USA Swimming gives it label in top tier for the first time
For the first time, the Somerset Valley YMCA swim team has achieved Silver Medal Club status, establishing its place as one of the top 100 teams in the country, according to USA Swimming, which recognizes clubs with a high level of athletic performance.
”We are very proud to be among the best,” said head swim coach Matt Donovan.
The team achieved Bronze Medal Club status in 2010 and 2013.
”Making it into this elite club has required a total team effort, and that includes everyone from our parent board volunteers, our amazing coaching staff and, of course, the swimmers who work so hard every single day,” Donovan said. “To be recognized along with the top clubs in the country, including the North Baltimore Aquatics Club, home to Olympian Michael Phelps, is a huge confidence-builder. It shows us that we are on the right path and not too far away from the Rio 2016 Olympics.”
The SVY swim team has more than 300 members, who practice at the Somerset Valley YMCA’s pools in Bridgewater, Hillsborough and Somerville. The team competes statewide and nationally.
USA Swimming’s Club program identifies and rewards swim clubs for their commitment to performance excellence. USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming, recognizes clubs that promote the development of strong, well-rounded age group and senior swimmers, and that produce elite 18-and-younger under athletes. The designation provides the opportunity for the team to receive grant funding and acknowledges the club development system as key to achieving excellence in swimming.
”We are very proud of our team,” said Valerie Giacopelli, Somerset Valley YMCA interim CEO. “We not only build strong athletes at the Y, our program teaches swimmers the value of hard work, patience and perseverance.”
In 2013, the team finished as state champion for the fourth consecutive year and took third place overall at the YMCA National Championship long-course meet in Georgia last summer. Among the team’s national championship meet accomplishments were capturing six individual and relay titles, and setting three YMCA National Meet records and seven NJ Swimming records.
In 2012, college-level swimmer Mike Vernoia, who was a member of the SVY team, traveled with Coach Donovan to compete in the Olympic Trials in Omaha, Nebraska.
For those who want to swim as part of the SVY team, look for tryout dates in April. Information and dates will be listed at www. svynj.org.