As the American Energy Swim Club (AESC) Summer League Coordinator, I have the privilege of overseeing our Summer League program and partnering with neighborhood teams across the Oklahoma City metro and Edmond. AESC is a year-round competitive swim club, and Summer League is one of our favorite ways to give back to the community by introducing young swimmers to the sport in a fun, welcoming, and encouraging environment. With years of coaching and program leadership experience, I spend each summer on deck alongside our coaches, pool representatives, volunteers, and families, helping swimmers of all abilities build confidence in and around the water.

My favorite part of the job is watching kids discover what they're capable of—whether that's swimming their first full lap, cheering on a teammate, or finding the confidence to try something new. I believe Summer League is about so much more than competition. It's about helping kids build confidence, develop lifelong water safety skills, create lasting friendships, and discover a love for the sport. If we can send kids home at the end of the summer as stronger swimmers, more confident individuals, and safer around the water, then we've done exactly what we set out to do.

Summer league swim teams are about so much more than just competing and having a good time. They provide children with consistent time in the water, helping them build confidence, strengthen their swimming skills, and develop a lifelong respect for water safety. Every practice is another opportunity for a child to become more comfortable and capable in the water, and that's something that extends far beyond the pool and is a life long skill! 

In Oklahoma, where we have so many lakes, rivers, ponds, and backyard pools, water safety isn't optional—it's essential. Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the highest drowning rates in the country, making water safety a critical life skill for kids.  Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children, and while swim lessons alone can't prevent every tragedy, strong swimming skills and regular time in the water are important layers of protection. Summer league gives families a fun, supportive environment where those skills continue to grow, helping children become stronger, more confident, and safer around the water.

One of the things I love most about summer league is that it meets kids exactly where they are. Whether a swimmer is just learning to complete their first length of the pool or returning after years of participating, every child has a place on the team. They learn perseverance, teamwork, sportsmanship, and confidence while making memories with friends and neighbors. The medals and ribbons are exciting, but the confidence they gain—in and around the water—is something they'll carry with them for the rest of their lives.

Summer league is often a child's first team experience. It brings neighborhoods together, gives kids positive role models in their coaches, and creates a culture where swimming is fun. The more children who enjoy being in the water, the more opportunities they have to develop the skills that can one day save their life.

When people ask why summer league teams exist, my answer is simple: it's about building stronger swimmers, safer communities, and kids who believe in themselves. Swimming is one of the few sports that also teaches a life-saving skill. If we can help a child become more confident in the water while also creating a place where they feel connected, encouraged, and excited to jump in, then we've accomplished something much bigger than winning a swim meet.