Photography by Kimarie Martin Photography

Head coach Tony Phillips instills the Eastmoor Swim Team with the skills they need to succeed and the enjoyment that keeps them coming back for more.

Driving down Main Street, just a few streets outside of Bexley, one may hear the ambient noise of children laughing and lifeguards whistling dutifully in the distance. Much more than an earshot away from the Bexley Pool, curiosity would lead you right to the quaint community hotspot with just four lanes: the Eastmoor Pool – home of the Eastmoor Swordfish Swim Team

Established in 1956, the pool was originally funded by shareholders, each purchasing a small portion. However, in more recent years, the $50,000 it requires each summer is raised solely through memberships and community donations. Tony Phillips, manager and head coach, has worked at the Eastmoor Pool since the early ‘90s. He has also coached for Columbus Schools, Bishop Hartley and Capital Swim Club, and the 2023 season marks his 30th year with the Swordfish. This year, the team boasts a roster of 120 swimmers with ages ranging from four to 18, but the team has had swimmers start out at as young as three years old, Phillips added. “I enjoy the youngest swimmers the most,” he said. “High school swimmers might train for years just to get a second faster. These younger athletes make so much progress in the beginning; it's really fun to be a part of.”

The Eastmoor Swim Team competes within the Suburban East Swim League (SESL) alongside local teams such as the New Albany Links, the Foxboro Pool, Lifetime Fitness (Easton), Hunters Ridge Pool and the Gahanna Swim Club. In addition to attending meets at each of those locations, Phillips and his swordfish also host two to three meets each season. “Pulling off a meet with only four lanes and limited deck space sometimes feels like the greatest show on Earth,” Phillips said. The team has found a lot of success over the years, earning first or second-place medals more often than not, Phillips said. “I credit the community's enthusiasm and support for what we try to build at our little neighborhood swimming spot each summer,” Phillips said. However, Phillips credits the community for more than just the team’s impressive performances. In addition to fiscally funding the pool , Phillips cited many instances of community members helping out around the pool in any way they can, such as cutting the grass and even helping out with plumbing issues and repairs.

Ultimately, Phillips said the goal of the swim team, and the Eastmoor Pool establishment as a whole, is to foster a laid-back and enjoyable environment, evidenced by the pool’s motto: “Have fun, swim fast!” “Helping [kids] find a healthy and positive outlet in the summer or teaching them work-related and team-building skills as they mature does bring a certain degree of pride and satisfaction to my role,” Phillips said. “I mean, is there really ever a bad day at the swimming pool?”