History & Origin Story
The Walla Walla Swim Club traces its origins to 1964, when a small group of community swimmers began practicing together informally during the summer months. By 1965, the team attended its first competitive meets, and by 1969, WWSC had transitioned into a year-round swim program—making it one of the oldest, if not the oldest, youth sports organizations in the Walla Walla Valley.
During the late 1980s, the Club operated as the Walla Walla YMCA Swim Team (WWY), reflecting a partnership that expanded training access and program reach. In the late 1990s, WWSC reestablished its independent identity as a board-operated 501(c)(3) organization, continuing its mission of providing youth athletes with structured, competitive swim opportunities in a supportive and community-driven environment.
WWSC is a proud member of USA Swimming and Inland Empire Swimming (IES), the regional governing body of USA Swimming that oversees competitive swimming in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho, and parts of Oregon. This affiliation ensures that the Club operates under nationally recognized standards for coaching, safety, and athlete development, while also providing access to sanctioned meets and advancement opportunities at the regional and national levels.
Former WWSC swimmers can be found throughout Walla Walla and beyond—serving their communities as teachers, doctors, attorneys, nurses, physical therapists, emergency responders, and military personnel. Their shared foundation in swimming instilled discipline, teamwork, and perseverance—qualities that have carried into their personal and professional success.
In its long history, WWSC athletes have qualified for and competed in high-level meets, including Futures Championships, Nationals, and Olympic Trials, continuing a tradition of excellence that reflects both the Club’s coaching quality and athlete dedication.
Key Organizational Milestones
- 1964–1969: Informal community swim practices evolve into a structured, year-round competitive program.
- Late 1980s: The Club affiliates with the YMCA as WWY, expanding access to facilities and instruction.
- Late 1990s: WWSC reestablishes itself as an independent, board-operated 501(c)(3) organization.
- 2015–2017: Club leadership and alumni play a key role in advocating for and advising on the $5.83 million Memorial Pool rebuild, ensuring design and funding included competitive swim needs. WWSC raised $25,000 toward essential competitive equipment—starting blocks, lane lines, backstroke flags, and pace clocks—helping restore a critical training and competition venue to the community.
- 2018–Present: Under the leadership of Head Coach Erika Miller, WWSC has more than doubled its membership, growing from fewer than 20 swimmers to serving competitive athletes ages 6–19.
Recent Achievements (2016–2025):
- 5 swimmers signed to compete at the collegiate level.
- 2 team captains currently attend Ivy League universities.
• 41 short course yards individual team records and 16 relay records broken.
- 18 long course meters individual team records and 7 relay records broken—many surpassing records that had stood for over 20 years.
- Multiple Walla Walla High School swim and relay records broken by WWSC athletes.
- 6 swimmers qualified for Speedo Sectionals, 10 qualified for Western Age Group or Senior Zones, and 2 qualified for Futures in the last two seasons.
- WWSC swimmers continue to set meet records locally and regionally, representing the Valley with distinction.
