How Fast is Your Water?: MASI’s first club visit is to Hatboro-Horsham Aquatic Association

When you walk into the Hatboro-Horsham Aquatic Association’s pool you are instantly greeted with smiling faces and chatter amongst athletes. The older swimmers get right to work stretching and doing strength training before getting in the pool. When the practice commences and the groans about jumping in begin (often cited as the hardest part about swimming), someone makes the bold move to jump in first, the others follow their lead, until the pool is filled with the white noise of splashing water.

It’s not uncommon for the swimmers to laugh and chat as they stand at the wall waiting for instruction from Coach Kip or Coach Mike. When the set is given, the swimmers barter to alter the set, sometimes they win-sometimes they don’t, but they always put in the effort, working hard in their “fast” pool. Today is a speed and power day, giving time for the athletes to rest in between, where the void of splashing water is filled with their voices and heavy breathing.

When practice is over, the older kids linger around as the age-group swimmers begin their practice. They stay after talking with each other or talking with the coaches, unphased that they could go home, but choose to linger. The older kids are involved in the team and want to promote a supported atmosphere for the younger swimmers.

The Hatters started a lessons program last year, and notably a successful one, where a waiting list added a surplus of young swimmers to the program. The older Hatters helped out with this lesson program showing their dedication to the future of the sport and giving their time to help grow their team. One swimmer, who is off to Kutztown University in the fall, not only brought this dedication to the lessons program, but to the age-group swimmers. Nevin Shaw supported his team mates even if they are 10 years his junior.

At A Champs for SAL, Shaw cheered hard and supported the 8 & under relay, the team that ended up winning. It was one of his most memorable and exciting memories at HHAA, and it was for the success of his teammates. Shaw said, “I was cheering them on all the way through, [and] we got a photo together at the end…and hopefully they’re going to continue on swimming.” 

The young Hatters are excited about their sport and enjoy talking about it. They were giddy when they lined up to answer my questions. When practice started, they jumped right in with no complaints and started warming up. The young swimmers had overflowing energy, ready to learn new drills and swim fast at practice. When the swimmers didn’t know a drill, Coach Mike and Coach Kip took the time to describe them, demonstrating the technique until they understood.

From on deck the young swimmers seem excited just to be there, talk with their friends and swim. It’s to no surprise that the Hatters are as close as they say they are after witnessing just one of their practices. Their infectious energy and enthusiasm brings the team together, no matter their ages.

How Fast is Your Water? Is a part of the club visit initiative Middle Atlantic Swimming is starting in Summer 2025. We have over 115 clubs in our LSC and want to highlight the amazing members who make our organization a community. Check out our video on YouTube for interviews with the HHAA swimmers and coaches!