BOLLES SWIMMING KEY INFORMATION
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES GRADES 9-12
The Bolles School hosts a championship-caliber swimming team for Bolles student-athletes through parallel varsity (Bolles Bulldogs) and club (Bolles School Sharks) programs. The program has a long-standing tradition of State Championships, National Championships and International success.
The coaches and team members focus on elevating performances, elevating fulfillment in the sport experience and elevating teamwork. We welcome competitive studentathletes to consider Bolles Swimming as an immersive experience to develop championship character, grow a team-first mindset and strive for excellent performances.
THE COACHES
Courtney
Melissa Hyams Varsity Diving Coach
The coaching staff is lead by Head Coach Peter Verhoef who has experience coaching Olympic Gold Medalists, U.S. National Champions, NCAA Champions and NCAA Championship teams. Verhoef has been coaching 18 & under programs to national success since 2015. In addition to the head coach, a staff of 4 full time coaches and 3 additional coaches work directly with the upper school team. Each coach has experience at the collegiate and club level and enjoys tremendous support from The Bolles School Administration; allowing for a professional and dedicated coaching team.
Bios and additional information on the coaches can be found online. Scan the QR code here:
Peter Verhoef Head Coach & Aquatics Director
Melissa Steele Assistant Coach
Claire Mills Assistant Coach
Emmy Sehmann Assistant Coach
Jake Gibbons Head Varsity Coach
Alexis Keto Associate Head Coach & Meet Director
Gills Varsity Diving Coach
100 + 40-50 90% 450 +
Upper School Swimmers and Divers
Boarding Program Students YearRound Swimmers Sharks Club Members (all ages)
Approximately 100 student-athletes from the Bolles Upper school participate in varsity swimming and other swimming programs each year including approximately 40-50 of the residential boarding program students. Over 90% of the team participates in the yearround club swimming program based at The Bolles School main campus; The Bolles School Sharks. The Sharks program includes swimmers from other local high schools, boosting the quality and depth of the program at a National level. The Bolles School Sharks offer a full spectrum of programming for over 450 members from learn to swim, Age-Group practices (Grade 8 and younger), Masters Swimming, Homeschool programs and Varsity Diving.
THE PROGRAM
There are two swimming programs for student-athletes in the upper school (grades 9-12) at Bolles. The coaching staff, facilities, practice times and practice groups are the same for each program providing continuity for the student-athlete year-round.
The Bolles Varsity swim team (Bolles Bulldogs) represents Bolles in interscholastic competitions. The Bulldogs compete from August to November each year for a Florida High School Athletics Association (FHSAA) Championship. The Bolles Varsity program requires that student-athletes meet academic eligibility requirements that can vary based on the swimmer’s previous academic experience abroad.
The Bolles School Sharks is a year-round USA Swimming Club operated at The Bolles School. Sharks club members become registered members of USA Swimming and participate in both local and travel competitions yearround. See page 16 for more information on the club program.
Both programs, each season, begin in August, with practices starting the first week of classes. Student-athletes will focus on Short Course Yards meets in the fall with championships in November (interscholastic) and December (club) before taking a short break for the winter holiday. The club team will focus on Long Course Meters competitions beginning in January and ending with championship meets in the summer months. Many international students also work with coaches to focus on national championships for their respective federations throughout the spring and summer.
Practice schedules and coaches are consistent between both interscholastic and club programs. Swimmers need to have their own mesh equipment bag, fins, paddles, buoy, snorkel and kickboard. An updated equipment list can be found on the Bollesswimming.org website. Each program registration includes apparel such as caps, t shirts, and sweatshirts. More items can be order through a team portal at TYR.com or in the Bolles campus store (apparel only).
Schedule
Each week during the school year practices are 2+ hours after school Monday through Friday (3:30 – 6 p.m.). Club swimmers practice on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday mornings. Morning practice attendance is expected based on a discussion with coaches and a student-athlete’s goals, training history and time management skills. There are a total of 9 swim practices offered each week — typically 4 are done as a ‘team practice’ and 5 done with the swimmer’s assigned practice group.
Strength and Conditioning sessions are included within practice times up to 4 times a week and can include weightlifting (for Juniors and Seniors), circuit training and yoga. All sessions are led by Bolles Swimming staff members and are designed to support the goals of the in-water training plan.
Bolles Swimming Time Standards Guide — WOMEN
Typical Week of Practice for a Grade 11 swimmer in the National Group (times and sessions can change year to year, Summer program times shift to primarily mornings):
Morning Afternoon
Monday 6-7:30 a.m. Swim 3:30-5 p.m. Swim / 5-6 p.m. WR
Tuesday 3:30-6 p.m. Swim
Wednesday 6-8 a.m. Swim 3:30-5 p.m. Swim / 5-6 p.m. WR Thursday 3:30-6 p.m. Swim
Saturday 7:30-10:30 a.m. Includes Dryland
Sunday Off Off
Bolles Swimming Time Standards Guide — MEN
Student-athletes at Bolles are expected to attend practices based on the goals they set with their coach. Parents and student-athletes should have an open discussion about the commitment and expectations before enrolling at Bolles. The program schedule is designed to prepare student-athletes for international levels of competition or collegiate teams. Student-athletes are expected to carry the same pursuit of excellence from the pool to the classroom and Bolles academic programs are equally rigorous.
Coaching Philosophy
• We value the person and family of the athlete above their performance.
• We include the development of the whole person in the process of developing a student-athlete.
• We do not focus on creating elite swimmers but focus on studentathletes taking the next best step forward in their swimming journey.
Bolles Swimming Time Standards Guide — WOMEN
• We collaborate as coaches to create a dynamic curriculum from the top of our club (senior program) to entry level student-athletes.
• We base our training program on being quality IM swimmers (all four strokes) prepared for championship swimming (3+ days and 5-9 individual events and relays).
• We value a quantity of work where quality and purpose are maintained.
• We empower athletes to perform autonomously at elite levels internationally and in the U.S.
• We prepare student-athletes for the appropriate level of collegiate competitive swimming.
• We uphold the rich and diverse tradition of Bolles swimming as coaches through integrity, professionalism, continued growth and consistent work ethic.
• We are operated by The Bolles School and adhere to their policies, procedures and customs.
Bolles Swimming Time Standards Guide — MEN
The Bolles Upper School Swimmers are assigned into one of 3 practice groups each season based on personal best performances. This allows each student-athlete to have a dedicated (‘lead’) coach, experience practices designed for success at their level, and to progress season to season in their training experience.
Practice Groups
Championship or “Champs” Group: led by an assistant coach, for Grades 9 -12 student-athletes striving to reach a USAS Sectional level of performance. This group supports athletes with a high level of commitment and those who balance their swimming commitment with academic or multi-sport pursuits.
National Prep Group: led by an assistant coach, for Grades 9-12 student-athletes striving to reach a USAS Winter Junior National level of performance. This group focuses on developing a high level of expectations and commitment and requires two Florida Sectional Time Standards for placement.
National Group: led by the Head Coach, for Grades 10-12 studentathletes striving to reach a National or International level of performance. This group has the highest level of expectations and commitment and requires two USA Swimming Winter Junior National Standards for placement.
Student-athletes from all three groups regularly pursue and reach the collegiate level. Scan QR code for more information about practice groups.
THE BOLLES EXPERIENCE
At The Bolles School, faculty and staff focus on the pursuit of excellence in Academics, Athletics and within the whole person on a daily basis. Each component of a student-athlete’s life at Bolles is connected by a cooperative and collaborative team of teachers, advisors, coaches, counselors, trainers, resident-life families and support personnel.
Academics
The Bolles School boasts a diverse and comprehensive academic experience with extensive course offerings. Admissions directors and staff will cover the details of the academic life during the application process. Bolles faculty, staff and leaders have long valued athletics as a key component of the Bolles experience, with much of the student body participating in an athletic program. Student-athletes are well supported to pursue both their academic and athletic goals as an integrated experience. Each student is assigned an academic advisor who will guide them on class selection and is the point person to communicate with parents, coaches and administrators about a student’s success and struggles. Advisors and swim coaches connect as needed and work together to support the student in balancing academic and athletic workload. Each student is expected to take responsibility for their academic and athletic success in partnership with the strong community of faculty, coaches and administrators.
Athletics
The Bolles School strives for excellence in all sports. The Swimming and Diving programs have been leaders in Bolles athletics since first sending a student-athlete to the Olympic Games in 1972. Anchored by world class facilities and coaches, the athletic experience is focused on developing the whole person for their next steps beyond Bolles. Bolles boasts two pools on campus; the 8 lane 50-meter Uible Pool (which can also be setup for 20 short course yards lanes) and the 10 lane 25-yard Tarver Pool, constructed in 2021 as the home of the Bulldog Swimming and Diving teams. Swimmers have access to athletic fields, a weight room, multi-purpose rooms for strength and conditioning or yoga.
The Swimming program also partners with a high performance consultant to create the Bolles Whole Athlete Initiative. This program includes support for coaches, meetings with athletes and app-based resources for mental health and performance. The program focuses on emotional and mental agility, teamwork and leadership, and developing an awareness of how the whole person can be developed to perform better.
An athletic trainer supports student-athletes on campus. Performance support like massages, physio treatments and physical therapy can be coordinated off campus. Swim coaches design programming in and out of the pool to prevent injury and provide time before or after practices for athletes to address physio assignments.
Take a 360 degree tour of our pools by scanning the QR codes.
TARVER POOL
UIBLE POOL
Uible Pool Tarver Pool
Resident-Life and Bolles Life
Bolles hosts up to 90 residential students from around the world as part of their student-body. Of these, more than half are typically student-athletes in the swimming program. The resident-life team, made up of nearly 10 dorm families living on campus, provide the ‘at home’ support for resident students. Resident-life staff coordinate schedules on a regular basis with swim coaches and advisors, providing an interconnected and collaborative student-athlete experience. Counselors on campus provide emotional and mental support when needed, while a campus nurse and athletic trainer provide medical and athletic support.
Resident life and Bolles students share meals together in the Verlander Dining Hall or Campus Canteen. The kitchen staff work to provide balanced and tasteful meal options for all nationalities and cultures.
Coaches and staff work together on game-day preparations or special events. Teachers, coaches and administrators share lunch times with students creating opportunities to connect away from the pool deck or classroom.
Students at Bolles share a wide range of social opportunities from clubs, school dances, sporting events and more. The Bolles School has a long-standing tradition of creating a greater ‘community’ as seen by the ongoing interaction and engagement from alumni. We are proud of our school, our traditions and our student-athletes!
Learn more about the Resident Life Program at Bolles by scanning the QR code here:
YEAR-ROUND EXPERIENCE
Student-athletes arriving to Bolles to swim throughout the year should expect to take part in the interscholastic (Bolles Bulldog) season, register to swim through the year for the club program (The Bolles School Sharks), and make arrangements to train during the academic breaks.
The club program offers additional morning practices and a Saturday practice. Club members also join USA Swimming (foreign memberships are available) and compete in USA Swimming sanctioned competitions year-round.
Swimmers will work with coaches on training plans for Thanksgiving break (1 week in November), Winter Break (2 weeks in December-January), Spring break (1 week in early March), and the summer break (Memorial Day to early August). Local practices are available in at Bolles throughout the year and coaches can work with student-athletes on plans for training when they return home. For Thanksgiving, Spring Break, and portions of the summer additional boarding opportunities are available at additional costs. Please see additional costs table to right.
You can read more about the Sharks program, including news, costs, policies, registration information and more at bollesswimming.org or in the team handbook which is online and updated each season. Scan QR code here for website.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Bolles Swimming
Varsity Registration $150 Automatically charged to School Account in August.
Club Fees
Sharks Club Registration
USA Swimming Registration
$185 Paid via credit card when family completes online club registration in August.
$85 Paid via credit card to USA Swimming when the family completes online registration in August (a link will be sent to you from Bolles).
Coaching Fees Approx. $2,500 for one year.
Meet Entry Fees Varies, can total approx. $1,000 for the year.
Meet Travel Costs Varies, can total $3,000 or more in a year.
Option to pay in full or make monthly payments on the first of the month from September to May. Can be charged to a credit card on file or added to school account.
These fees are paid to meet hosts to participate in competitions. Fees are based on entries and are billed to the student’s credit card or school account each month.
Bolles offers transportation for all boarding studentathletes and in some cases all team members to meets outside of Jacksonville. Swimmers may sign up to travel with the team or arrange their own transportation. Fees include transport, hotel, meals. These expenses are billed to the student’s credit card or school account each month.
Boarding Students
Holiday Breaks: Swimming/Boarding students who are part of the club program should also consider costs for school breaks as needed. The dorms offer an opportunity to stay on campus during Thanksgiving Break (November) and Spring Break (March). The cost is usually around $1,200 for each week. Club swimmers have big meets early in December and, if possible, we encourage swimmers to stay in Jacksonville or we work with them to have a practice plan while they are away. We always work with swimmers when they return home — talking with home coaches or sending practices as needed. In most years, swimmers should plan to move out of the dorm for the two week winter holiday break.
Summer Camps
In the summer, boarding students can be a part of our swim camp, staying in their dorm rooms and practicing with the team from May 30 to early July for approximately $3200 (a 50% discount from camp cost). Some families elect to stay locally in Jacksonville for part of the summer or winter.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND KEY CONSIDERATIONS
The Bolles coaching staff would like to personally speak with any family looking to make a commitment to attend Bolles and focus on swimming. It is important that families contact the Bolles admissions team first and begin the inquiry process before coaches can meet with them.
To begin the admission process and inquire about Bolles, scan the QR code here:
Once a family has inquired with our admissions team, we would welcome the option to setup a virtual meeting with you. After completing an inquiry, you can reach out to Coach Peter directly at verhoefp@bolles.org. As we get to know your family and student-athlete, here are some key considerations and frequently asked questions we will discuss.
• What are you looking for in your next step beyond Bolles? Do you aspire to swim in NCAA (US College Swimming) or to represent your country internationally?
• We will want to know some of your best performances. Typically we ask for personal bests in your 7 best events. Of your events, we want to know the ones you feel are your best and the ones you feel are your ‘favorite’.
• If NCAA swimming is a goal for you, where are you in that process? Do you have specific schools you are interested in? Have you had contact with any college programs? Do you know where you would fit?
• What are the key competitions or qualifying events we would need to know about for you to represent your home country/club/team? Do you have a relationship with the governing body for swimming in your home country?
• How do you see yourself growing as a person in your time at Bolles? Student-athletes, especially in the resident-life program, will need to develop self-discipline, a focused work ethic and teamwork skills to be successful. We expect a lot from student-athletes in the pool and the classroom.
• What level of involvement do parents have in a student-athlete’s swimming career? We welcome the opportunity to walk alongside parents in working with our student-athletes.
• We expect the student-athlete to develop their own goals, the next steps to reach them and bring the energy to match their goals to the pool. We love our parents; our goal is to set up a great partnership to support your studentathlete and we would like to know from you what your expectations are for both your student and from the coaches.
• From our conversations, the coaches can guide you to better understand your Bolles experience. A student-athlete looking to compete in swimming year-round at Bolles is making a big commitment.
• Consistency is a driving force behind our success, and we want to prepare new or potential student-athletes for how they can be successful at Bolles. We will ask you to share how many times per week you swim, for how long and what a typical practice might look like. How often do you take breaks from the pool and how do you handle illness and injuries?
• Do you have any ongoing illness or injuries? We have an on-campus nurse and physical trainer, both of whom work closely with our coaching staff. When we know about ongoing issues before you arrive we can be prepared to support student-athletes from day to day.
• We often get questions about daily life at Bolles — what does the schedule look like, what do students wear, how are the meals? We welcome the opportunity to describe daily life on campus and in the next steps of the application process we can connect you to some current swimmers.
WHERE DO I FIT?
The most often asked question we get is “where would I fit on your team?” We have a place for every student-athlete who is committed to improving in a competitive team environment. In other words, we minimally expect all our student-athletes to be great teammates and have competitive goals. Based on those goals each student-athletes’ expected commitment level (practice attendance, meet schedule) may be different. Many student-athletes arrive with big goals, for every student the most important action is to take the next step towards that goal. This can mean attending all practices for a season or focusing on a technical change. We encourage swimmers to focus on small improvements; 1.5% time drops each season as their next steps. Where each student-athlete “fits” on the team is not as important as what they bring to practice and competitions each day.
Check the times standards for each group by scanning the QR code to find where you would be placed on the team, remember that all practice groups are given the same competition opportunities.
