“The past few weeks I have reflected on the amazing swim season that just wrapped up and I felt inclined to tell you how much my kids love being part of the Y team and swimming for Coach Megan.
I have two swimmers (Alex, 12 and Emme, 9). They’ve been swimming for years, but this year the affiliation with the Y allowed them to participate at a whole new level. My daughter was part of the group that competed at STATES in West Virginia. I can’t tell you how exciting it was for us to travel to be a part of this super competitive and well-run event. I’m attaching some on-deck photos the 10U swimmers for you to see just how much fun was had by all. These kids worked so hard to earn a spot in this competition – but thanks to their coaches – they also had an absolute blast doing it. That’s what it’s all about.
Megan, in particular, is a coach who gets that balance. She knows the technical side of swimming better than just about anyone – but she is also a mom. She’s compassionate. The kids can talk to her. She always knows exactly what to say when they’re intimidated or doubting themselves. She encourages them to set goals for themselves – then gives them the tools needed to reach those goals. She watches every kid swim every race – and does it with the biggest, most genuine smile. In addition to that, she’s also super approachable. I’ve never met a coach who spends more time communicating with families and trying to do her absolute best to make sure everyone is having a positive experience. She is tireless and a true champion for these kids.
She is, of course, supported by an amazing staff of coaches. In particular, Lindsay Leigh, Jim Mercurio, April Widener, Justin Pitassi and Eric Sweeney have all been wonderful motivators for my kids. They each have their own special expertise and finesse…and the balance just works. My kids go to each of them to talk about different aspects of swimming – and all are knowledgeable, approachable, and really, really great at what they do.
Friendship YMCA should be really proud of these coaches and this team of kids. They are making a great name for themselves – not just here in Central PA, but across the entire state. Seeing our large “gator” banner hanging at the STATES competition – and then the next week at the USA Silver Championships at the Graham Aquatic Center in York – meant so much to us. We’re showing up and doing great things in the water and we are all so excited about what’s next for our kiddos.
As a team volunteer, I can say that we are also very proud of the fact that we hosted two dual meets for the first time this past season. It was an absolute labor of love to get everything in line to be able to let our swimmers hit great times in their home pool. My son, in particular, is very serious about making swimming his sport for life. At 12 he is already talking about what it takes to get to the collegiate level. I believe that Friendship Y is an elite program in the making. The success of this past season proves that. The mere fact that we sent two dozen kids to STATES this year (as a second-year Y team) is worthy of attention.
And I know both my kids are in excellent hands each and every time they walk through the front doors of your Y. Thanks for your time – and GO GATORS.”
– Ali Smith, proud swim mom
