Ahmed Elgalad, the newly appointed coach for the girls’ swim team, the Penguins, hurried toward the swimming pool while droplets of sweat trickled one after another across his forehead. He had just rushed over from a school in Brooklyn. After greeting the Penguins, who were in the midst of introducing themselves after their stretching routine, Elgalad proceeded to the Pool Office where he found a post-it note sticking squarely on the stainless steel door. Fifteen minutes later, he learned that he had been replaced by another coach.
Elgalad filled in as a physical education teacher for William Clemmons after Clemmons retired last spring. Last month, Elgalad took Silvanna Choy’s place as the Penguins’ coach. He had been overseeing daily practices since August 28 and had officiated recruitments as well. His coaching career at Stuyvesant ended after only eight practices. Assistant Principal Health and Physical Education Margaret Singer notified Elgalad of his dismissal by phone on Friday, September 7.
“There was an issue of what was best for the girls,” said Singer. “It was just not working out because of the time issue.” Elgalad found a full-time job in Brooklyn shortly after he became coach, which meant that he could not meet the team at school for practices until 3:45 p.m. The Penguins were starting practices an hour later, resulting in less practice and later dismissal.
The search for the next coach began when Choy decided to take a leave after eight years of coaching. Last year, Choy’s attention was divided between her family and team. “You have to be 100 percent committed to be part of the team, and I expect the same [of] myself,” said Choy. “I couldn’t give the same in return, it’s not fair to them. They deserve a coach who can give them 100 percent.”
“Choy was an excellent coach,” said senior and co-captain Brittany Bishop. “She has knowledge of the sport, knowledge of how to coach. It’s definitely a great loss, but it’s for the better because she’s taking time for herself.”
The Penguins expect more changes and improvements in addition to the coaching switch. They placed third in the city last year, but hope to perform even better this season. The size of the team has been reduced from 33 members to 26, so each swimmer receives more attention. After highly selective recruitments, six freshmen have joined the team.
Over the summer, wnderwater cameras were also installed several feet deep in the pool. The coach can now observe the swimmers’ technique, strokes and arcs from a different view, allowing him to assess them better and help them improve.
Choy has confidence in the team. “They’re going to be fine no matter who’s coaching,” she said. “They just have that in them. It’s more than just speed. These girls have heart and dedication.”
