids on the team, (with) a substantial 15-20 kids on the high school side. So, being around those kids (and) having that experience, from coaching (and) interacting with high school-aged students (will) help me out at Clarke Central.
Clarke Central High School head varsity swim and dive coach Rick Simonds speaks in his classroom at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School on Aug. 12. After taking a break from coaching for nearly 10 years, Simonds expressed excitement about getting back in the pool. “I want kids to be successful at their personal goals. I want my swimmers to let us know what their personal goals are, whether that’s personal times, trying to build up for the next level, or trying to get into a certain college,” Simonds said. “Whatever their personal goals are, we want to make sure we’re helping them to attain (them).” Video by Merren Hines
LT: How do you plan to grow the CCHS varsity swim and dive team?
RS: One thing that I’ve been really excited about being here at (Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School) is that I’ve got kids that are interested (in swimming). I’ve talked about being the swim coach and I’ve got kids that haven’t really thought about it (before), but you can technically swim with the team (and) compete (as an) eighth grader. So, I think being at the middle school and having a classroom with kids will actually help with some recruitment. I’m not sure if there’s participation at the middle school level (yet), but being a middle school teacher (will help build up that feeder system.
LT: What are some of your goals for this season?
RS: Getting back into the groove of things. It’s been a little bit of time (since I’ve coached). I helped out very briefly at Jackson County (High School) before my son was born, and then, obviously, having a newborn, I sort of had to take a step back. This year is a transition year. I don’t want to put big targets or anything up there (because) it’s a transition year (to) make sure that I get all my ducks in a row, learn everybody, get familiar with people and then start growing. (I need to) transition and learn the ropes with the high school and make sure that we have a good foundation for solid success because I plan on being here for a while.
I hope that my coaching and my teaching are very similar: higher expectations, better results. Whether it’s in the classroom or in the pool, if you set higher expectations, you’re going to have better results.
LT: What are some challenges you anticipate?
RS: Challenges are just (going to be) getting my bearings. I’ve been a coach before, but it’s a little bit different getting used to the environment. The different locations (and) venues, many of them I’ve never been to. So, just learning on the job, getting my bearings, relearning some stuff that’s probably a little bit rusty and absorbing as much as (former head swim and dive) coach Emily (Hulse) will help me out (with). It’s one of those things, like riding a bike, (that) once you get into it, it comes back to you.
Clarke Central High School head varsity swim and dive coach Rick Simonds speaks in his classroom at Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School on Aug. 12. The 2025-26 school year is not only Simonds’s first year as the CCHS head swim and dive coach, but also as an eighth-grade Georgia Studies teacher at BHL. “(I hope to be here) as long as people have me (and to) really grow the team and compete. I can’t say how long I’m going to be here, but I do plan on helping out,” Simonds said. “I want to help coach the team to the best of my abilities, for as long as I can.” Video by Merren Hines
LT: How do you approach athletes at different levels?
RS: My personal thing is it’s a high school swim (team) and I will take anybody and everybody that wants to come out that can swim. Hopefully, they’ve got some experience in the past, but we really want to meet the swimmer where they are and build up on that, because you never know. I’ve had swimmers that think they can’t swim all that well, and then very quickly get the hang of it and get to be really strong swimmers. So, I never want to discourage anyone. It’s always whoever wants to come try out, whether you’re new to the pool or you’ve been swimming since you (were) 3-years-old. There’s a spot for you and there’s an opportunity to help the team and represent the school.
LT: Overall, how do you feel about taking on this position?
RS: I’m excited about the opportunity and the challenges. I am hopeful. I’ve missed having that aspect of being around the pool, so I’m really looking forward to get back into it. It’s been about 10 years since I’ve been the official head coach. Athens is my home. I am a Clarke Central graduate, moved away for a while, had a different career, moved back and really want to put down roots. I’m here for the long haul.
