U.S. Masters Swimming

Stephen Chalmers - Head Coach

Stephen’s passion for swimming began at age 7 when he joined a summer league team. After being recruited by an assistant coach, he began swimming with a USA Swimming age-group team the following year. He swam year-round until age 15 before transitioning to swimming for his high school and summer league teams.

After high school, Stephen stepped away from swimming for more than 20 years. In his 40s, he returned to the sport as part of a renewed focus on personal fitness. Having grown up around USMS (U.S. Masters Swimming), he joined a local Masters group in Gladstone and quickly found his way back into the swimming community. He has now been swimming and participating in meets for approximately 15 years.

Stephen began coaching the Excelsior Springs Masters Swimming group in 2024, a workout group affiliated

with the Missouri Valley (MOVY) Masters Swimming Club. His coaching philosophy is centered on helping swimmers build confidence, improve their skills, and see the results of their hard work.

“My favorite part of coaching is seeing someone make progress as a result of the work I have done with them.”

Stephen’s motivation for coaching goes beyond workouts and competition. He wants to help build a strong swimming community in Excelsior Springs that supports swimmers of all ages and experience levels. “I want to contribute to the development of a swimming community for both youth and adults in Excelsior Springs.”

Elizabeth Demers - Assistant Coach

Elizabeth brings both competitive swimming experience and a passion for coaching to the Excelsior Springs Community Center. She was a four-year varsity swimmer at Kearney High School and also spent a year swimming with Club North, giving her experience in both high school and club swimming environments.

For the past two years, Elizabeth has coached swimmers of all ages and skill levels at the Community Center. Her experience includes teaching group swim lessons, working one-on-one with swimmers through private lessons, and coaching the Recreation Swim League. Through these programs, she has enjoyed helping swimmers develop their skills, overcome challenges, and become more confident in the water.

Elizabeth’s favorite part of coaching is seeing swimmers make progress and watching that progress translate into confidence both in and out of the pool. She believes swimming is about more than learning

strokes and improving times—it is an opportunity to build confidence, set goals, and develop a lifelong relationship with the water. As a Masters coach, Elizabeth especially enjoys working with swimmers of all skill levels and backgrounds. Whether a swimmer is returning to the sport, looking to improve their technique, training for competition, or simply looking for a fun way to stay active, she enjoys helping each swimmer find their own path to success.

Why I Coach: “My favorite part of coaching is seeing swimmers improve and build their confidence both in and out of the water. I love working with all skill levels and helping others develop a passion for swimming.”

What is U.S. Masters Swimming?

U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) is a national organization that promotes and facilitates adult swimming in the United States. It’s designed for swimmers aged 18 and older who are interested in swimming for fitness, competition, or both.

The word "Masters" sounds intimidating. Do I have to be an expert?

Not at all! We welcome all swimming levels! In swimming, Masters simply means 18 years and older.

Why should I join U.S. Masters Swim?

Joining Masters Swimming offers a range of benefits that cater to different goals and interests:

Fitness and Health: Swimming is a low-impact, full-body workout that improves cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and enhances flexibility. It’s ideal for maintaining or improving fitness at any age.
Structured Training: Masters Swimming provides organized practices and coaching, which can help you set and achieve personal goals, whether you're aiming to improve your technique, increase endurance, or prepare for competitions.
Community and Social Connections: Joining a Masters Swim team or club introduces you to a supportive community of like-minded individuals. It’s a great way to make new friends, share experiences, and stay motivated.
Stress Relief and Mental Wellness: Swimming can be a meditative experience, helping to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. The rhythmic nature of the sport promotes relaxation and mental well-being.
Personal Achievement: Whether you’re competing or just swimming for fun, setting and reaching personal milestones can be incredibly rewarding. Masters Swimming offers opportunities for all levels, from beginners to seasoned swimmers.
Lifelong Activity: Swimming is a sport that can be enjoyed throughout your life. Masters Swimming ensures that you can continue to challenge yourself and stay active as you age.

In short, joining Masters Swimming provides a balanced blend of physical fitness, social interaction, personal growth, and long-term health benefits.

How much does it cost to do Masters Swimming?

For $50/month, you can join the ES Masters Swimming Team. This covers your attendance to as many classes as you want to attend. You can attend all of the classes or just a few a week. This comes out to be only a few dollars per class.

What is included in my registration?

Attendance to all of our coach led workouts and a Masters Swimming Swim Cap.

Code of Conduct