Like Father, Like Son: Two Klein ISD Coaches Making Waves

Saying that Klein Cain head swim coach Travis Subda followed in the footsteps of his father, Klein Oak head swim coach Kyle Subda, would be an understatement. 

With over 40 years of experience, Coach Kyle Subda has always been an example for his son. Before Coach Travis Subda took to swimming, he watched his father intently instructing swim students. 

“When he was young, he was stuck at the pool most of the day while I did competitive lessons,” Coach Kyle Subda said. “At some point, I noticed him on the other side of the pool practicing what I said in each lesson I taught.”

Coach Travis Subda was a natural in the water but didn’t plan to make swimming his life path. Although he’s been a swim coach for 13 years, he once envisioned a world where he would have been Dr. Subda.

“I wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember. I took a “gap” year after I graduated college to build my resume for medical school applications. I spent the year studying for the MCAT, volunteering at clinics, and shadowing doctors around the city,” Coach Travis Subda said. “At the same time, I also took a part-time job at a local club swimming team, Premier Aquatics Club of Klein (PACK). The further the year went on, the more I enjoyed going to swim practice to see my athletes and work with them. I realized this was my calling in my life.”

Not many father-and-son duos can say they’ve had the honor of working together.  The pair worked side-by-side for five years, coaching the Gleannloch Gators Swim Team and the USA Team PACK. Their time together was full of memories, from growing to winning. 

“During our time at Gleannloch, we were able to help produce record holders in all four high schools over the years, along with UIL State Champions,” Coach Kyle Subda said. “Together with great athletes, our teams won every major Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL) swimming championship, Divisionals, Allstars, Ponderosa, Sprint Sizzler, Summer Thunder, and Pentathlon.”

For Coach Travis Subda, his relationship with his father has significantly impacted who he is today. 

“When I became a coach, my father played a critical role early on in my development because I had a front-row seat my whole life and knew how a coach should act,” Coach Travis Subda said. “One of the greatest things for me has been how our relationship and conversations have evolved. Originally, I asked all the questions, and he gave me advice. As I have developed as a coach, he sometimes calls and asks me for my advice. It’s really cool because I think every son wants approval and respect from their father as they grow up.”

Both coaches have found a balance between a father-and-son relationship and their sometimes intersecting coaching careers. Coach Kyle Subda’s experience with his son and countless other swimmers has given him perspective on what matters most. 

“Besides the obvious, which is always wanting to beat Travis in head-to-head competitions, it has made me realize that what's most important is that our athletes have the best four years with us and take great memories into their future,” Coach Kyle Subda said. “I have been able to share those with him and him with me, which greatly impacted our relationship. It was never dad and son; it was always coach and athlete and didn't interfere with our family life.”

Whether in the pool or going through everyday life, Coach Travis Subda’s approach to coaching ensures the lessons are long-lasting for his athletes. 

“My favorite aspect of coaching high school swimming is using the sport of swimming as a tool to teach life lessons to young adults that will impact their life much more than winning a medal at a swim meet,” Coach Travis Subda said. “Watching them train for years and battle adversity to eventually find success is a close second.”

As for Coach Kyle Subda, the impact he sees in his athletes throughout the years keeps him motivated. 

“The competition is very fierce here in Texas, especially in this area of Texas. It is a very close championship each year, which makes it so exciting,” Coach Kyle Subda said. “I love the bonds we build with our athletes and their families, which last for years. That is what’s most special to me.”

We are proud to have committed coaches like the Subdas! Their dedication to their athletes and their success is truly admirable. Thank you, Coach Kyle and Travis Subda, for all you do!