CHESTER COUNTY, PA — As the echoes of triumphs from Paris fade, the YMCA of Greater Brandywine (YGBW) shifts the spotlight to its own community athletes, celebrating their remarkable achievements and reminding us that greatness often begins at home.
YGBW, a hub for nurturing young talent, hosts hundreds of youth athletes honing their skills in various disciplines including swimming, gymnastics, soccer, and dance. The athletes have recently garnered accolades at prestigious events such as the 2024 YMCA Swimming Nationals, the Pennsylvania State Gymnastics Championship, and the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival. Notably, adult tennis players from the area also shined at the United States Tennis Association (USTA) national championships.
“My family and I enjoyed watching and cheering on the athletes in Paris this summer,” stated Terri Edgar, Senior Vice President of Branch Operations. “It reminds me of my days attending YMCA Swimming Nationals and cheering on our local athletes. The energy and emotion at Nationals rival what athletes experienced in Paris this summer. We’re so proud of YGBW athletes and all that they accomplished this year.”
YGBW Swimmers Qualify for USA Jr. Nationals
An impressive 76 swimmers from YGBW’s competitive teams qualified for the long-course YMCA Swimming Nationals held in Ocala, Florida. Among these, six swimmers advanced to the USA Jr. Nationals, seven earned Academic All-American titles, and 37 team records were shattered. Standout performances included Devyn Sargent’s first-place finishes in the 50 and 100 Backstroke events, and a first-place win by UMLY’s 200 Medley Relay team. Additionally, Ellie McNamara and Kyle Burk also delivered notable performances.
“We are so proud of our team – and that includes our swimmers, coaches, and families,” expressed Todd Conrad, coach of UMLY’s swim team. “What stood out to me more than the results were the constant display of support our athletes provided to one another. Whether they performed exceptionally or faced challenges, they did so together, forging bonds and relationships that will last a lifetime.”
GYMCATS Shine at YMCA Nationals
YGBW’s competitive gymnastics team, The GYMCATS, made waves at the YMCA Nationals Gymnastics Invitational, with three athletes securing first All-Around titles. Earlier in the year, the team competed in the YMCA State Gymnastics Championships, earning four state titles across different levels. Notably, Anya Kraatz received a special plaque for achieving the highest event score at the Meadville competition.
“The athletes showed grace, grit, and courage throughout this entire season,” said GYMCATS Level 3 Coach, Paige Tarloski. “They earned their success by never giving up and encouraging each other. I am honored to be part of this strong team that exhibits love and compassion.”
YGBW Dancers Earn National Honors
The Upper Main Line branch boasts two competitive dance teams that have had a spectacular year, culminating in national recognition. Performances by Maira Nunez and Mackenzie Wry earned national honors at various competitions, with their duet and solos achieving top placements. Earlier, the teams performed at the Philadelphia Youth Dance Festival, where Hannah Gupta received a scholarship to study world cultural dance and participated in Drexel University’s Summer Dance Intensive.
Adult Tennis Players Shine at USTA Nationals
The YMCA also provides a platform for adult athletes. Last fall, two standout tennis teams from UMLY advanced to the USTA national championships, achieving notable placements. These teams were the first from YGBW to qualify for the nationals in four years, marking a significant accomplishment.
Commitment to Youth and Adult Programs
“Members of the community are often surprised to learn how much we contribute to youth development and healthy living in our area,” remarked Bertram L. Lawson II, President and CEO. “We take our mission very seriously and are proud to be a destination where local athletes and performers can learn, grow, and thrive.”
YGBW continues to offer a plethora of programs, ensuring that every athlete, young and old, has the opportunity to reach their full potential. Registration is now open for various programs including swim, gymnastics, dance, tennis, soccer, and more.
As the community celebrates these achievements, it’s clear that the YMCA of Greater Brandywine remains a cornerstone for nurturing talent and inspiring dreams.
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