Book Private Swimming Lessons with Coach Gianna

I began swimming competitively at a young age and spent 14 years developing my career through competing at the NCAA Division I level in the Big East Conference. As a Division I swimmer I was pushed to refine my technique, elevate my training habits, and perform under pressure at an elite level. Along the way, I also faced and overcame a hip injury, an experience that changed my perspective and strengthened my understanding of resilience.

In addition to my time as an athlete, I have four years of coaching experience working with swimmers of all ages. These experiences have given me insight into both the athlete and coaching perspectives, helping me better understand how to support performance in and out of the water.

As a graduate Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC), I specialize in helping athletes build the mental skills needed to perform at their best. My goal is to combine my competitive swimming background and sport performance training to help athletes reach their goals and feel confident every time they step up on the blocks.

With my NCAA Division 1 experience, I can help swimmers and athletes improve their performance by combining tactical skill development with proven mental performance strategies. I work with swimmers to build confidence, sharpen their focus, manage pressure, and develop consistent race-day routines, while also focusing on swimming technique.

Whether you’re looking to refine your skills, overcome mental blocks, or perform your best in competition, I provide personalized support to help you reach your goals in and out of the water.

A typical swim session will last 45-60 minutes. The session will always begin with a proper warm-up to prepare the body. After that the duration of the session will be tailored to the athletes goals. This may include focusing on targeted drills for stroke efficiency, body position, and feel for the water. From there, we can move into skill-based sets designed to reinforce technique at race pace, incorporating feedback and adjustments in real time. I emphasize the small details, starts (if applicable), turns, breakouts, and pacing. Video feedback will be used to show to help athlete reflect on their skills and see first hand what they will be working on. The session finishes with a relaxing cooldown and a brief reflection to reinforce what was learned and how it applies to competition.

A mental performance specific session will be 30-50 minutes in duration and focus on building the psychological skills needed to perform at the athletes best. An assessment session will begin our time meeting and each session after will be completely tailored to the athlete's needs. Sessions are interactive and personalized, often including guided imagery, pre-race routine development, and tools to manage nerves and distractions. The goal is to help athletes develop a consistent mental approach so they feel prepared, confident, and in control when it matters most.

4-time Big East Qualifier

4-time Big East Medalist

4-Time Big East Scholar Athlete

Holds 1 Butler University School Record

Butler University Women's Swim Team Captain

3-Time All Ohio Athlete

4-Time Ohio Division 1 State Qualifier

Holds 6 Mayfield High School Team/Pool Records

8-Time Western Reserve Conference Champion

Holds 2 Western Reserve Conference Records

Mayfield High School Team Captain

Current Graduate CMPC Student

The best coach I’ve ever had was, Rick Balcam at Mayfield High School. What made him stand out wasn’t just his knowledge of the sport, but the way he genuinely cared about me as both an athlete and a person. He consistently instilled confidence in me, even in moments when I doubted myself, and that belief translated directly into how I performed in the water. Rick taught me how to handle pressure, compete with composure, and trust my preparation when it mattered most. He created an environment where I felt supported, challenged, and motivated to grow, ultimately preparing me to compete at the Division I level. What set him apart was his ability to bring out my best, not through fear, but through his unwavering belief in me.

Athletes and parents should know that I’ve gone through the full journey of competitive swimming and understand what it takes to succeed at a high level. From 14 years in the sport to competing as a Division I swimmer in the Big East, I’ve experienced both the challenges and rewards firsthand, including overcoming injury and learning how to stay mentally strong. I take a personalized approach with every athlete, combining technical swim development with mental performance strategies as a graduate Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). My goal is to meet each swimmer where they are and help them develop the skills, both physical and mental, needed to reach their full potential in and out of the water.