BLUE FINS SWIM TEAM
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The Schuylkill YMCA believes that competitive swimming develops a great sense of self-esteem and confidence in youth while promoting and instilling a healthy, active lifestyle. We promote goal-setting and achievement through a positive mental attitude. Swimmers are taught to measure success based on self-improvement. We also also members of USA Swimming
The Y offers a year-round competitive swimming program with many different opportunities for swimmers to participate. Practice groups are broken into different developmentally appropriate levels. More details available when you call or stop by the Y!
The Schuylkill YMCA offers Financial Aid and Scholarships for Blue Fin Swimmers. Applications are available at the front desk. Call us for more information.
Accepting swimmers ages 18 and under, must be able to swim free style one length of a regulation size pool.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer, must submit their clearances to the Schuylkill YMCA.
We require:
Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
Blue Fins Mission
The Schuylkill YMCA Blue Fins swim team instills a growth mindset along with character development while preparing athletes to compete at the highest levels within USA Swimming and YMCA Swimming.
Schuylkill YMCA Blue Fins aims to develop exemplary character traits, high levels of personal confidence, a deep connection to the team and community, as well as broad, general athleticism in combination with specific skill based competitive swim training that instills a love of fitness that lasts a lifetime. Our Mission instills valuable lessons that carry across all walks of life for our athletes.
Blue Fins Philosophy
Schuylkill YMCA Blue Fins is a competitive swimming program with its prime location in Ashland, Pennsylvania training athletes ages eight to college-aged in general athletic development, specific skill based competitive swimming techniques, and growth mindset human development.
We believe that the responsible habits of successful athletes also help develop exceptional, productive human beings. In order for athletes to be successful they need to be goal-oriented, self-motivated, disciplined, coachable, committed, able to handle failure, able to constructively manage boredom, understand delayed gratification, among others. We believe the most well adjusted, successful humans require these same traits/skills.
Meet the Coaches
Head Coach, Keith Grabowski
Keith Grabowski swam for Pottsville Area High School throughout his high school career while training and competing nationally for Atlantis Aquatic Club. Following high school, he continued his swimming career at Albright College. Keith eventually went on to become the Assistant Coach and Sprint Specialist under head coach Rob Herb at Lehigh University. During his time at Lehigh, Keith also took over management and Lead Age Group coaching responsibilities at his former US club, Atlantis Aquatic Club. Keith has nearly two decades of coaching experience in a variety of disciplines. He is a certified coach by the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA), International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA), and possesses a number of professional certifications from USA Swimming. He is excited to bring his deep knowledge and experience in athletics and swimming to the Blue Fins Team.
"Keith is such a student of the sport of swimming. His attention to technique details makes the difference for his athletes. I loved working with Keith and learned so much from him even after coaching for 20 years."
Rob Herb, head coach Lehigh University Mens & Women's Swimming
Aquatics Director Shelby Hostetter
Shelby and her family have been active members and volunteers as part of our YMCA community for many years. As an avid swimmer all through college, she easliy stepped into the role of Aquatics Director.
Assistant Coach
Chris Grabowski
He is 2000 graduate of Pottsville Area High School where he recieved multiple swimming accolades including a 1999 State Championship. He swam Division I for Penn State University and Lafayette College. Chris was the assistant coach for Lafayette during the 2006 season and since then has been involved in youth swimming within Schuylkill County. He lives in Pottsville with his two children and Y members: Ellie and Hudson and fiance’ Corina.
Pictures
Questions?
Head Coach Keith Grabowski
keith.grabowski@gmail.com
Aquatics Director Shelby Hostetter
shelby.grabowski@gmail.com