On any given practice day at the Shearwater pool, the energy is impossible to miss. Swimmers line the deck, teammates cheer from the sidelines, and coaches call encouragement as athletes race down the lanes. The Shearwater Sharks Swim Team has quickly become one of the most vibrant parts of the neighborhood - bringing families together and creating a place where young athletes can grow, both in and out of the water.

According to board member James Hale, the team has become something of a magnet for connection within the community.

“Shearwater is a melting pot of families from all over the country,” Hale says. “The swim team has served as a way for families to get to know each other. We’ve seen some really wonderful friendships develop because of the team.”

With over 150 athletes participating, the Sharks represent one of the largest community programs in the neighborhood - and that sense of community is felt both on the pool deck and in the stands.

One of the moments that makes Hale most proud isn’t necessarily a race win - it’s the leadership that naturally develops among the swimmers themselves.

“I love seeing the older kids helping out and encouraging the younger swimmers,” he says. “This program has always been about developing the best in our kids, and watching those young leaders grow has been incredibly rewarding.”

Leading the program are Head Coach Jeni and Coach Summer McGroarty, two passionate coaches focused on building both skill and character.

Coach Jeni, who also serves as the Head Girls’ Coach at Creekside High School, sees the Sharks as an opportunity to give back to a sport that shaped her own life.

“This is a chance to continue sharing my love of swimming with the next generation,” she says. “We want to challenge athletes while still creating a fun and positive environment where they’re excited to come to practice.”

For Coach Summer, a St. Johns native who competed for Bartram Trail High School, LSU, and the University of Utah, the goal is helping young swimmers develop confidence and a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

“Yes, swimmers race in their own lanes,” she says, “but we train together, support one another, and win as a team.”

That team-first mentality is exactly what makes the Sharks special.