Sarasota is a city that seems to never sleep. Beautiful sandy beaches, exquisite shoreline attractions, marine life, and an outstanding shopping and entertainment district make it a place people visit year round from all over the world. One thing that sets Sarasota apart is the Sarasota Sharks. This swim team is nationally and internationally recognized for its excellence in teaching and training. From learning the basics to competitive swimming, the community boasts an outstanding local team unlike any other. Find out more about Sarasota Sharks and why they are one of the hidden gems of this amazing city.
Who Are the Sharks
The Sarasota Sharks offer many options for swimmers. From Gold Medal and Podium Club USA Swimming to recreational classes, adult swim (Masters) and synchronized teams, the Sharks perform at a high level but also give back to the community. They meet at Selby Aquatic Center in Sarasota, offering Open Swim for adults every day to practice and stay healthy. Since 1961, they have been swimming and building individual champions and teams. A tradition of excellence has been built around the Sarasota Sharks team, unrivaled by any other team in the area or even across the United States.
Award-Winning Team
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team won the YMCA Florida State title for 18 straight years from 1985 to 2002. The Sharks also won Florida Age Group Swimming Championship title twenty-seven times, not to mention the many other accolades and accomplishments from this team, including:
- Around 200 competitive swimming athletes
- Small team within top 20 competitive clubs in USA Swimming Club
- Swimming program has built into and lifted up Olympic athletes including Kim Linehan and Tripp Schwenk, along with 50-plus Olympic trial qualifiers and many other collegiate swimmers
- Athletes attend college and focus on education along with swimming excellence
Giving Back
Part of giving back for the Sarasota Sharks is about letting the community know about their focus on excellence and all-around individual character development. Students develop lifelong friendships and focus on their education and service to the community. Their focus on volunteering is key to helping lift up team members and the community. The core values of honesty, respect, and responsibility develop young swimmers into successful champions and adults. Parents and coaches are key to this success. Some things they offer are keeping meets local to avoid travel costs, asking families to volunteer at meets to give back and support the kids and team. With the support of everyone, the team can continue to thrive.
Support the Sarasota Sharks
The Sarasota Sharks are a team that excels because they work together and play hard while also winning. Their love of serving each other and the community with public swimming and other options gives everyone a chance to learn how swimming is healthy and good for the mind, body, and spirit. We hope their 2022 season is full of medal winning opportunities as well as continued chances to grow and thrive as a team.
Diving into the competitive swimming scene in Sarasota, Florida, the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Renowned for its dedication to excellence, fostering a supportive environment, and producing outstanding swimmers, the Sarasota Sharks have made a significant impact on the local and national swimming community. With a rich history and a commitment to cultivating young talent, the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team continues to propel athletes to new heights in the pool.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1961, the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team has established itself as one of the premier competitive swimming programs in the region. The team’s history is filled with achievements, including numerous state championships, national records, and Olympic trial qualifiers. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of coaches, swimmers, and the entire Sharks community to achieving excellence in the sport.
A Platform for Growth
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team offers a comprehensive program that caters to swimmers of all ages and skill levels. From novice swimmers to elite athletes, the team provides a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals can develop their swimming abilities, cultivate discipline, and strive for personal growth. The team’s coaching staff consists of highly skilled professionals who provide expert guidance, technical instruction, and individualized training plans tailored to each swimmer’s needs.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
The success of the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team is aided by the availability of top-notch training facilities. The team is fortunate to call the Selby Aquatic Center its home, a world-class aquatic complex equipped with state-of-the-art amenities. The facility boasts Olympic-sized pools, diving platforms, and advanced training equipment, providing swimmers with the ideal environment to hone their skills and reach their full potential.
Building Character and Lifelong Friendships
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team not only focuses on athletic development but also places great importance on building character and fostering camaraderie among its members. Swimmers learn valuable life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and teamwork while developing lasting friendships with their fellow teammates. The supportive team culture and shared experiences create a strong sense of community within the Sharks family.
Competitive Success and Beyond
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team consistently produces swimmers who achieve remarkable success both at the local and national levels. Many Sharks athletes have earned college scholarships and gone on to compete at the NCAA and Olympic levels. The team’s commitment to providing opportunities for swimmers to excel and pursue their dreams has resulted in a long list of accomplished alumni who have made their mark in the swimming world.
Community Engagement and Outreach
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team takes pride in being an active contributor to the local community. The team organizes events and initiatives that promote water safety, swimming education, and a healthy lifestyle. Through partnerships with local organizations, the Sharks provide opportunities for underprivileged youth to experience the joy and benefits of swimming, ensuring that the sport remains accessible to all.
The Sarasota Sharks Swim Team stands as a testament to the power of dedication, teamwork, and passion for swimming. With a history of excellence, a supportive community, and a commitment to individual growth, the Sharks continue to make waves in the competitive swimming arena. As young athletes dive into the pool under the guidance of their skilled coaches, the Sarasota Sharks Swim Team will undoubtedly continue to inspire and nurture the next generation of exceptional swimmers, while leaving a lasting legacy in the Sarasota community and beyond.
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