Rodrigues is also probably the first Guyanese who is a member of the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA).

The slimly built coach, who has over 15 years experience in the sport completed both Level One and Two courses in the space of two months after participating in the World Clinic in October 2003.

Rodrigues became a member of ASCA when she enrolled for the clinic during October 2-7 in San Diego, USA.

To become a Level One coach a 90 per cent grade is required which was achieved in November.

The course dealt with the foundations of swimming, which included swimming philosophy, coach’s responsibilities, laws governing coaching and meets, and duties of officials, among others.

The course requires both experience and education before one can participate.

Level Two deals with the Stroke School (the fundamentals of swimming or the mechanics).

Representing Guyana in the 1970s as an age group swimmer, the coach said that she found the courses to be very challenging.

There were courses that were accessed via the Internet and graded by ASCA.

Also a founder member of the Dorado Speed Swim Club, Rodrigues has accumulated 85 Lifetime Unit Points as assessed by the governing body upon application for the courses.

She said the points would go a far way, as they can open someone up for other courses in the future.

There are five levels of coaching of which most persons end at level two. The percentage of coaches certified as level three to five is extremely low.

It has long been the coach’s dream to become certified and now that it is a reality she is elated with her achievement.

The master swimmer also is hoping to complete the Level Three course before attending another World Clinic.

She has identified the August period to attempt and complete the course. The World Clinic will be held this October in Indianapolis.

Selected as assistant coach for the 2003 junior Goodwill team that went to Suriname, Rodrigues is keen to impart her new knowledge to her charges.

Her participation in the courses was mainly due to self-sponsorship and assistance from the Demerara Distillers Limited (DDL) and North American Airlines.