On Sunday, October 20, Spelman’s Wellness Center hosted an exhibition event for the inaugural Jaguars Swim Club. As a part of the aquatics program under Wellness, the club is the first-ever all-women’s swimming club at an HBCU. This historic program is led by Adrienne Wesley, Spelman’s new Aquatics Director and head coach of the club.
The exhibition consisted of 14 club members, including both students and staff members, competing in various individual and relay events. Swimmers competed in individual medley, butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle events, at distances ranging from 25 to 100 yards, as well as 4 x 50 yards relay events.
Samiyah Young, C’2025, a biology major from Chicago, leads the club team’s executive board as its president. As a former competitive swimmer, she brings a wealth of knowledge and skills to the team.
“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,” said Young. “Swimming at Spelman is a powerful way to challenge norms, break barriers and represent in and out of the water.”
In addition to providing an opportunity to compete, the club offers participants opportunities to enhance their swimming abilities, stay fit, and discredit the stereotypes and disparities that exist around swimming in the Black community.
“The Spelman Jaguars Swim Team is not just about competition,” said Coach Wesley. “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.”
The club team will seek to compete in College Club Swimming through the U.S. Masters Swimming organization, which is seeking to generate more participation in swimming at HBCUs across the country.
Amari Ann, C’2027, a member of the Jaguars Swim Club, has been swimming for 13 years, including five years in competition swimming. “I love being a part of the Swim Club at Spelman… I took a break from the competitive realm in high school, so I hadn’t swum competitively in 4 years,” said Ann, a political science major from New Orleans. “…It’s such a family-oriented thing. I’m going to move into coaching sooner or later, so I’m interested in that to sharpen my skills.”
For more information on how to join or get involved, contact Adrienne Wesley in the Wellness Center at adriennewesley@spelman.edu or follow SpelmanAquatics1881 on IG.