January 30, 2014

To Whom It May Concern:

It is with great pride that I write this letter of reference regarding Kait Moss. She coached both of my
daughters on the Wallingford Dolphin Swim Team for the past three years. She has been a positive
influence in both of their lives and we are sad to see her leave our program.
My older daughter, Nikki started the swim program later than most. At the age of eleven she was
strongly encouraged by her physician to take part in a regular exercise program. We had already tried
softball, basketball and volleyball, nothing stuck. We had previously taken swim lessons at the YMCA
and I decided to sign her up for swim clinic. Both my girls attended the clinic and were part of the few
kids who were not on the swim team. At this point in time the only strokes my daughter knew were
backstroke and freestyle. After the clinic Coach Kait spent some time talking to my daughter and
convinced her to give the summer season a try. The summer season was tough, with Kaits
encouragement and perseverance we made it through. By the fall season, Nikki was gaining strength
and skills. She was able to legally compete in backstroke, freestyle and butterfly with breaststroke
being her only nemesis. As the season progressed Nikki finally was able to legally complete a
breaststroke race and her confidence soared even more. Nikki has also become a very spirited
member of the Dolphins and demonstrates excellent sportsmanship as modeled by her coach. I have
seen Nikkis confidence and self-esteem increase dramatically by being a member of the swim team.
Nikki will be attending high school next year and thanks to Kait she will be a valued member of her high
school swim team.
My younger daughter, Sydney joined the team as an 8 and under and has natural athletic ability. The
challenge with Sydney is she has a learning disability that interferes with how she interprets directions.
Kait has been able to work with Sydney by breaking down instructions and physically showing Sydney
the correct form by demonstrating the movements or through the use of video. Sydney has become an
Age Group Qualifier and a New England Qualifier. Sydney works extremely hard in her academics and
the swim team is a place where she feels confident and successful.
Kait is a very strong personality and she can motivate like no other. Her enthusiasm for the sport of
swimming is infectious. At our meets she is always the one pumping up our kids before they swim.
She takes the time to talk to all of her swimmers and goes over the game plan before each race. Once
a race is finished she critiques the swims highlighting what went well and what they have to work on at
practice. Kait is always there to celebrate a successful swim and also to wipe away the tears when
disappointment happens.
Kait would be a welcomed addition to any team who is lucky enough to have her. For all that she has
done for my children she will always have special place in my heart.
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best Regards,
Michele Raffles
mlraffles@gmail.com
203-915-6823