Swimming and writing are two completely different activities that both require different mindsets and skills to accomplish. One requires strength and endurance and the other requires mental capacity and ability to think analytically. This is no problem for Mr. Cox because he is able to effectively teach these two skills using the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years.
Mr. Cox has been at Aliso for 28 years, teaching female students how to be the best athletes they can be, while also teaching students be better writers in Honors English II and AP Language.
Mr. Cox has been swimming since the age of four and it has always stuck with him throughout his childhood and adolescence. He joined teams all throughout his educational journey and even competed on the national team for some time. It was only inevitable that the sport soon transformed into a passion. He was delighted when, in his first year at Aliso, he was offered to fill the coach position for the Aliso Niguel girls swim program.
When Mr. Cox graduated high school, he was not planning to become a teacher. Throughout his years in college, he tried out many different classes but always found English to be the most intriguing out of any other class he took. So, he decided to do something with this interest.
Mr. Cox said, “I was working with highschoolers at my church at the time and I was doing some coaching and some swim lessons and I thought, ‘this is kind of fun.’”
As he became more experienced with coaching and tutoring, he finally decided to combine his interest in teaching and English to become an English teacher. In his first year, Mr. Cox was offered the position as coach for the girls swim team, as they were missing a coach, and he gladly accepted the offer.
Even though he’s been at Aliso for many years, the enjoyment of coaching and teaching has not gone away.
“I like to joke around a lot with the girls. You know that’s fun too, but yeah, pushing them hard and seeing the results is awesome” said Mr. Cox.
Mr. Cox has repeatedly expressed the joy and satisfaction that comes from seeing the progress of both his students and athletes. Connecting and having fun with students is one thing, but seeing their growth and the hard work paying off is ultimately the most satisfying part of the job.
Eva Belyaeva (10) is in her second year of junior varsity swimming with Mr. Cox, and is currently taking his Honors English II class. One similarity that she spotted with his coaching and swimming teaching is his efforts to push everyone to do their best.
“I like being challenged… [so] it’s rewarding.” said Eva , “while he is hard on us, I feel like he truly does want the best for us and the team.”
Mr. Cox’s passion and care when he teaches is what allows his students to reach their full potential, both when learning English in the classroom and competing in the pool.
