The History of the FISH

Founded in 1991, the FISH Swim Team has been a proud and competitive presence in Potomac Valley Swimming for over three decades. What began as a local training group has become a respected program known for its athlete development, team culture, and competitive excellence.

Over the years, the FISH has achieved remarkable milestones, from age group successes to national-level accomplishments. Our swimmers have gone on to compete at the highest levels, and our alumni continue to reflect the core values of hard work, perseverance, and passion for the sport.

While we celebrate our achievements, we remain firmly rooted in our belief that our past is as important as our future. The legacy of the FISH continues to guide our vision: to provide every swimmer with the opportunity to grow, succeed, and love the sport of swimming.

FISH History: Fall 1991 – Summer 1996

Where it all began...

The FISH Swim Team was born out of community, curiosity, and a love for the sport. In the Fall of 1991, what began as an extension of the Franklin Glen Gators—a Colonial League summer team in Northern Virginia—soon grew into much more.

At the heart of it all was Coach Ray, who began by volunteering to coach his three-year-old son, Steven, and a group of enthusiastic 8-and-under swimmers. The group met each evening at the neighborhood pool, building bonds and skills that would eventually lay the foundation for the FISH.

As the summer season came to an end, a few visionary parents approached Coach Ray with an idea:
Could this group continue training through the winter? Could they build something more lasting—not just for their young swimmers but also for their older siblings?

With support from the community and newly available pool space at the Spring Hill Rec Center, Coach Ray officially launched the FISH. That first winter season, the team started with just 28 swimmers.

Early Success & Milestones

Even in the team’s earliest years, the FISH began making waves:

• Elizabeth Cooper became the first FISH swimmer to qualify for Junior Nationals—a milestone that marked the FISH's arrival on the competitive swimming scene.
  She still holds several FISH team records:

  • 13–14 Girls 200 Breaststroke (LCM): 2:45.42

  • 13–14 Girls 100 Breaststroke (SCY): 1:06.75

  • 200 Breaststroke (SCY): 2:24.69

• Steven Benecki, one of the original swimmers, also remains on the FISH record board with standout swims in the youngest age group:

  • 6 & Under Boys 100 Freestyle (LCM): 1:40.22

  • 200 Freestyle (LCM): 3:40.95

  • 100 IM (SCY): 1:46.27

Growth & Vision

By the end of their fifth year, the FISH had expanded to over 150 swimmers, fueled by passion, strong coaching, and a family-like team culture. What began as a handful of summer swimmers quickly became a year-round program with a clear commitment to excellence.

And that was only the beginning...

FISH History: Years 6–10 (1996–2000)

From 1996 through 2000, the FISH continued to build on its early foundation—growing in size and achievement. The team gained recognition throughout Potomac Valley and beyond, with multiple swimmers qualifying for Junior Nationals and making names for themselves at the Mini Champs, Age Group Champs, and Eastern Zone All-Star Meets.

Notable Highlights

• Elizabeth Cooper qualified for her third consecutive Junior Nationals in Spring 1996, competing in the 100 and 200 breaststroke.

• Cathy Kenworthy continued the tradition, qualifying for Junior Nationals in:

  • Summer 1998 (LC)

  • Spring 1999 (SC)

  • Summer 1999 (LC)

  • Spring 2000 (SC)
    Her signature event: the 400 IM

• By 2000, the FISH consistently placed 3rd at PVS LC Age Group Championships, claimed PVS Resident and Open Records, and had swimmers ranked in the USA Swimming National Top 10 for their age groups.

Mini Champs Results

Age Group Champs – Short Course

Age Group Champs – Long Course

PVS Senior Champs – Long Course

FISH Records Still Standing from This Era