This weekend, the JETS Swim Team will host its annual Summer Classic Swim Meet at Lake Central High School in St. John, Indiana. In honor of the 50th Anniversary of this beloved event—formerly known as the Dr. Pepper Super Swim Meet—we’ll be sharing stories and memories from JETS swimmers, volunteers, coaches, and families.
Today, we’re proud to spotlight Kristin Orban – a JETS alum, devoted YMCA volunteer, and generous supporter – whose experience with the team began when she was just nine years old.
“I started swimming with the JETS because I had completed all the swim lesson levels at the Y and that was the next logical step. My swim instructor said I had natural talent so I should try out for the swim team. That led to a 15+ year career as a competitive swimmer,” she said.
Kristin said the highlight of each season was competing at the Summer Classic.
“It was a big attraction. It was a huge meet in the summer and a lot of teams would come,” she said. “We were a very strong team and seeing everyone doing well in the pool was really fun. It was our big meet and we dominated.”
But the lasting memories went well beyond earning medals and topping podiums.
“The friendships you acquire are really important,” Kristin said. “I loved the sport because of who I was swimming with. I’m still friends with everyone that I swam with on the JETS. We were a family unit. We spent a ton of time together all year long, and it wasn’t just at swim meets and practices.”
Kristin credited the passion and dedication of the JETS coaching staff and parent volunteers for the longevity of the Summer Classic and the amazing impact the team has had on thousands of young athletes over the years.
“The commitment all of the parents and coaches have had to keep the program running successfully has continued to be passed on with each generation. There is a true community built within the swim team. Everyone is always there for everybody else,” she said.
Even though her days of competitive swimming are behind her, Kristin and her family continue to support the Y through contributions to the Mission Strong Fund, which helps to ensure nobody is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.
“When my father passed away, my mother helped start an endowment intended to help kids in the JETS program,” Kristin said. “To be able to help those families, to help the children, to be part of the mission, that’s why I’m so committed to the Y. Our programs are there to build better families.”
A longtime YMCA volunteer, Kristin serves on the Gala and Golf committees and recently joined the advisory council for the new Village of Shorewood YMCA, which is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. She credits her commitment to community service to the principles instilled in her during her time with the JETS.
“The JETS built up my character at a very impressionable age. Dedication, determination, discipline, those are all very important attributes that you need in your life. I truly believe that if it wasn’t for the time I spent with the JETS, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” she said.
The Y would like to thank Kristin for all of her contributions to the YMCA and the JETS program, and wish the best of luck to all the swimmers and families getting ready for this weekend’s 50th Anniversary Meet!
Click below to read more JETS stories from our #TimeLaps series.
Sunday, June 8 – Mark Broucek
Monday, June 9 – Jeff Rubocki
Tuesday, June 10 – Lee Rakoski