BOLLES SWIMMING KEY INFORMATION
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT-ATHLETES GRADES 9-12
The Bolles School offers a championship-caliber swimming environment for student-athletes through its integrated varsity (Bolles Bulldogs) and year-round club (Bolles School Sharks) programs. Bolles Swimming has a long-standing tradition of state championships, national success, collegiate development and international representation.
Our program is designed for motivated student-athletes who want to pursue high-level academics and championship swimming within a team-centered environment. Coaches and student-athletes work together to pursue excellence in performance, personal growth, leadership and teamwork.
At Bolles, we believe swimming is about more than results alone. Our goal is to help student-athletes build habits, relationships and experiences that prepare them for success both in and out of the pool.
THE COACHES
Peter Verhoef Head Coach & Aquatics Director
Claire Mills Assistant Coach
Alexis Keto Associate Head Coach & Meet Director
Emmy Sehmann Assistant Coach
Jake Gibbons Head Varsity Coach
Melissa Steele Assistant Coach
Courtney Gills Varsity Diving Coach
The Bolles Swimming program is led by Head Coach & Aquatics Director Peter Verhoef, whose coaching experience includes Olympic gold medalists, U.S. national champions, NCAA champions and NCAA championship teams. Verhoef has led nationally successful 18 & under programs since 2015.
The upper school program is supported by a collaborative staff of full-time and specialty coaches who work directly with studentathletes each day. Coaches bring extensive collegiate and club coaching experience and are supported by The Bolles School administration in creating a professional, student-centered training environment.
Bios and additional information on the coaches can be found online. Scan the QR code here:
THE TEAM
100 + 40-50 90% 450 +
Upper School Swimmers and Divers Boarding Program Students YearRound Swimmers Sharks Club Members (all ages)
Approximately 100 upper school student-athletes participate in Bolles Swimming programs each year, including 40–50 residential boarding students from around the world.
More than 90% of upper school swimmers also compete year-round through The Bolles School Sharks, a USA Swimming club program based on the Bolles campus. The Sharks program includes swimmers from local schools throughout the Jacksonville area, creating a nationally competitive training environment with exceptional depth and daily training opportunities.
The Bolles School Sharks program serves more than 450 athletes through:
• Pre-Competitive
• Senior Swimming
• Homeschool Programs
• Age Group Swimming
• Masters Swimming
A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE
The Bolles Swimming & Diving program has established one of the most successful traditions in high school athletics, highlighted by decades of Florida state championships and numerous national championships.
Bolles swimming has produced over 60 Olympians, including 15 Olympic medalists who have combined to win 36 Olympic medals, including 21 gold medals.
Bolles swimmers have represented their countries at the Olympic Games, World Championships, NCAA Championships and major international competitions across the globe.
THE
PROGRAM
Upper school swimmers at Bolles participate through two programs: the Bolles Bulldogs varsity team and The Bolles School Sharks club program.
Both programs share the same coaching staff, facilities, training groups and practice schedule, creating continuity and consistency throughout the year.
Bolles Bulldogs (Varsity)
The varsity program represents The Bolles School in interscholastic competition through the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA). The high school season runs from August through November and concludes with the state championship competition.
Student-athletes participating in varsity athletics must meet academic eligibility requirements established by the School and FHSAA.
Bolles School Sharks (Club)
The Bolles School Sharks is a year-round USA Swimming club program operating on campus at The Bolles School. Sharks swimmers compete locally, nationally and internationally throughout the year.
The club season continues following the high school season, transitioning from short course yards competition in the fall to long course meters competition beginning in January and extending through the summer championship season.
Many international student-athletes also work with coaches to prepare for national team competitions and championship meets with their home federations.
Equipment & Team Gear
Swimmers are expected to maintain standard training equipment including:
• mesh equipment bag
• pull buoy
• fins
• snorkel
• paddles
• kickboard
Program registration includes team apparel such as caps, t-shirts and sweatshirts, with additional items available through the team store and TYR team portal.
Practices & Schedule
During the school year, afternoon practices are held Monday through Friday from approximately 3:45–6 p.m.
Club swimmers also participate in select morning practices throughout the week, including Monday, Thursday and Saturday sessions, with an additional Wednesday morning practice available for distance-oriented athletes.
Morning practice expectations are individualized based on:
• the swimmer’s goals
• time management
• training history • event specialization
• long-term development
Student-athletes typically participate in eight total swim practices per week. Some sessions are completed as a full team, while others are completed within each swimmer’s assigned training group.
Strength & conditioning sessions are integrated into the weekly schedule up to four times per week and may include:
• weight training
• mobility work
• dryland circuits
• yoga
• injury prevention exercises
All strength & conditioning sessions are led by Bolles Swimming staff and are designed to complement in-water training.
Typical Weekly Schedule
Example: Grade 11 National Group Swimmer DAY
Monday 6-7:30 a.m. — Swim 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3:45-5 p.m. — Swim 5:15-6 p.m. — Weights
Tuesday Off 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3:45–6 p.m. — Swim
Wednesday 6:30–8 a.m. — Distance Swim 9:15 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3:45–5 p.m. — Swim 5:15–6 p.m. — Weights
Thursday 6–7:30 a.m. — Swim 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3:45–6 p.m. — Swim
Friday Off 8:30 a.m.-3:15 p.m. 3:45–6 p.m. — Swim
Saturday 7:45–10:30 a.m. — Dryland + Swim Off
Sunday Off Off
Bolles Swimming is designed to prepare student-athletes for collegiate and international levels of competition. Families and student-athletes should have open conversations regarding commitment, balance and expectations before enrolling.
Student-athletes are expected to pursue excellence both academically and athletically within the Bolles community.
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
At Bolles Swimming, we believe long-term success is built through consistent habits, meaningful relationships and intentional development.
Our coaching philosophy emphasizes:
• Developing the whole person, not just the athlete
• Building championship habits through consistency and accountability
• Preparing student-athletes for collegiate and international competition
• Teaching athletes to train and compete with confidence and independence
• Creating a positive, team-centered environment rooted in professionalism and integrity
We believe elite performance is achieved through purposeful training, technical excellence and long-term growth.
Coaches at Bolles will guide athletes through a process that will plan out months, seasons and years to reach athlete’s potential.
Our program emphasizes versatility through all four strokes, strong technical foundations and preparation for championship-style competition.
Scan QR to watch a video of Bolles Head Coach & Aquatics Director Peter Verhoef explaining Bolles’ coaching philosophy.
PRACTICE GROUPS
Upper school swimmers are placed into one of three primary training groups each season based on performance level, training background, goals and developmental needs.
This structure allows each student-athlete to:
• train with athletes at a similar stage of development
• receive focused coaching suited to their goals and abilities
• progress through the program over time
Champs Group
This group is designed for student-athletes striving to reach the USA Swimming Sectional level while balancing swimming with academics and other school commitments.
National Prep Group
This group is designed for highly motivated swimmers pursuing USA Swimming Junior National standards and national-level competition. Studentathletes in this group are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to training consistency, attendance and long-term development.
National Group
This group is designed for student-athletes pursuing national and international levels of performance. This group carries the highest level of training and competitive expectations within the program.
Student-athletes from all three groups regularly continue their careers at the collegiate level.
Placement standards are used to help determine the most appropriate training environment for each swimmer.
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.
THE BOLLES EXPERIENCE
At The Bolles School, excellence in academics, athletics and personal development are deeply connected.
Teachers, coaches, advisors, athletic trainers, counselors, and resident-life staff work collaboratively to support student-athletes throughout their experience at Bolles.
Academics
Bolles offers a diverse and rigorous academic curriculum with extensive course offerings and individualized support systems.
Each student is paired with an academic advisor who assists with course selection, time management, communication and overall academic progress.
Advisors and coaches regularly communicate to help student-athletes balance academic and athletic responsibilities.
Bolles faculty and administrators have long valued athletics as an important component of the educational experience, and student-athletes are encouraged to pursue excellence in both the classroom and the pool.
Athletics
Swimming & Diving has been a cornerstone of Bolles athletics since the program first sent a student-athlete to the Olympic Games in 1972.
Student-athletes train in world-class facilities including:
• the 50-meter Uible Pool
• strength & conditioning spaces
• recovery and mobility areas
• the 25-yard Tarver Pool
• athletic fields
Scan QRs for 360° views of our pools
TARVER POOL
UIBLE POOL
Uible Pool
Tarver Pool
Bolles Swimming also partners with a high-performance consultant through the Bolles Whole Athlete Initiative (WAI), which supports:
• leadership development
• emotional resilience
• team culture
• mental performance
• communication skills
Athletic trainers support student-athletes through:
• injury prevention
• recovery planning
• rehabilitation
• return-to-play progression
• coordination with outside medical providers
Coaches and athletic trainers work together to help athletes maintain longterm health and performance throughout the season.
RESIDENT LIFE PROGRAM
Bolles is home to approximately 100 residential students from around the world, including many student-athletes within the swimming program.
Resident-life families living on campus provide structure, accountability, mentorship and daily support for boarding students. Resident-life staff work closely with coaches, advisors, counselors and administrators to create a connected student-athlete experience.
Boarding students are encouraged to develop:
• independence
• responsibility
• interpersonal skills
• time management
• leadership
Counselors, campus health staff, and athletic trainers are available to support students academically, emotionally and physically throughout the year.
Nutrition
Boarding students dine together in the Verlander Dining Hall and Campus Canteen, where meal options are designed to support healthy performance and accommodate a wide variety of cultures and dietary preferences.
Coaches, teachers and administrators regularly share meals with students, helping strengthen relationships throughout the Bolles community.
Student Life
Student life at Bolles extends well beyond the classroom and pool deck.
Students participate in:
• clubs and organizations
• leadership opportunities
• community activities
• athletic events
• campus traditions
• school dances
Boarding students also experience life in Jacksonville, a vibrant coastal city known for its beaches, outdoor lifestyle and year-round warm weather.
The residential community at Bolles brings together students from many different countries and cultures, creating opportunities for meaningful friendships, cultural exchange and personal growth.
Scan QR for more information on the Resident Life program at Bolles.
YEAR-ROUND EXPERIENCE
Student-athletes attending Bolles for swimming are expected to participate yearround through both the varsity and Sharks club programs. Sharks swimmers become registered members of USA Swimming and compete in sanctioned competitions throughout the year.
Coaches work closely with families to develop training plans during: • Thanksgiving Break • Spring Break • Winter Break • Summer Break
Training opportunities remain available on campus throughout much of the year, and coaches regularly communicate with home coaches and families when swimmers return home during breaks.
Additional boarding opportunities may be available during certain school breaks at additional cost.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
Varsity Swimming and Diving
ITEM COST
EXPLANATION
Varsity Registration Approx. $150 Charged to student account in August
Bolles School Sharks (Club)
ITEM COST
EXPLANATION
Sharks Registration Approx. $215 Paid during annual registration
USA Swimming Registration Approx. $97 Paid directly through USA Swimming
Coaching Fees Approx. $2,500 year Monthly or annual payment options available
Meet Entry Fees Approx. $1,000 year Varies based on competition schedule
Meet Travel Costs Varies, up to Approx. $3,000 year Includes travel, lodging, and meals for travel meets
Boarding & Break Costs
Additional boarding opportunities may be available during Thanksgiving Break, Spring Break and portions of the summer at additional cost.
During the summer, boarding students may also participate in the Bolles Swim Camp while continuing to train with the program.
IMPORTANT TOPICS
The Bolles coaching staff values personal conversations with prospective student-athletes and families considering Bolles Swimming.
Families should first complete an admissions inquiry through The Bolles School before scheduling conversations with the coaching staff.
As we learn more about prospective student-athletes, some important topics we discuss include:
• Long-term academic and athletic goals
• Interest in NCAA collegiate swimming or international competition
• Current training background and competition experience
• Favorite events and performance history
• Time management and commitment expectations
• Team culture and personal development
• Communication between families and coaches
• Injury history and performance support needs
• Daily life within the boarding environment
Our goal is to create strong partnerships between student-athletes, families, coaches, advisors and resident-life staff.
Where Do I Fit?
One of the most common questions we receive is “Where would I fit on the team?”
At Bolles Swimming, we believe there is a place for motivated student-athletes who are committed to improvement, teamwork and personal growth.
Each swimmer arrives with a unique background, different goals, and different strengths. While performance standards help determine training groups, success at Bolles is ultimately defined by consistency, commitment, attitude and growth over time.
For some swimmers, the next step may be qualifying for a championship meet. For others, it may be developing better habits, improving technique or preparing for collegiate swimming opportunities.
Our goal is to help every student-athlete take meaningful steps forward throughout their journey.
Our Commitment
At Bolles Swimming, we believe success is built through daily habits, meaningful relationships and a commitment to continual growth.
Our goal is to help student-athletes develop not only as swimmers, but as teammates, students, leaders and young adults prepared for success beyond Bolles.
Whether your goals include collegiate swimming, international competition or personal growth through sport, we are proud to provide an environment built on excellence, accountability and community.
We welcome the opportunity to learn more about your family and help you explore whether Bolles Swimming is the right fit for your next chapter.
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.
To begin the admission process and inquire about Bolles, scan the QR code here:
