Local Swim Coach To Be Inducted Into American Swimming Coaches Association Hall Of Fame

Coach Ray Woods recognized for lifetime contributions to the sport including coaching an Olympic silver medalist and numerous world-ranked swimmers

Issaquah, Wash. (MMD Newswire) February 2, 2016 — Ray Woods, swim coach at Arena Sports/Issaquah Fitness, will be inducted into the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Hall of Fame in September 2016. Woods joins an elite group of professionals, with fewer than 100 coaches dating back to 1958 having received the honor.

Coach Woods has been immersed in the aquatics community for more than 46 years. He coached Dana Schoenfield and helped her make the 1972 Olympic Team where she won silver in the 200-meter breast stroke. He went on to coach at the collegiate level including the University of New Orleans, the University of Miami and the University of Texas. In addition, he ran amateur recreational and competitive swim programs nationwide, developing numerous world-ranked swimmers, national and Olympic qualifiers, NCAA and AIAW All-Americans and state champions. Woods has been coaching at Arena Sports/Issaquah Fitness since 2011.

“The Issaquah swimming community is lucky to have such a seasoned and well-respected swim coach,” said Don Crowe, CEO of Arena Sports, which owns Issaquah Fitness. “The kids in our swimming program don’t have to be elite athletes to take advantage of Coach Woods. He brings a lifetime of coaching and teaching expertise that is unparalleled in our area. He has been a great mentor for all our swimming instructors and coaches.”

Coach Woods developed his passion for swimming while lifeguarding as a teenager in Long Beach, Calif., where he met Greta Andersen, a well-known Olympic gold and silver medalist. She took him under her wing and taught him to teach a learn-to-swim program. He worked closely with Ms. Andersen until he started his own swimming program.

Swimming lessons for all levels are open to the public at Issaquah Fitness. The competitive swimming program coached by Ray Woods is available for children ages 6 – 12 years.

About Arena Sports/Issaquah Fitness

Originally known as Sammamish Club, Issaquah Fitness was acquired by Arena Sports in March 2013. This 50,000-square-foot facility is equipped with a four-lane, 25-yard pool, hot tub, Pilates Loft, Kids Club, an indoor soccer field and a dedicated inflatable FunZone playground. Issaquah Fitness offers a wide variety of programming including Personal & Group Training, Fitness Classes, Aquatics, Pilates and Nutrition Guidance.

Arena Sports began in 1995 and has grown into four locations; SODO Seattle, Magnuson Park, Issaquah, and Redmond. Arena Sports is a family-friendly soccer hub in the greater Seattle area offering adult and youth leagues, child development classes, camps, and parties to all ages and levels. The Lil’ Kickers and Skills Institute programs now host over 100,000 participants each year throughout North America, and were founded and developed at Arena Sports. Arena Sports is dedicated to enhancing and providing quality, year-round recreational and competitive programming.

For More Information: Justin Manao [email protected] 541-316-0352