In early December 2023, Missouri Valley hosted their first 10 and under Select Camp, Future Stars, in conjunction with the Future Stars 10 and under meet hosted by Northland United Swim Team.  

Swimmers were able to sign up for one of two 90-minute sessions. During the camp, they focused on strokes and turns with Laura Colon, Abby Vortham, David Hill, and Riley Bryne. Each coach led a 15-minute station where athletes learned various skills like diving, back starts, flip turns, open turns, and playing games.  

Athlete Representatives from the Missouri Valley Local Swimming Committee (LSC) were on hand to demonstrate, encourage, and work one-on-one with those who needed extra help. Sessions included 30 swimmers per session and cost each swimmer $15 to help cover costs. At the end of the camp, each swimmer received an MV swim cap, a camp T-shirt, and a snack.  

“It is wonderful that coaches from our LSC came together to support young swimmers from Missouri Valley. They are our future stars,” said Shawn Lynn-Bequette from the KC Blazers.  

“I think the event went really well! Feedback indicates that parents feel like it went smoothly. I enjoyed working with swimmers from around the LSC and getting to know them better. The groups were perfectly sized, and we saw some benefits right away! For example, one of my swimmers had an improved backstroke start in the meet the next day,” said Colon.

As Colon and her staff look toward 2024, they aim to host the clinic twice a year in different locations to cover various areas of the LSC. “I would like to foster unity among the swimmers and help them really enjoy the sport,” said Colon. They hope to teach swimmers that they are important regardless of their speed, when they started swimming, or current level.