Chasing Glory: The Jupiter Dragons’ Quest For Victory

An Olympic swimmer will spend months, even years, training for the opportunity to compete against others. But you may wonder, where does it all begin? Many professional swimmers start from small-town swim clubs, such as the Jupiter Dragons! These team members work together and work hard to achieve their dreams!  

The Beginning of The Dragons 

The Jupiter Dragons Swim Team is a year-round competitive swim team that offers technique instruction and training for young people of all ages and abilities. Their mission is clearly stated: To provide professional training and make swimming accessible to beginners, intermediate swimmers, advanced swimmers, and people who want to improve. They want to provide swimmers with high-level training by proficient coaches. The team is financed and supported by Palm Beach Parks and Recreation and the families of the team members.

Avery Lotano: Bringing Success To The Team

Meet Avery Lotano, one of the top swimmers on the Jupiter Dragons Team. Avery started training in the North Aquatics Center when she was “four or five years old, but I’ve always liked swimming,” as she said. Avery  also feels proud to mention that “someone who really got me into it was probably my dad.” She also adds that her dad has a lot of world records, which motivates her to keep on going. Avery has been on the team for around 7 years and has gone through a lot of championship meets, which are held 3 or 4 times a year. Several different coaches have trained her throughout the years. “Currently, I am on the second-highest level, and my current coach is Coach K.” Avery adjusted to the changes of each of her coaches over the years. Moreover, she advises that if someone wants to be a well-versed swimmer, they should definitely be on the team, as it will provide them with rigorous and in-depth training. Avery also adds that being on the team brings her joy. “We’re always supporting each other and cheering each other on.” She takes pride in saying that this team brings a lot of people together, not only as a team, but as a family. Avery also mentioned that she has represented Florida for ages 13-14. Personally, she said, she wants to “get up to that next level of the swim team.” Her goal is to become a D1 swimmer (college division one), building on the outstanding training she has received and will receive from her coaches. Beyond that, she also dreams of reaching the Olympic stage. 

Brooklyn McCall: Working Hard and Chasing Dreams   Another member of the team is Brooklyn McCall. She moved to Florida in third grade, and used to swim all the time back in Massachusetts. “So I’ve been to a lot of championships, and I’ve made a lot of friends on the Jupiter Dragons team. Most of my friends are on that team, and a bunch of them go here.” Brooklyn sees the team not only as an opportunity to improve her swimming skills, but also as a time to hang out with her friends. “It’s a really healthy sport. I work out six days a week for like, two hours every day.” Brooklyn shows us that although the team has many fun times, you still have to work very hard to be on this advanced team. Furthermore, the name “Jupiter Dragons” plays a big role in the encouragement of the team members. In Brooklyn’s mind, this team name symbolizes courage, strength, and most of all, teamwork, of the swimmers. “So many people are on that team, and the coaches are really great there. Yes, [they’re all working together].” Like most swimmers, Brooklyn hopes to make it to the Olympics someday. Various championships and events are helping her prepare for the big time. Every time she hears the team name, she feels proud to say, “I am a part of that team,” knowing that she has been guaranteed victory!

In a world of competitive swimming, the Jupiter Dragons Team shines bright. With the help of the extraordinary training provided, members of the team find success through hard work and perseverance. They’ve overcome countless obstacles and will continue to do so! Reach for the stars!