Founder: Lindsay Alisbah

My name is Lindsay Alisbah and I am the founder of the WJA Swim Club. 

So, what do I know about swimming?

I learned to swim before I was old enough to remember. I have always loved the water. Summers for me have always been spent in either the ocean or the pool – emerging only for sunscreen top-ups or trips to the ice cream stand. 

When I was only seven years old, I joined my first swim team and found that I really enjoyed competing. I have swum in most events, but my strongest are breaststroke and individual medley. 

I have swum for Nation’s Capital Swim Club since I was eight, and I swim for my high school in Bethesda, Holton-Arms. Some of my biggest accomplishments include scoring 532 points for my high school during my sophomore year and receiving a double A time in my 200 breaststroke and 200 individual medley. 

Holton-Arms swimming is very important to me and we are a very competitive team. This year, we won a local meet called WMPSSDL championships and our score doubled the team that came in second place. Holton Swim helped me become friends with upperclassmen and appreciate the team aspect of the sport. My hope and goal is to continue my swimming career at a division one collegiate level. 

Swimming has always been a great joy for me; a source of exercise, endorphins, accomplishment and more – but it is also a crucial life skill that many underprivileged kids do not get to experience. In the summer after my sophomore year, I saw an opportunity to give back to my community, and launched WJA Swim Club. We hope to grow in the coming years to provide a permanent opportunity for WJA students.