U.S. Masters Swimming June Krauser Communications Award

Recipient:	Michelle Harter
Year:	2021
LMSC:	Indiana

For six years, Michelle’s communication skills were instrumental in the success of the Indy Aquatic Masters swim program. She developed and directed a superb video highlighting the benefits of the program, produced a weekly newsletter, and maintained the club’s website. Michelle sought ways to make every member feel equally important.

Brimming with ideas, one year Michelle developed a “team logo t-shirt reward system” that was based on points for participation and volunteering. Posting the point leaders gave participants the incentive to enter more events and/or volunteer more, and the idea was great success.

The Covid pandemic did not deter Michelle’s efforts to engage her club members. She kept the team active by coordinating Zoom meetings, including a social, and dryland-specific talks. She produced a safety video prior to the pool’s reopening.  She helped the team coordinate a virtual meet and kept the membership informed of all virtual activities throughout USMS.