Picture this: the smell of chlorine, echoing whistles, arms chopping through the water, and a coach with a stopwatch in hand yelling at his swimmers to move faster. This experience is the everyday life of Justin Fernandez, head coach of the boy’s and girl’s swimming teams at Saint Ignatius College Prep. 

“Swimming is my passion,” he said. “Nothing makes me happier than seeing my athletes achieve their goals and the reaction that their hard work put in every day paid off.”

In fact, he has always had a connection with swimming, from his early childhood all the way to college and after. Justin Fernandez became the swim coach he is today through his values of hard work and it paid off over time.

From Athlete to Coach 

At the age of 11, Fernandez started swimming through the Chicago Park District, and by age 13, he practiced at Whitney Young High School for the USA Swimming Team. As he grew older and much faster, he began to swim for Lane Tech College Prep throughout high school. Then in his final year there, Fernandez was suddenly faced with a huge decision when asked about his future college career. “I had a choice to either stop swimming and target a higher level college or continue swimming at the NCAA Division III level,” he said. “I chose to swim and it was the best decision of my life.” 

Despite this, Fernandez was able to continue his swimming career while also receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with a dual concentration in Marketing and International Business from Stevens Point College. In his final semester there, he became a volunteer coach for the collegiate team, coaching in winter training. “The experience opened my eyes to potentially doing both, being a business professional and swim coaching. I made it my mission to do it,” he said. 

As he worked through both careers, he chose to fully explore and develop his passion for swimming. Fernandez was offered a spot to coach the developmental level at the Chicago Wolfpack Aquatic Club, or CWAC. From this point on, he never looked back and would go on to gradually become the head coach for all swimming programs offered by Saint Ignatius College Prep.

A Peer, Mentor, and Friend 

Rapidly getting out of the water, the Ignatius girls’ swim team is ready to watch exemplar college swim races on the mini TV setup on deck, discussing technique drills led by their coach, Justin Fernandez, and assistant coach, Rene Miller. 

In assistance every day on deck, Miller has had the opportunity to work closely with Fernandez for almost two years, learning his different methods, techniques, and styles as a coach. “Justin is very invested in keeping up with the latest trends in swim training and technique. I think he has a great approach that emphasizes quality training and techniques. All of his training has a specific purpose,” she said. One thing is inherently clear, he is dedicated to meeting the needs of his swimmers, training them for efficient and fast swimming whilst helping them accomplish all of their goals. 

Whether it’s a 5 am training day in the gym or after-school swim practice, Fernandez is known for his constant energy and enthusiasm at any time of the day. This is not only translated into his coaching but also in his personality towards anyone he may meet. Almost all of his swimmers can attest to this. 

Senior captain Katharine Gilardi of the SICP girls’ swim team works with Fernandez every day during the season, truly understanding who he is as a person. “As a coach, Justin is beyond devoted to the team and you can tell he wants for everyone to achieve their best. But what makes him stand out as a coach is how he never fails to make us laugh and be our friend while also being a mentor and motivator,” she said. 

As demonstrated, Justin Fernandez’s hard work throughout his life got him to where he is today, doing what he loves as a swim coach.  Working your way up to your dream job isn’t always easy, and through Fernandez’s journey, it can be said that hard work is ultimately a reward in itself.