Swimming Programs Make a Difference to This 9-Year-Old

She may only be 9, but Ellie has done Y swimming programs for many years.

She has written her own Y story about what she's gained through YMCA swimming programs.

"My name is Ellie Hamilton. I am nine years old. I am on the swim team for the Benjamin Harrison YMCA. Swim team has helped me feel more confident in myself. I also feel better in a pool or ocean because I know how to swim better. I have made friends by being a member on a team. My favorite swim stroke is freestyle. The stroke I needed to work on the most was butterfly. My coaches helped me lose 20 seconds on my butterfly. The coaches also helped me not worry about running into the wall when I do backstroke by making sure I know my stroke count before I hit the wall either to flip or stay there.

[caption id="attachment_11974" align="alignright" width="500"] Ellie and her YMCA swim coach[/caption]

Private swim lessons with Ms. Zoey helped me with learning different strokes at my own pace. We were able to focus on what I needed to practice the most. I learned how to dive in private lessons a lot better than I did before. I got to work on the things I was worried about in meets and what I thought I needed to work on.

The YMCA has shown me no matter how old you are, you can still have fun with swimming. My goal is to keep swimming in High School. I am trying really hard to accomplish one of my dreams to go to state.

All of the coaches helped me accomplish my swimming dreams and help me get better at everything in swimming."

Ellie Hamilton

Age 9

America's Swim Instructor

Learn about all of the swimming programs at the YMCA, such as lifeguard certification, clinics, water fitness classes, lessons, swim team and more.