Southeastern Swim Club (SSC), founded in 1989, began as a small club with just nine swimmers, many of whom now have children involved in the club or are part of the coaching staff. The mission of the program was to encourage the swimmers to reach their full potential and develop essential life skills while having fun.
Twenty-six years later, the Club has grown to around 300 athletes ranging from five years to collegiate-age and has stayed true to its original mission. SSC has athletes who swim at the recreational level up to national competitors. Despite the differences, they are all part of the team.
Over the past year, SSC has celebrated its 25th anniversary and played a key role in the Club’s new home, a state-of-the-art 50-meter pool at Hamilton Southeastern High School. The new natatorium boasts plentiful and comfortable spectator seating and one of the fastest pools in the state.
In addition to individual successes of all the athletes, SSC has been awarded the USA Swimming Level 4 Club Recognition status for maintaining a sound and productive swimming organization and the Silver Medal Club Excellence Award for developing a well-rounded program producing elite athletes, ranking SSC in the top 100 clubs in the country.
Hannah Pugh, 14, states, “For me, swimming is more than a sport. It’s a lifestyle, and it makes me a more motivated and focused person. My coaches have taught me how to set goals, persevere and believe in myself.”
In addition to the school-aged programs, SSC offers a Masters swim program for adults and swim lessons for children to introduce them to the joy of swimming as well as teach life-saving skills. Connor Pugh, 8, a past swim school graduate and now member of SSC, says that “swimming soaks up some of your extra energy,” while Nolan, his twin, likes swimming “because it cools you down when you get hot.”
Among the adult members, John Ruby states, “The SSC Masters coaching staff has helped improve my swimming technique through video analysis and on-deck instruction. I am continually understanding how to be more efficient in the water and correct some bad habits I have acquired throughout the years.”
Ruby further commented, “Although lunch and evening practices are available, I’m typically a morning swimmer. With the pool’s renovation, the additional weekday morning practices have been a plus.” There is something for everyone at SSC.
For more information, visit southeasternswim.org or email joinsoutheasternswimclub@gmail.com.
