Hey there, my fellow water enthusiasts and fitness enthusiasts! It’s with immense pride and joy that I share this extraordinary event with you all. I’m Tyree Powell, the founder and CEO of NotYetPro Swim School, a former Towson University swimmer, and a proud member of the Towson-Catonsville (MD) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi. Today, I am thrilled to tell you about our collaboration with the Eagle Swim Team for our 2nd Annual Day of Diversity in Aquatics!

Embracing Inclusivity and Water Safety at NotYetPro Swim School

At NotYetPro Swim School, our mission goes beyond teaching swimming skills. We’re all about inclusivity, water safety, and creating a supportive environment especially for the black and brown community. Having been a part of the local Towson-Catonsville community, this cause is especially close to my heart.

A Personal Journey: From PDR Swim Team to Towson University Swimmer to NotYetPro Founder

As a PDR Swim Team & Towson University Swim Team Alumnus, my love for swimming and its transformative power in people’s lives inspired me to create NotYetPro Swim School. My goal was simple – to give back to the community by providing top-notch swim lessons and opportunities that promote water safety, access to aquatic activities, fitness, and health.

An Honor to Lead as Head Coach

Being a part of the Towson-Catonsville (MD) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi has been a privilege, and it was an even greater honor to lead as the head coach for our 2nd Annual Day of Diversity in Aquatics.

In our first year, Eagle Swim Team Coach, Scott Ward, called upon his former star swimmer, Giles Smith, a Baltimore native, whose illustrious professional swimming career includes representing the USA in international competitions and earning numerous accolades for his exceptional talent in the pool. This event, held annually at the beautiful McDonogh Pool in Owings Mills, Maryland, is always a celebration of unity, culture, and our shared passion for swimming.

A Featured Speaker Who Inspires Us All: Nic Askew

Our special guest, Nic Askew, the Championship Head Coach of Howard University’s Swim & Dive teams, delivered an inspiring speech that left a profound impact on everyone present. His journey in aquatics and his dedication to promoting diversity in swimming resonated deeply with me and the entire NotYetPro team. It was really great to see Nic again – the last time we saw each other was swimming against each other in college. (Howard Univ. vs. Towson Univ.)

Creating Waves of Change

NotYetPro Swim School played a pivotal role in this event by offering complimentary swim lessons and assisting in the planning of the entire event including speakers for the workshops, businesses for the resource sheet, website updates. It’s truly heartwarming to witness families and organizations coming together to advance the cause of water safety and access to aquatic opportunities.

Joining the NotYetPro Family

For black and brown families seeking swim lessons, water safety training, and exposure to diverse aquatic opportunities, I wholeheartedly invite you to be a part of the NotYetPro Swim School family. Together, we can instill a love for swimming and fitness that lasts a lifetime.

Final Thoughts

As a former Towson University swimmer and a member of the Towson-Catonsville (MD) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, being a part of the Day of Diversity in Aquatics was a profound experience. Events like these reinforce our commitment to creating a safer and stronger community through swimming and water safety.

With the support of the Towson-Catonsville (MD) Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi and the dedication of the NotYetPro Swim School team, we’ll continue to make a positive impact, one stroke at a time.

Dive in, embrace the water, and let’s together create a brighter future for our community!

Tyree Powell
Founder & CEO, NotYetPro Swim School