Megan Sanderson
For The New Era
Gretchen Daugherty has assumed the role of aquatic director for Sweet Home’s pool.
Originally from Baker City, Daugherty has been involved in swimming all her life.
“I’ve grown up competing since I was 10, swimming in swim club and then high school swim team, swimming year round,” she said.
Daugherty came to Sweet Home looking for a new challenge.
“I’ve been looking for an aquatic director position for quite a few months,” she said. “The position was attractive because of the size of the community.”
Daugherty attended college at Eastern Oregon University in La Grande. There she worked at the pool teaching swim lessons. Later, in La Grande, she started to coach swim club. Daugherty went on to develop an adult swim club that she also coached. At the Eastern Oregon she taught aquatic classes, such as water jogging and shallow/strength training. Daugherty also taught dry land exercises.
“I basically lived at the pool,” she said.
Daugherty wants to bring very similar programs here to Sweet Home.
“My plans are to start some new programs,” she said.
Daugherty wants to work on more community aquatic programs, start adult programs, build and grow swim lessons, and have family nights at the pool. With no school on Fridays, Daugherty wants to create an educational and rec swim that would include water safety tips and allow a place for kids to have fun. She also wants to improve the overall appearance of the pool.
“Just working on improving the facility as whole, making sure it’s a fun, clean, safe environment,” Daugherty said.
All of these plans will happen over time.
“I’m taking it slow,” she said. “Trying new things and going from there.”