| COACH CHRISTINE HASLEM Christine was drawn to the water and competition from an early age. Her mom had to hire a babysitter to ensure her 10 month old wasn't sneaking into the pool while she taught swim lessons. When her older brother began practicing at USF as an age grouper, his coaches suggested it might be easier to put her in the water too. She was top 16 in the country beginning at 10 years old. Christine's first age group champs cuts were in s print free and backstroke. In high school she was a captain of her team, state finalist, and school record holder in butterfly and distance freestyle. While swimming on full scholarship at University of Alabama, she qualified for Olympic Trials and was a finalist in SEC Championships. Her relay finished 3rd at the US Open in the 4x100 medley relay. Several injuries occurred her sophomore year but those injuries helped shape her coaching philosophy. Christine earned a M Ed in School Counseling with a BS in Psychology. She served Prince William County Schools for 7 years as an elementary school counselor. She fell back in love with the sport in what started as a part-time position after she went on maternity leave with her youngest child. Within 2 years she became the assistant head coach of Prince William Swim Club and facilitated 83 new team records. She then co-lead the IMX, Pre-Senior groups, led the JO 14 group, and was Open Water Swimming coordinator at Occoquan Swimming. While at OCCS, she oversaw 42 new team records, 2 Futures qualifiers, 11 Sectionals qualifiers, 2 PVS Outstanding Athletes, and an Eastern Zone Open Water Swimming runner up Championship. Additionally, Christine coached cross country, track, Girls on the Run, and currently is the Head Coach of Kingsbrooke Summer Swim Team (White Divisional Champions). She also had the privilege of serving as an assistant coach on USA-Swimming staff at Eastern Zone Select Camp and National Diversity Select Camp. Christine has coached athletes ranging from 5 years old to masters. Her training philosophy is to build a very solid foundation of excellent technical skills paired with aerobic training to lead athletes to an extremely successful swimming career without injuries. |
