From swimming newbie to proven champion, there’s a place for everyone on the Highlander Summer Swim Team.
“I’m excited to see the kids get plugged into aquatic sports and the community that comes with it,” coach Jason Pullano said. “Our hope is that a lot of the kids continue through the school year, whether that’s in a club or in YMCA programs.”
Pullano led Highland Park’s swim team to one of its most successful seasons of all time this year. HP’s swimmers earned four podium finishes at the 2026 UIL Swimming & Diving State Championship — double the team’s medal count from the prior year.
Pullano and his staff hope to build a foundation for future success — for both their team and the entire community — during the Highlander Summer Swim Team’s second season.
They’re already making progress toward that goal. Last summer, between 60 and 70 young athletes participated in the program. Days after this year’s registration opened on March 2, the number of participants had already exceeded 20% of the team’s goal.
For the first time this year, the team will host its own meets in the Highland Park High School natatorium, providing swimmers with opportunities to showcase their skills and prepare for competition.
This year, the program will offer three levels.
Level three is for high schoolers and middle schoolers. It aims to improve biomechanics, technique, and race strategies, although it’s open to all skill levels.
Level two focuses on fourth through eighth graders and will introduce different swim styles and strokes.
Level one is for younger kids with little to no background in swimming. These swimming newbies will work on fundamentals and becoming safer around water.
“My five-year-old daughter started at level one last year with no experience in swimming whatsoever,” said Pullano. “By the end of the year, she was able to compete in the 50 freestyle at our last meet.”
While competition is part of the package, community is at the heart of this program.
“My brother is one of the assistant coaches, I get to teach my daughter, and we’re able to meet some really great people along the way,” Pullano said. “I say the ultimate goal is to get kids plugged into a community, get them safer around water, and then develop skills. If we can do the first two, the third comes naturally.”
Author
