When my daughter joined the Mercy HealthPlex SeaWolves, a competitive year-round swim team in the Cincinnati area, about a year ago, I had no idea the profound impact it would have on her life. The SeaWolves, a proud member of over 3,000 USA Swimming Club teams in the United States, have a stellar reputation, having received a bronze medal award from USA Swimming in 2020 and 2021. This accolade recognizes them as one of the top 200 clubs in the country.
Under the leadership of Coach Tammi Karn Morris, who took over in July 2023, the SeaWolves have fostered a friendly and supportive culture while producing top-level athletes in a short time. Three SeaWolves, including my daughter, have already qualified for the ISCA (International Swim Coaches Association) Summer Elite Showcase in Florida, and the team boasts a 4x Ohio Short Course Junior Champion. Coach Tammi proudly says, “They are an amazing group of kids. They work hard, always want more, and are thriving. What makes me most proud is the kind wonderful people and athletes they are becoming. They have become an amazing little family. We are tiny but mighty!”
7 Reasons Year-Round Competitive Swimming Benefits Kids
1. Physical Fitness and Health
Competitive swimming is one of the best full-body workouts available. It builds strength, endurance, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness while being low-impact, reducing the risk of injury. Swimming engages all major muscle groups, promoting balanced muscular development. Since joining the SeaWolves, my daughter has shown remarkable improvement in her physical fitness, stamina, and overall health.
2. Discipline and Time Management
Swimming requires a significant time commitment for training, meets, and travel. Balancing school, swimming, and personal life teaches kids invaluable time management skills. They learn to prioritize tasks, set goals, and develop a strong work ethic. My daughter has become incredibly disciplined, managing her time effectively to excel in both academics and athletics.
3. Teamwork and Camaraderie
Despite being an individual sport, competitive swimming fosters a strong sense of community and teamwork. Swimmers support and motivate each other, celebrate successes together, and learn to handle setbacks with grace. The SeaWolves have become an extended family for my daughter, providing her with lifelong friendships and a robust support system.
4. Personal Growth and Confidence
Swimming helps children build confidence as they achieve personal bests, qualify for competitions, and overcome challenges. The sport encourages setting and achieving goals, fostering a sense of accomplishment and self-worth. I’ve seen my daughter grow into a confident young woman, taking pride in her achievements and developing resilience in the face of adversity.
5. Academic Excellence
Numerous studies have shown that student-athletes often perform better academically. The discipline and focus required in swimming translate to the classroom, where kids learn to apply the same dedication and perseverance. My daughter’s grades have improved since she started swimming competitively, as she applies the skills she learns in the pool to her studies.
6. Character Building
Competitive swimming teaches essential life skills such as leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship. Kids learn to handle both victory and defeat gracefully, understanding the value of hard work and dedication. Coach Tammi emphasizes these qualities, helping the SeaWolves become not just better athletes but also better individuals.
7. Opportunities for Advancement
Swimming can open doors to various opportunities, including scholarships, college admissions, and professional careers. The SeaWolves’ track record of producing top-level athletes demonstrates the potential for success both in and out of the pool. My daughter’s qualification for the ISCA Summer Elite Showcase is a testament to the opportunities that competitive swimming can provide.
The SeaWolves are on a mission to help every student-athlete realize their innate potential, both as competitive swimmers and as leaders in the community. Over the past year, I’ve witnessed firsthand how my daughter has developed great friendships, confidence, and a sense of purpose. She has been moved up to a higher training squad, and I am incredibly proud of her hard work, kindness, and dedication.
If you’re considering competitive swimming for your child, I wholeheartedly recommend it. The physical, mental, and social benefits are immense, and the experience can be truly life-changing. The Mercy HealthPlex SeaWolves have shown us just how powerful and positive the impact of competitive swimming can be.
