The YMCA’s JETS Swim Team provides kids opportunities to learn the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship and goal-setting while developing their competitive swimming skills. The JETS strive to build caring, honest, respectful, and responsible children and young adults – swimmers like eight-year old Molly Howen.

Molly, who will be beginning third grade this fall, got her first experience in YMCA aquatics programs through swim lessons and she would go on to join the JETS in the fall of 2025. She currently swims between seven and nine events at a given meet, including multiple relays. 

“I do all of the swimming strokes, but my favorites are breaststroke and freestyle,” she said.

Molly’s first year with the JETS coincided with the team’s first full season using the Morris Hospital YMCA as a practice location, where swimmers like Molly have opportunities to learn from an experienced coaching staff. 

“In practice, Coach Manny, Coach Daphne, and Coach Autumn help us with things like our dives. We do drills to help make sure our chin stays tucked in. It’s my favorite part of the race,” she said. 

Molly’s passion for swimming has led to accomplishments like qualifying for Y state as well as participating in a competition held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, giving her a new perspective on what is possible in the sport. 

“It was cool because the college pool was a long course pool. My goal one day is to beat a world record and to be like Michael Phelps,” she said. 

But the value of being a member of the JETS is not limited to accolades in the pool. The JETS roster comprises swimmers ranging from kindergarten to the college level, and the program takes pride in building strong team camaraderie and mentorship. For younger swimmers like Molly, it’s a chance to build friendships and learn from positive role models.

“I like to be with my friends. Some are my age and some are different ages. It’s cool to be with the older kids,” she said.

Molly also participates in YMCA programs, like summer day camp, maintaining the spirit of a true Y kid. 

“(The Y) is a cool place to be and even if you know how to swim you can get even better at doing it on the JETS,” Molly said. 

We are so proud to have Molly in our Y community and wish her all the best as she continues to grow her swimming skills as a member of the JETS.

If your child is interested in joining the JETS Swim Team, now is the perfect time to register for one of the team’s upcoming clinics. See details below.

Location: C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Dates: August 24-26
Times:
5-6 p.m. (Ages 6-10) – Currently waitlisted
6-7 p.m. (Ages 11-17)
REGISTER ONLINE

Location: Morris Hospital YMCA
Dates: August 25-27
Time: 5-6 p.m. (Ages 6-17)
REGISTER ONLINE]

Location: Village of Shorewood YMCA
Dates: August 31-September 2
Times
5-6 p.m. (Ages 6-10)
6-7 p.m. (Ages 11-17)
REGISTER ONLINE

Cost: $25

To learn more about the JETS, please contact Director of Competitive Aquatics Dave Hedden at [email protected].