Why Swim For Excel Aquatics?
Mission Statement
Excel Aquatics is dedicated to swimming technique, training, and performance in a positive environment for swimmers of all ability levels. We are committed to a "team" environment where every swimmer feels important and is encouraged to take the disciplines learned at the pool into their every day life.
Vision Statement
To provide a complete teaching and training environment where every participant is valued and afforded every opportunity to EXCEL.
Excel is a parent-governed, not-for-profit organization dedicated to fulfilling our mission statement and to providing an exceptional athletic experience for Middle Tennessee aquatic athletes.
Choosing to swim for Excel Aquatics is an opportunity for athletes to develop both in the pool and in life. With a strong emphasis on technical skill, character-building, and a supportive team environment, Excel Aquatics provides an ideal setting for swimmers of all ages and skill levels to thrive.
World-Class Coaching Staff
Excel Aquatics boasts a team of experienced and dedicated coaches, many of whom have coached at the highest levels of competitive swimming. With a focus on personalized training and athlete development, swimmers will receive the guidance needed to refine their technique, improve endurance, and achieve their personal bests.
Comprehensive Training Programs
Excel offers a range of training programs designed to cater to swimmers at every stage of their journey, whether you're still in the developmental stages, a high school swimmer aiming for college recruitment, or an elite athlete preparing for national competitions. The tailored approach ensures that each swimmer is set up for success, regardless of their experience level.
Competitive Opportunities
The club is known for its competitive spirit, consistently producing swimmers who excel at regional, state, and national levels. Excel Aquatics offers access to prestigious meets and events, giving athletes the chance to challenge themselves and showcase their skills on bigger platforms.
Commitment to Athlete Development
Excel Aquatics emphasizes the importance of personal growth alongside athletic performance. The club fosters an environment where swimmers can develop qualities such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. These skills extend far beyond the pool and can positively impact all areas of life.
Team Culture and Support
Excel Aquatics isn’t just a place to swim, it’s a community. The team’s supportive culture promotes camaraderie and friendship, providing athletes with a network of like-minded individuals who encourage one another to strive for greatness. The strong sense of team spirit motivates swimmers to push through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes.
College Recruiting Assistance
For athletes looking to take their swimming to the collegiate level, Excel Aquatics has a solid track record of helping swimmers gain recruitment attention from top universities and colleges. The coaching staff works closely with athletes and their families to navigate the recruitment process, providing advice and connections that open doors to collegiate swimming opportunities.
Focus on Health & Well-being
At Excel, the focus is not just on winning races, but also on fostering long-term health and well-being. Athletes are taught to prioritize recovery, injury prevention, and mental wellness, which contributes to sustainable success and enjoyment in the sport.
In summary, Excel Aquatics offers an environment where athletes can reach their full potential, not just as swimmers, but as individuals. Whether you're aiming for your first state championship or dreaming of making the Olympic trials, Excel provides the resources, coaching, and community support to help you achieve your goals.
History of Excel Aquatics
Mark Walker founded and incorporated Stones River Aquatic Racers, Inc. (“STAR”) in 1983 with just 18 swimmers from Ravenwood Country Club. The team practiced at the Tennessee School for the Blind's indoor pool and joined United States Swimming (soon to become USA Swimming) and Southeastern Swimming.
By September 1985, STAR had grown to 53 swimmers. They moved their practice location to Whites Creek High School and hired their first Assistant Coach, Melanie Botchholder. In December of that year, STAR finished fourth at the Southeastern Swimming Meet of Champions and won the prestigious team spirit award at the meet. In 1986, the team had its first Junior National Qualifier and swimmer ranked in the top 16 in the nation.
In July 1987, Brentwood Elite Swim Team (“BEST”) merged with STAR and they agreed to form Excel Aquatics. Both teams kept their existing team structure but practiced and competed together. BEST Head Coach Buzz Watson and STAR Head Coach Mark Walker led the Excel Aquatics training programs.
In 1991, STAR’S partnership with BEST dissolved. In 1992 STAR amended its charter to change its name to Excel Aquatics, Inc.
In 1993, Excel contracted with Gallatin City Parks and Recreation to be the host club at Gallatin’s new Civic Center. The team opened another training site at Vanderbilt University. From 1993 to 1998, Excel Aquatics maintained approximately 125 swimmers. In 1999 Williamson County Aquatic Team merged with Excel Aquatics and the team grew to 365 swimmers training at five different facilities.
In late 2000, a Summer Olympic year, Excel swimmer Andrew Davidson won the 200 backstroke at Junior Nationals, setting a new Junior Nationals record and qualifying for the 2000 Olympic trials. Two Excel swimmers, Shawn Phillips and Andrew Davidson, competed in the 2000 Olympic trials.
In late 2000, Excel won its first Long Course Southeastern Championships. In 2001, the Williamson County Indoor Sports Complex opened with a 50 meter X 25 yard indoor pool and separate warm down pool. Excel Aquatics became its host team and was able to continue growing and hosting a variety of meets.
In 2002, Excel won the Long Course Southeastern Championship and the Southeastern sponsored Meet of Champions. Continuing its success the next year, Excel won both the 2003 Short Course and Long Course Southeastern championships. In 2004, another Summer Olympic year, Excel won the Short Course Southeastern Championships, and Andrew Davidson represented the team at the 2004 Olympic trials.
In September 2006 Excel underwent a significant administration change by hiring head coach Mark Walker as a full-time coach and Chief Executive Officer. Excel absorbed a struggling Murfreesboro team, started a satellite program at MTSU, and assumed management of the Williamson County Parks and Rec summer swim teams. By 2007 Excel had grown to 400 swimmers.
In 2008, Excel hosted the Short Course Speedo Series Senior Sectional Championships in Nashville. Three Excel swimmers -- Tyler Shedron, Dan Forsythe and future Excel Head Coach Steven Murry -- represented Excel Aquatics at the Olympic trials.
By 2010, the team had grown to approximately 500 swimmers and 125 homeschool swimmers. Excel hosted the 2010 Short Course Speedo Series Senior Sectional Championships in Nashville. In 2011, Excel won the Short Course Southeastern Championships and hosted the Age Group Sectional Championships.
In 2012 Paige Scheriger and Christina Bechtel represented Excel Aquatics at the Olympic Trials. The team expanded its age group team to Longview Recreation Center and began using a new website, Team Unify, to handle team registration, fund-raising, and the parent volunteer program.
In 2013 the team hosted the Short Course Senior Sectional Championships.
In 2014, Steven Murry was hired as Head Coach of Excel Aquatics. Ethan Brown placed 6th overall in the 200 Breaststroke at the Junior Nationals Long Course Meet. Excel was named a 2014 Bronze Medal Club of Excellence.
2015 - Excel won the Short Course Team Championships and was 3rd place in the Long Course Championships.
2020 - Excel won the Short Course Team Championships and was 2nd place in the Long Course Championships.
2023 & 2024 - Excel captured all four championships - 8 and Under, Region 1, Short Course Southeastern, and Long Course Southeastern.
