Down to Learn
Coaching Beyond the Mat: Learning from AIM’s Occupational Therapist
When Huskie Head Coach Daniel Olver saw an opportunity to make Down to Wrestle even better, he took action. He brought in Meaghan, an Occupational Therapist from AIM, to work with our coaching team and provide valuable insight into communication strategies. AIM specializes in Speech and Occupational Therapy for children with Down syndrome, making them an incredible resource for our program. Meaghan’s expertise gave our coaches a deeper understanding of how to connect with and support our athletes in ways that go beyond wrestling technique.
The benefits of having a specialist like Meaghan involved are game-changing. Clear, effective communication is key to any sport, but for many of our athletes, traditional coaching cues don’t always work. Learning how to adapt instructions, use visual supports, and create a more accessible environment ensures that every athlete can engage, understand, and thrive. By integrating principles from speech and occupational therapy, we’re not just coaching wrestling—we’re coaching confidence, independence, and personal growth.
Our commitment to this program doesn’t start and end with showing up. No, we want the best from our coaches, and we want the best from our athletes. That means equipping our volunteers with the tools they need to be patient, adaptable, and effective. We believe that when our coaches grow, our athletes benefit—and that’s exactly what this session with AIM was all about.
We hope this is just the beginning of a strong collaboration between Down to Wrestle and AIM. The more we can learn, the better we can support our athletes, both on and off the mat. With the right training, the right people, and the right mindset, we can continue to build a program where every athlete—no matter their ability—feels heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.
As our program grows, so does the impact of our logo. It’s more than just a symbol—it’s a movement. Every time a young wrestler throws up that muscle pose, they’re showing the world that they are strong, capable, and ready to take on whatever comes next. And that’s exactly what Down to Wrestle is all about.
