Tim Storsteen, raised by the ocean, became a skilled swimmer in his early years. While not a pro athlete, he’s a force to be reckoned with in his professional pursuits. Teaching for almost 30 years, Storsteen was at E. Rivers Elementary School teaching fourth and fifth-grade math and science. Now, Storsteen is located in what he likes to call the corner office on the sixth floor of North Atlanta High School.
He teaches math for sophomores, and seniors, while also co-teaching special education classes. Storsteen has a lot on his plate year-round from coaching the North Atlanta Varsity Swim and Dive team to a USA club and a Summer league program. On the weekdays, he teaches from 8:45 to 3:45 then he coaches from 4-8 pm at the pool. Storsteen’s most rewarding aspect of teaching; is the students. “The students keep me on my toes, they keep me young, and on the latest trends,” he said.
During the swimming season, his biggest motivation is seeing people try out something he is so passionate about. He takes pride in seeing people wanting to be the resilient and passionate people that he tries to mold his swimmers into. His deep appreciation and background in the sport give his athletes a dedicated swimming coach filled with the determination to win combined with the flexibility to change. He has various techniques he wants to input that will hopefully drive his athletes to qualify for Georgia’s High School Association state meet. “If I can help them get bigger, faster, stronger then I will show up for them, ” he said.
Creating balance is a must when being a teacher and a coach, and though uncommon, it is underestimated. Storsteen believes directly working with multiple students is a blessing and it is what makes working and coaching an enjoyable experience. On top of that, Storsteen wants to be the trusted adult whom his students and athletes can connect with and he aspires to bring that into the way he teaches and coaches. “Patience, time management, organization, and lots of rest on the weekends keep me alive and working two jobs,” he said. “But if you really want to know how I do it then ask my wife”!
Tim Storsteen uses his decades of coaching and teaching to make a splash in the lives of students and swimmers of NAHS. Crafting a legacy in the sports world will be hard but not impossible. The upcoming swim season will be one to follow!
