Durbin Crossing Dolphins swim program continues success
ST. JOHNS, Fla. — There’s so much to be proud of when it comes to living in Durbin Crossing, and the Dolphins Swim Team adds to the list! About to enter its tenth season, the Durbin Crossing Dolphins swim program has grown to be one of the largest summer swim teams in the area. Ed Tolisano and Jessica Millsaps, along with fifteen junior coaches, have led this team to many successes, including winning the Saint Johns Summer Swim League Championship two years in a row! According to President Kristen Land, “For year ten, we are looking to bring home the championship trophy again for a three-peat.” The program also hopes to see swimmers beat personal records and make their best times, all while having a blast with friends along the way.
Something that stands out right now is that when this swim program was started, the Junior Coaches that now work with the younger swimmers, were the younger swimmers. Kristen mentioned, “It’s amazing to watch them grow up in the program and now give back by coaching our younger swimmers.” These high schoolers are each in charge of specific lanes of the pool, as well as helping swimmers get where they need to be on the deck during meets. Not only did they swim in their own races, but they also effectively coached and prepared the younger swimmers for each stroke and race.
The Dolphins coaches have some traditions they set forth for the athletes. Prior to a meet, the team engages in a cheer. Coach Ed gives out his infamous Tootsie Pops for best times, while Coach Jessica comes up with the creative games for the final week of practice each season. Welcoming new members to the team is quite simple. Because they are a neighborhood team, and athletes must be residents of Durbin Crossing, new members feel welcome and at home almost immediately, since they recognize so many familiar faces from around the community and school. The end of season party is a time to celebrate the swimmers as a whole team, high point swimmers in each age group, and character awards for team spirit and morale boosting. Personal bests are recognized with candy and ribbons, because everyone loves sugar and bling.
Last season, countless individual records were broken. In addition to winning the Team Championship, the Dolphins won the Philanthropy Award and Macey Karl brought home the Scholarship Award. Not only does Durbin Crossing have the fastest swimmers, it is home to some of the most well-rounded scholars and givers. Now that is something to be proud of!
The Durbin Crossing Dolphins Team is blessed to have the support of an abundance of family volunteers. “It is a full neighborhood effort each and every summer. Without the selfless parents, energetic kids, and dedicated coaches, this team would not be as successful. There is constant support at every turn along the way, and the coaches, athletes and volunteers work closely together.”
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