On Sunday, October 20, Spelman College made waves in aquatics as its Wellness Center hosted an exhibition event to celebrate the inaugural Jaguars Swim Club. This marks the first all-women’s swimming club at a historically Black college or university. Spelman’s aquatics director and head coach, Adrienne Wesley, spearheads the newly established team.
The exhibition showcased the talents of 14 club members, comprised of students and staff, who participated in various individual and relay swimming events. Competitors took to the water in individual medley, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle races, with distances ranging from 25 to 100 yards, alongside 4 x 50 yards relay competitions.
Swimming Against The Tide
Samiyah Young, C’2025, a biology major hailing from Chicago, leads the charge as president of the club’s executive board. A former competitive swimmer, Young emphasized the significance of the club in promoting representation for Black women in a sport traditionally underrepresented by people of color. “Leading this team means not only fostering community but also creating a space where Black women can thrive in a sport that often lacks representation,” she stated. “Swimming at Spelman is a powerful way to challenge norms, break barriers, and represent in and out of the water.”
Beyond competition, the Jaguars Swim Club aims to enhance participants’ swimming skills, promote fitness, and challenge stereotypes surrounding swimming in the Black community. Coach Adrienne Wesley echoed this sentiment: “The Spelman Jaguars Swim Team is not just about competition. It represents empowerment and community for Black women. Swimming fosters confidence, resilience, and camaraderie among our students, providing them with valuable life skills both in and out of the pool.”
Looking ahead, the Jaguars Swim Club plans to compete through College Club Swimming, which is affiliated with U.S. Masters Swimming. This organization strives to boost participation in swimming at HBCUs nationwide.