UMLY'S HISTORY
THE UPPER MAIN LINE YMCA
The seed that grew to become the Upper Main Line YMCA was planted during a bridge game in 1960, as neighbors discussed the need for a community center. The seed sprouted in May 1962, when money was raised to begin the YMCA. For the first 1 1/2 years, the YMCA's home was a small house in Berwyn.
The YMCA's present 54-acre site has rich history. The Cassatt Mansion was built by J. Gardner Cassatt in 1907. The architects were Cope and Stewardson of Philadelphia, and the 34-room mansion was built in the French Renaissance style. It was occupied by the family in 1908. The Cassatt family were part-owners of the Pennsylvania railroad. Their cousin, Mary Cassatt, was the famous French Impressionist style painter. In 1953, the Cassatt family sold the Estate. It served as the Daylesford Priory of the Norbertine Fathers until it was purchased by the YMCA in 1964.
The first facilities built on this site in 1965 were four outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor lap pool, and a baby pool. In the years that followed, additional outdoor tennis courts and pools were built. In 1971, one outdoor pool was enclosed and the Health Center, exercise room, and locker rooms were constructed. The YMCA acquired the Great Valley site on Howellville Road in Berwyn in 1974. In the same year, the second indoor pool, the gymnasium, handball and squash courts, and more locker rooms were built. Four indoor tennis courts were also completed.
THE UMLY SWIM TEAM
Since 1971, the UMLY Swimming tradition has always been to develop "Good Swimmers and Great Kids.”
The lessons learned through competitive swimming will last a lifetime. Over the last 50+ years, UMLY swimmers have achieved great success at all ages and in many different levels of competition. The goal of our program is to develop in our athletes a foundation of life skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete and excel based on their talent and dedication, while building healthy and positive relationships with their coaches and teammates.
Swimmers compete locally in dual meets and YMCA invitationals - and if qualified - YMCA National Meets, where UMLY consistently ranks in the Top 10 of all YMCA programs in the United States. UMLY also participates in USA Swimming meets, on a local, regional, and national level. Swimmers have competed in the Eastern Zone, Junior National, Senior National championships, and Olympic Trials. Over the years, UMLY swimmers have also been invited to train at USA Swimming's Zone Select Camp, Diversity Camp, National Select Camp, and compete with the Junior National team. USA Swimming's Olympic Trials meet, held every four years before the Olympic Games is the fastest level of competition for swimmers. UMLY has a storied tradition of competing in the meet. Since 1984, UMLY has had swimmers qualify for and compete at 9 of the last 10 Olympic Trials, including the last 8 (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020). Internationally, UMLY is known throughout the world. Since 2002, UMLY has had seven athletes represent the United States in international competition, including a 2013 & 2014 German National Champion who also competed at the 2014 European Championship, a 2017 Deaflympics Swimmer, and a 2019-2020 Junior National Teamer.
To help kids reach to their goals, there are a wide variety of different training groups that fit nearly every level of competitive swimmer. The program is led by a coaching staff with a unique blend of skills, passion, and experience. Our coaching staff has well over 100 combined years of experience in the sport!
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN TRYING OUT?
We are constantly growing and training young swimmers to maintain a well-rounded competitive swim team!
If you would like further information or would like to schedule a tryout, please contact Todd Conrad by email at: [email protected].
