To The Captain of Our Odyssey, Coach Sarah,

When we envision a coach, we picture someone who builds character, imparts invaluable life lessons, adjusts attitudes, guides with an open mind, and instills unwavering confidence. Sarah Rudolf, you embody all these qualities and so much more.

Under your guidance, our club didn't merely navigate a global pandemic; we thrived and evolved from a Seahorse to a Titan. You have cultivated a culture anchored in boldness, integrity, community, compassion, and growth. Through your tireless efforts, you’ve united the Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows communities into one—Ridge Meadows, the proud home of the Titans.

From the moment you joined RMSC in 2021, your impact has been nothing short of transformative. You’ve inspired Titans swimmers to believe in their potential, leading them to new heights at regional, provincial, and national levels. Highlights of your tenure include Joel Blanco’s bronze medal at the 2021 Canadian Swimming Trials, sending our largest trials team ever—featuring Keenan Gander, Juan Arango, Daniel Hai, and Denys Tymchuk—to the 2024 Canadian Swimming Trials, and growing RMSC to around 300 members. These milestones reflect how far you’ve taken this club from the days when you first walked into Maple Ridge Leisure Centre with only 60 swimmers.

You’ve built an inclusive, competitive swim club that nurtures not only exceptional athletes but also remarkable individuals. Your high-performance programming adopts a holistic approach, empowering swimmers to reach their full potential both in and out of the pool. Your leadership has set ambitious goals for the club, inspiring our swimmers to set and achieve their own personal milestones. Our alumni are now thriving at renowned institutions such as the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and McGill University—thanks to your guidance. Clearly, Sarah, your accomplishments speak volumes.

A true leader prepares their community for success, whether they are present or not. You have exemplified this truth in every way. Your unwavering commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and development will ensure the club continues to flourish long into the future. The Titan Swim School you established secures our ability to nurture outstanding young swimmers, helping them find a passion for the sport and create lasting memories. Your mentorship has shaped our coaching staff to carry forward the mission and vision you set forth, and your spearheading initiatives like the Women in Coaching program have empowered female coaches across BC, showing your leadership extends beyond our club. Through all of this, you have still been committed to being an exceptional mother to your family. 

As you embark on this new chapter as the Assistant Head Coach of the UBC Thunderbirds Varsity Swim Team, remember that you will always be our Titan. We are grateful that you’ll continue to support the Titans from afar as the Director of Swimming. This dedication is yet another testament to your character and your commitment to our success.

Thank you, Sarah, for showing us all that hard work can be exciting, enjoyable, and enriching for everyone involved. From the swimmers to the coaches and parents, you helped us grow in all areas of this thing we call life. Your impact on the Ridge Meadows community and in our hearts is profound and enduring.