By: Kate Todisco
ANA Synchro is known for inspiring our swimmers and guiding them with creativity and passion to build successful leaders. In our continuing new series: Dive Deep: Meet ANA Alumni, we are pleased to introduce you to some of our dynamic ANA Alumni.
Meet Sheila Cremin
In the wise words of ANA Coach Sheila, a School Psychologist and an ANA Synchro alumna, “Synchro is a microcosm of development.” With a Bachelor of Psychology from Keene State, and a Master’s in both Education and School Psychology from Worcester State University, as well as two years of synchro coaching experience under her belt, Sheila would know!  Sheila sees synchro as an intense sport centered around three important developmental layers. The first being athletic ability, where swimmers train for skills such as speed, endurance, and strength. Second, the develop of social-emotional skills such as communication, collaboration, and leadership. Lastly, synchro swimmers must master the creative aspect of the sport including, musicality, expression, choreography. Â
Her deep insight, knowledge, and experience from her position at Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, as well her coaching and lifeguarding work, make Sheila a respected and sought-after ANA Coach. At the heart of all it all, Sheila’s favorite lesson for synchro swimmers is instilling the importance of teamwork. Sheila believes every swimmer has unique strengths and weaknesses that they bring to the team. If each girl plays their part and shares their strengths and always remembers to uplift their teammates (literally and figuratively) they will always come out as winners.
As a swimmer with ANA Synchro for nine years, Sheila can recall many happy memories with her teammates and specific instances where they worked tirelessly to achieve their goals. She will never forget the first time her 14-15 Age Group Team qualified for Finals at Nationals. Many of the girls had been swimming together since Intermediate years and they had only dreamed of realizing such a great accomplishment. However, after a of a season of intense dedication and putting in long hours in the pool, the team found themselves on the deck at Nationals. Sheila vividly remembers going through the warm-up dance routine and being cheered on by parents and older teammates, all while soaking in the amazing moment and swimming an impressive routine.
ANA Synchro influenced Sheila’s life in many immeasurable ways. The lifelong friends she made and the strong role models she had while competing in a sport predominately led by women, helped define her as a self-assured coach, counselor and mentor.  She feels privileged to be able to give back to the ANA community and share her strong message of teamwork, friendship and self-confidence.
“Fast five”
Dream vacation spot?
Costa Rica
Favorite summer activity (besides for swimming)?
Live saving competitions and patrolling the beach on an ATV!
Ocean or lake?
Ocean
Cat or Dog?
Cat
Favorite book?
The Tell-Tale Brain by V.S. Ramachandran