For more than a decade, Mike Daley has been the driving force behind the Michigan Lakeshore Aquatics (MLA) Masters swimming program at Holland Aquatic Center. When the current iteration of MLA Masters launched on October 6, 2013, just two swimmers showed up for practice. Today, thanks to Mike’s leadership and the support of his three fellow coaches, the group regularly welcomes several dozen participants at weekday practices—proof of both his dedication and the program’s growing momentum.
Mike grew up in Aurora, Illinois, but spent his summers at a family cottage on the very site where he now lives full-time. Those summers by the shores of Lake Macatawa planted an early connection to Holland. After graduating from Grinnell College in Iowa Mike spent a year teaching in Australia, an experience that broadened his horizons before he returned to the US for graduate school. Over the years, he lived in Ithaca, Milwaukee, and Chicago, working in higher education administration for more than 20 years at institutions such as Grinnell College and Cornell University. In 2013, he and wife Maureen returned to the lakeshore community he loved as a child, and Mike found his community at Holland Aquatic Center.
It’s that sense of community that drives Mike’s passion for MLAM. “People come [to Holland] because of this swimming community,” he says. He sees his role as more than just coaching; it’s about creating opportunities. “My main focus is to get as many people as possible in this program. Every person who makes the commitment of time, energy, and money has the opportunity to do something they never thought possible. It is truly transformative.”
Mike was recently recognized as Coach of the Year by Michigan Masters Swimming. While proud of the honor, he is quick to deflect the spotlight, saying the award belongs to the entire program. “The award is about bringing positive attention to this place.”
Mike’s coaching philosophy is grounded in inclusiveness, technique, and encouragement. He strives to build a team culture that is “wide open” and welcoming to everyone, no matter their experience level or starting point. He and his fellow coaches are committed to meeting swimmers where they are. “Even if you can only stand in four feet of water,” he says with a laugh, “this team can help you be fitter and add value to your life.”
Thanks to Mike’s vision and passion, MLA Masters continues to thrive and grow, transforming not just the way people swim, but they way they fit into the community around them.
Learn more about MLA Masters, see the practice schedule, or sign up to drop in on a practice by clicking here.
Learn More About Mike
Favorite sport: Well, I’m a triathlete. I have completed three Ironman events, the first when I was 59 years old.
Bucket list item: I would love to travel with my wife to Germany (where my family is from), Iceland, and Japan.
You would be surprised to know: I went to military boarding school!
The best advice I ever received: “Nothing is impossible.” I learned this during Ironman training. When you’re juggling three disciplines and the clock is ticking, you learn how to solve problems and you know you can always find a way through it, no matter what “it” is.
Why I like working at HAC: I really enjoy the people, the facility is world-class, and I love the work.
At Holland Aquatic Center, our facilities are awesome and so is our staff. In this We Are HAC! series, we will introduce you to the people who love to teach, coach, serve, and inspire here. Our amazing team, more than 150 strong, is passionate about empowering healthy, connected lives through aquatics and wellness programming.