The JETS Swim Team is excited to feature a record contingent of more than 200 athletes heading into this weekend’s JETS Thanksgiving Classic hosted at Oswego East High School. 

“Our program is in the strongest place it’s ever been following this fall’s expansion at the Morris Hospital YMCA and continued growth in participation from kids in Plainfield and Joliet,” Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden said. “We have a great group of kids that are ready to compete.”

JETS swimmer Holly Zilinger (age 15) said it’s inspiring to be a part of the thriving team environment.

“It’s awesome to have a bunch of people interested in swimming. I know that since I started I’ve never looked back,” she said.

Ion Siminoi, a seven time Illinois YMCA State Champion, said the current team makeup is the product of multi-year commitments from a large number of swimmers.

“There’s a wave of kids that joined the team when they were 11 or 12 and now we’re all in the fastest group. This is going to be a great season and we’re hoping to do well at all our meets.”

For 15 year old Benjamin Jensen, the team has been a great opportunity to make new friends.

“Some of my best friends are on this team and that makes it easy to look forward to practice,” he said. “I go to Joliet West and I wouldn’t ever see the kids from Plainfield if it wasn’t for swimming. The camaraderie of our group has continued to build as we keep swimming with each other.”

These team bonds have been strengthened not only at competitive meets, but also on team trips to places like the Indiana Dunes and the Olympic Swim Trials. 

“I think we’ve learned a lot. We’re all very close. If somebody isn’t happy with their performance, a teammate is always there for you,” Zilinger said.

The experienced swimmers have also made it a point of emphasis to build a welcoming environment for the younger age groups.

“It’s a really familial team,” Siminoi said. “A lot of us have siblings on the team, so we do have the ability to connect and guide the younger swimmers.”

Maintaining a culture of teamwork, accountability, and respect has not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

“JETS swimmers aren’t just team leaders, they’re community leaders, and we are so proud of the way they represent our Y each and every day,” Hedden said.

The Y wishes all the best to our JETS swimmers competing this weekend in Oswego and look forward to all the success they will have in the 2025-26 season!