Mount Vernon Park Swim Team

Helen has been swimming with the Gators since she was four years old. If she had to describe what the team means to her in one word, it would be family. Over the past fourteen summers, the faces around the pool have constantly changed. The older swimmers and coaches Helen once looked up to graduated, friends moved away, and new families joined the team. But while the people change, the sense of community never does. 

Every summer, Helen could look forward to making memories that would last long after the season ended. From cutthroat games of water polo, finding creative ways to procrastinate getting in the pool, Coach Paul's endless motivational talks and tangents, or early morning caravan rides to away meets, she could always count on practices and meets full of laughs and smiles. 

Helen is forever grateful to her parents for every early morning, every ride to practice, every meet, and every season they made possible. She is equally grateful to the countless parents and volunteers who gave up their own time each summer so that every swimmer could have the same experience. Finally, she would like to thank Coach Paul, Coach Kelli, and Coach Laurel for their patience, encouragement, and for making the pool feel like a second home. 

In the fall, Helen will attend the University of Virginia where she looks forward to crushing the Hokies in every sport, and studying Public Policy and Leadership. Wahoowa!

I became a Gator thirteen years ago, when I was five, following in the footsteps of my sister and brother, Leigh and Donovan.

When I think about my favorite memories at MVP, there are really too many to count, but there are a couple that always stand out. One has to be playing water polo before/during practices. Especially when some of the games got as competitive as swim meets. Another is jumping from the diving board and trying to touch the backstroke flags with whatever body part Coach Paul challenged us to do. Most often our feet.

More than any specific memory, what I'll remember most is just being at MVP. Whether it was a random Tuesday practice, a Saturday morning meet, or an end of season team banquet, MVP has always felt like a second home.

I was a West Potomac High School varsity lacrosse starter for 4 years, received Scholar Athlete recognition each season, and served as Captain my senior year. I earned 1st team All District and 1st team All Region for the past three years, and 2nd team All State for my Junior and Senior seasons, and was on the State Championship team in 2025. I was also a member of the National Honor Society and National History Honor society.

Although lacrosse ended up conflicting with MVP swimming a lot over past summers and I missed plenty of meets/practices, every single time I came back, it felt like I had never left. I always felt at home and comfortable within this amazing community.

Coach Paul, thank you for everything. All the time you've put into this team, for making practices fun, and teaching me things in and out of the pool. You've had a huge impact on so many swimmers, including myself and I'm really grateful for everything.

Also, I want to thank the entire MVP community. Even though my swimming career wasn't exactly as decorated as my brother’s, everyone has made me feel like an important part of this team and I appreciate that.

This fall I will be heading to the University of Tennessee to study Finance. Go Vols!

Shaan has been a Gator since he was six years old, and every summer since then has been centered around the Gators. Looking back over the past twelve summers, it is hard to imagine what summer would have looked like without early morning practices, meets, and the people who made them so memorable.

Over those twelve summers, Shaan has made countless memories that he will always look back on. From playing water polo before practice every morning, to progressive dinners, to breaking the 200 medley relay team record last summer alongside Alex North, Gavin Fore, and Matthew Makin, there are so many moments that have made being a Gator special. Every summer also brings the chance to reunite with teammates that he may not have seen for the entire school year, yet somehow it always feels like no time has passed. That says everything about the Gator community and the friendships that have been built over the years. Shoutout to the blindside buddies.

Shaan would also like to thank every team rep, and every coach who has dedicated their time to this team over the years. Their commitment has helped shape generations of Gator swimmers into not only better athletes, but better people. A special thank you goes to Coach Paul, who has been there since so many of these swimmers were just kids. His passion for the team and ability to bring out the best in every swimmer have made a lasting impact that extends far beyond the pool deck.

Next fall, Shaan will be attending Duke University where he plans to follow a pre med track. Go Blue Devils!

Monica has been a Gator since she was five years old, and from the very beginning, swimming became one of her favorite parts of every summer. Year after year, she counted down the days until the season started because it meant spending every day with the friends she didn’t get to see during the school year.

Looking back over the past thirteen summers, there are so many memories that Monica will always cherish. From laughing through early morning practices and playing water polo throughout practice to cheering at swim meets and celebrating together after races, every summer was filled with special moments.

Monica would like to thank her parents for every early morning wake-up, every ride to practice and meets, and for supporting her throughout every swim season. She is also grateful to all of the coaches, volunteers, and team representatives who dedicated so much of their time to making each summer special. A special thank you goes to Coach Paul, whose encouragement, patience, and dedication have helped make MVP a community that every swimmer will always be grateful to be a part of.

This fall, Monica will be attending James Madison University, where she will be majoring in Health Sciences while pursuing the pre-Physician Assistant track. Go Dukes!

I first stepped foot on the MVP pool deck 10 years ago, in the summer after second grade. I knew I had found home when I first played water polo, struggling for air as 8 people attempted to rip the ball from my hands, and having a blast. Going forward, every year after school came to its end I was welcomed with open arms into a world of potlucks, movies in the pavilion, campouts, and team lunches after away A meets.

Year after year, as I moved through the age groups and grew into the person I am today, I began to realize that what made MVP so special wasn’t the traditions or the swimming (although those were important), but the people that made it happen.

For me, all of the parents that volunteer their weekends and evenings to time, ref, and manage this team are clear examples of how strong the community of MVP is, the kindness and dedication that make every summer something to look forward to.

I also want to thank Coach Paul and the entire Makin clan for their tireless work building this team into what it is today. I will always remember waking up at 7:10 only to realize that he had been up since 4:00, and that a random friend of his woke up at 2:00 and is already halfway through an ultra-marathon. Coach Paul, thank you for all that you have done for me and my brothers.

Next year I’m going to take all that the gators have given me into UVA, where I will be studying Math and Econ.