HISTORY OF THE WAVERLY WOODS SWIM TEAM

             In 2002, the Waverly Woods Swim Team was founded and had 85 swimmers ranging in age from 5-18 years old.  The founders of the team, Elanna Binder-Taylor and Karyn Leins, started the team to promote a love for the sport of swimming among children in the community and to build ties among families in the quickly growing neighborhood.   Waverly Woods Swim Team, known as the Waverly Watercats in the Central Maryland Swim League, started in the lowest division of the league (Division IX) when they began their first season in 2003.  Of the original 85 swimmers on the team, there were just four who had year-round competitive swimming experience.  Heading into our eighteenth season, approximately one third swim competitively year round.

            Over the years the team has grown steadily and has developed a reputation for being a fun and increasingly competitive summer swim team.  The Waverly Woods Swim Team meets the needs of the novice swimmer who wants to develop stroke skills, while the experienced swimmer finds plenty of competition and yet a break from the rigorous winter swim club practices.  Summer swim team gives parents a chance to volunteer and to interact with other parents in a relaxed and exciting summer pool setting.   

          From 2010 to 2014 the Waverly Watercats were under the leadership of Pete Giulioni.  Due to the depth and undeniable strength of swimmers on the Waverly Watercats, the CMSL moved the team from Division VI in 2011 to Division II for 2012.  This jump of four divisions, which is unprecedented in this league, meant that Waverly Woods competed with teams such as our neighbors at North St. Johns.  In 2013 the Watercats held their own in Division I against the most competitive teams in the area. Coach Pete’s enthusiasm served as a magnet for swimmers in and out of the community.                                                         

           In 2015 the Waverly Watercats were led by Head Coach John Clark and Assistant Coach Wynne Kirchner in Division II.

           From 2016-2018 the Waverly Watercats competed in Division II, III and IV and were led by Head Coach Wynne Kirchner. These were rebuilding years after seeing many of the original members of the team graduate.

           In 2019, the Waverly Watercats competed in Division III and were led by Head Coach Sarah Mott and Watercat alum Assistant Head Coach Matt Leins.

           In 2020 our season was cancelled due to Covid-19.

           In 2021 the Waverly Watercats were excited to be back and competing in Division III! This year was a virtual meet year which was a first due to the pandemic.The watercats were coached by former WWST alum Head Coach Aileen Yu and Assistant Head Coach Ellie Sand. 

           In 2022 the Waverly Watercats were again in Division III and had the largest team since before the pandemic, in 2019. The team was excited to have another Watercat alum Head Coach Evan Allgair and Assistant Head Coach Stephen Kratzer. The team had a great season finishing 2-2-1.

           In 2023 the Waverly Watercats remained in Division III after finishing in the middle of the Division in 2022. The team was excited to have a community teacher from a local elementary school, Head Coach Tareen Chowdhury,  and, continuing with tradition, another former Watercat swimmer returned, Assistant Head Coach Madison Wray. The team had a great season finishing 4-1, including an out of division win against West Howard due to loss of several teams resulting in not enough teams for all Divisions for the first time in many years. 

          In 2024 the Waverly Watercats moved back up to Division II for the first time since 2013!! Incredibly excited to welcome another celebrated alum, Head Coach Stuart Zhu to lead the cats. Without a dedicated Assistant Head Coach, the Cats had many current swimmers to assist, primarily Assistants Ethan Keiner and Didi Zhang.