Alexandre Indiani: Team Spirit and Youth Swim Training
With nearly four decades on the pool deck, the coach discusses values, discipline, parental roles, and youth sports development.
In an interview with Natação Stemma, veteran coach Alexandre Indiani shares the core principles from his 38-year career on the pool deck. The discussion covers building a culture of respect, grassroots athletic boundaries, young athlete autonomy, and his passion for bikepacking.
With nearly four decades dedicated to the sport of swimming, coach Alexandre Indiani joined Natação Stemma to share his insights on building strong teams and fostering well-rounded athletic development. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation.
A 38-year career on the pool deck and its impact on athletes' lives
Reflecting on 38 years working directly on the pool deck, Alexandre Indiani emphasizes that the greatest reward of his career goes far beyond medals: it lies in shaping good citizens and well-rounded individuals. While most athletes go on to follow positive paths, the coach also reflects on defining and difficult moments throughout his career, reinforcing the power of sports as a tool for youth transformation and mentorship.
Starting out in swimming and the power of team spirit
Indiani recalls his earliest days in the sport at age 6 in São Bernardo, learning under his first developmental coach, Helena Scarpelli, and later competing for prestigious clubs like Pinheiros. Even without viewing himself as a naturally gifted individual swimmer, the coach notes that relentless dedication earned him relay podium finishes—a lesson that cemented his belief that locker room camaraderie and team culture keep athletes motivated over the long haul.
Welcoming culture and respect within the team
Welcoming new members into the training group is treated as an essential priority. Indiani shares lessons from his time as both a competitive swimmer and a coach, stressing that while personal friendships cannot be forced, mutual respect among athletes wearing the same cap is non-negotiable. To nurture this bond, he regularly uses partner drills and group challenges throughout practice.
Rules, discipline, and preparing athletes for life
Indiani's training regimen is built on commitment, punctuality, and consistency. The coach explains his strict expectations regarding pre-workout arrival times, dryland activation routines, breathwork before diving in, and attendance tracking. For him, these boundaries and moderating smartphone use teach time management and focus that serve young athletes well beyond the pool.
Coach development and grassroots fundamentals
After initially considering a degree in oceanography, Indiani chose Physical Education and began his coaching journey at Academia Atlantis under the mentorship of program director Jordão. He argues that anyone who aspires to develop swimmers must spend extensive time in the water, get pruney fingers, and understand body awareness during early developmental stages. He challenges the rush for immediate results, emphasizing that long-term athletic maturation requires respecting natural physiological and pedagogical timelines.
The role of parents in youth sports
Balancing parental support and technical boundaries was a central theme of the discussion. Indiani believes parents should trust a coach's methodology just as they would follow a doctor's medical advice. In his view, families should provide unconditional love, encouragement, and logistical structure, while giving young athletes the independence needed to overcome challenges and mature through the sport.
A passion for cycle touring and its connection to swimming
Away from the pool deck, Indiani turns to bicycle touring and bikepacking as regular hobbies and personal therapy. He reflects on his long-distance cycling trips—including segments along the Caminho da Fé and backcountry camping routes—drawing direct comparisons between the grit required on grueling hill climbs and the mental resilience demanded during tough swim sets.
Quick-fire questions, competing abroad, and final thoughts
During the rapid-fire Q&A round, Indiani identified humanism as his greatest coaching asset and advocated for international racing trips to the United States, citing competitions in Fort Lauderdale and Nashville as pivotal experiences for young swimmers transitioning to elite performance. Currently coaching within the São Caetano athletic program, he closed with advice for parents: love your children and give them the space to learn on their own.