MONICA DURICA

COACHING SPECIALTY

  • Babies

  • Learn-to-Swim Children & Adults

EDUCATION /CERTIFICATIONS

  • Ohio Licensed School Counselor

  • American Red Cross Lifeguard

  • Bachelor’s of Arts: Notre Dame College 2012 

  • Masters of Arts in School Counseling 2016

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Learn-to-swim instructor since 2007

  • Liquid Lifestyles Coach since 2015

  • 15+ years Lifeguard/Aquatic Supervisor

  • Elementary School Counselor (K-8) since 2017

GET TO KNOW COACH MONICA

ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES ME

Driven.

FAVORITE STROKE

Breaststroke

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT ME

  • I’ve been skydiving in San Diego, California.

  • My favorite foods are tacos and sushi.

  • I attended a volunteer/mission trip in Guatemala while serving the children at Casa Bernabe Orphanage. (I cannot wait to go back someday!)

  • I love my fur babies! I have two tabby cats: Riley Jane and Mango; and a chihuahua mix: Aubree Sadie 

  • I trained as a figure skater for 7 years and have been practicing yoga for about 2 years.

FAVORITE QUOTES

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can all do small things with great love.”

— Mother Teresa

“All kids need is a little help, a little hope and somebody who believes in them.”

— Magic Johnson

“And one day she discovered that she was fierce, and strong, and full of fire, and that not even she could hold herself back because her passion burned brighter than her fears.”

— Mark Anthony

I began my swimming journey in the early 90s. My mom told me that as a toddler, I could not wait to take swimming lessons at the West Park YMCA. She has always described me as a fish and a water baby. I absolutely loved spending my Friday nights at family swim and summers at the beach and in the pool. When I was 16 years old, I decided to become a certified lifeguard and water safety instructor. I have lifeguarded and supervised at several local pools since I became a certified lifeguard. In 2012, I graduated from Notre Dame College with my Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.

I met Coach Leah Morris in 2015 at a pool where I used to lifeguard, teach swimming lessons, and supervise. I was very blessed and excited to join the Liquid Lifestyles family and started teaching Liquid Bubbles classes. I took a break from coaching while pursuing my Master's degree. I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Arts degree in School Counseling in 2016.

I enjoy working with all swimmers, especially beginners and young swimmers, while encouraging them through challenges and conquering their fears. It is my passion to help individuals develop their swimming skills while gaining self-confidence. My favorite part about school counseling (and coaching) is helping children achieve personal success while increasing self-esteem and developing their talents. My passion is helping children learn relaxation skills such as deep breathing and mindfulness, while reducing anxiety and fears. I can’t wait to meet you and share my passion for being in the water with your little ones!

Thank you for pushing Alex to overcome his fears today! We talked on the way home about all the things he did amazing today including his bravery at the end of class. He came home to tell my husband all about how brave he was and how much his coach helped him. Thank you so much for your relentless support. Alex is growing confident in swim because of you! ♥️♥️ Appreciate you!

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Thank you for pushing Alex to overcome his fears today! We talked on the way home about all the things he did amazing today including his bravery at the end of class. He came home to tell my husband all about how brave he was and how much his coach helped him. Thank you so much for your relentless support. Alex is growing confident in swim because of you! ♥️♥️ Appreciate you! 〰️