Coach Nan celebrates 40 years with Aqua Sprites swim team
If you walk into the pool area of the Lattof YMCA on any Tuesday or Thursday night, there is one person you can count on to be always standing on the pool deck working with swimmers — Coach Nan Zack.
Nan Zack founded the Aquasprites Synchronized Swim Team in 1972, and continues to serve as head coach. She has coached athletes to finals in the US Open, Age Group Nationals, Junior Nationals, Junior Olympic Nationals and the US Masters Championships.
Coach Nan began her career in synchronized swimming as an Amateur Athlete of the Lakeshore Athletic club in Chicago from 1947-1954. During this time, she was awarded 11 gold, four silver and two bronze medals. She received a gold medal at the World Games and a bronze medal at the Pan Pacific Games. In 1980, she began competing as a Master Athlete and has won 34 gold, 10 silver and 10 bronze medals. Zack is a USA Synchrony Level 4 Coach and Zone Judge.
Assistant coach Patty Moyer says “Not only is Nan a knowledgeable and technically astute coach, she is revered and respect by her coaching and judging peers around the US. I have observed Nan walk into officials’ meetings and see coaches of US Olympians and international competitors warmly greet her and swap synchrony news.”
Beyond coaching a team of 30 swimmers, Nan continues to study the technical aspects of the sport including techniques and rule changes. She is a constant presence at clinics and seminars and imparts her knowledge onto her swimmers and coaching peers.
During her 70 plus years of involvement in the sport of synchronized swimming she has received the Coach of the Year Award from the Women’s Sports Foundation, the Paragon Award from the Swimming Hall of Fame, the May McEwan Memorial Award from the USA Synchro Masters, and the Contributor Award from the North Zone USA Synchro organization.
On a personal note, Zack and her husband, Len, have been married for over 60 years. The have four children and live in Mount Prospect. In 1956, Zack earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northern Illinois University.
On Aug. 10, Coach Nan and the Aquasprites presented their 40th annual summer show. Coach Nan was surprised and honored by the team. The audience was in on the surprise and everyone held up fans with Nan’s face on them when the announcer said “We’re All Fans of Coach Nans!”
Aquasprite swimmers, families and coaches all appreciate the time and commitment Coach Nan has shown the team and the sport over the years. Assistant coach Veronica says “I consider Nan Zack to be one of the great influences in my life and will carry her teaching with me always. Hundreds of athletes have been part of the Aquasprites and Aquasprite Master experience and I am sure it is something they will never forget. Thank you Nan for your creation of the Aquasprites and allowing me to be part of its history.”
Zack believes that synchronized swimming is the “Sport for Life” that promotes a healthy lifestyle, self-esteem, teamwork, respect, responsibility and life long friendships.
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