FAST Team History

Founded in the 1970's by the Sebnick family, FAST started as an AAU team that practiced at the Florence YMCA- a team known as FFY. They transitioned to a United States Swimming team (now known as USA Swimming), and in 1981, the team chose to move to the fairly new Francis Marion University Aquatic Center, and took on the name of Florence Area Swim Team (FAST). 

Since 1981, FAST has sent swimmers to many levels of competition, including Junior and Senior National Championships, as well U.S. Olympic Trials. Many FAST swimmers have earned college swimming scholarships. But more importantly, FAST swimmers leave the team knowing they were a part of a swim family and will be a swimmer for life, regardless of where their path takes them.

Coach Dawn Walker joined FAST during the 1982-83 season. Coach Erin Powers and Tripp Smyth are also alumni, and they all love being back on deck with FAST at FMU. Over the years FAST has kept a strong foundation of community and integrity, which come first in all we do. FAST was recognized by the Florence Sports Hall of Fame in January, 2017.

FAST practices in the 8 lane, 25 yard pool indoor pool at Francis Marion University. You can join the team at any time during the year. Swimmers interested in trying a week are welcome to come for a one week trial period any time. FAST is a parent board run organization and ensures that swimmers receive high quality instruction from excellent coaches. Coaches help swimmers at all levels set goals. We guarantee your swimmer will improve. 

Let us know if you have any questions. Hope to see you on deck!!!

Head Coaches:

1971- 1980- Bill & Peg Sebnick

1980- 1981- Eric Sebnick

1981- 1982- Maggie Sebnick & Brad Hitchings

1982- 1985- Brad Hitchings

1985- 1988- Bruce Zimmerman

1988- 1991- Scott Boggess

1991- 2013- Brad Hitchings

2013- 2015- Jan Chatlosh & Jason Chatlosh

2015- 2022- Dawn Walker

2022-present - Kinsey Brand

Assistant Coaches:

1978- 1981- Maggie Sebnick

1981- 1982- Brad Hitchings

1987- 1988- Scott Boggess

1997- 2001- Bill Eirhorn

2003- 2012- Jan Chatlosh

2013- present- Erin Powers

2016- 2022- Tripp Smyth

2018- 2021- Maria (West) Hernandez

2022-present- Tim Shannon

2022-present- Andy Krawiec

2022-present- Dustin McRae (Dryland Coach)

2022-present- Amber Shannon