West Hartford Aquatic Team (WHAT) has been recognized as a Bronze Medal Club by USA Swimming.

ISCA Summer Elite Showcase 2025. Courtesy photo

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USA Swimming has announced the results of the 2026 Club Excellence Program, and WHAT Swimming has been recognized as a Bronze Medal Club, one of the nation’s top-performing teams in athlete development and competitive excellence.

This achievement marks the fourth time WHAT Swimming has received this prestigious national honor, reinforcing its reputation as one of the most accomplished swimming programs in the country. Bronze Medal Clubs represent a level of excellence that places WHAT Swimming among the most successful and sustainable swim programs in the United States.

The USA Swimming Club Excellence Program is a voluntary, performance-based initiative that identifies and honors USA Swimming member clubs for their commitment to developing high-performing athletes and achieving excellence at every level of the sport. The program’s mission is to:

• Promote the growth of strong, well-rounded age group and senior swimming programs that produce elite 18 & under athletes.
• Provide recognition, resources, and financial support to motivate and assist member clubs in reaching the highest standards of performance.
• Celebrate clubs that demonstrate exceptional leadership, coaching, and athlete development.

Each year, USA Swimming evaluates over 3,000 clubs nationwide and ranks them based on the performance of their top 18 & under athletes. The top 200 clubs receive Gold, Silver, or Bronze Medal recognition. Bronze Medal Clubs represent a level of excellence that places them among the most successful and sustainable swim programs in the United States.

While the average size of a Bronze Medal team is approximately 259 swimmers, WHAT Swimming consistently achieves national recognition with a leaner roster of just 140-150 athletes. This distinction highlights the program’s efficiency, focused coaching philosophy, and strong swimmer-to-coach relationships that help athletes reach their full potential.

“This recognition is a reflection of the incredible work ethic, passion, and teamwork that defines WHAT Swimming,” said head coach Rob Riccobon. “All of the athletes, coaches, and parents who are part of the program are extremely proud of this accomplishment. We’ve built a deep, developmental program that takes young swimmers and helps them grow into elite-level athletes. This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication and perseverance of our athletes, the expertise of our coaching staff, and the unwavering support of our families.”

Associate head coach Jim Santiago added, “WHAT Swimming provides a pathway to excellence for swimmers from 6 to 18 years old. The philosophy of self-discipline, respect for your teammates, and the ‘#WHATworkWORKS’ mentality allows our swimmers to succeed both in school and in the pool.”

Courtesy image

Over the years, WHAT Swimming has produced numerous Connecticut state champions, SPEEDO Sectional and Futures finalists, and USA Swimming national qualifiers. The club’s philosophy centers on developing the whole athlete – focusing not only on performance in the pool, but also on character, teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

“Being recognized by USA Swimming as a Bronze Medal Club puts our organization in company with some of the best programs in the nation,” Riccobon added. “It’s particularly meaningful because our athletes come from all across the Greater Hartford and Farmington Valley area, and shows that culture, commitment, and coaching matter.”

The Club Excellence designation also brings additional benefits to WHAT Swimming, including eligibility for USA Swimming grants and resources designed to enhance training, athlete education, and program development. The recognition underscores WHAT Swimming’s commitment to continual improvement and to providing opportunities for swimmers at every level from beginners to national-caliber competitors.

About WHAT Swimming:

Established in West Hartford, Connecticut, WHAT Swimming (West Hartford Aquatic Team) is a USA Swimming–sanctioned program dedicated to developing swimmers of all ages and abilities in a positive and challenging environment. The program emphasizes technique, discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. Under the leadership of Head Coach Rob Riccobon, WHAT Swimming has become one of the Northeast’s most respected competitive programs, producing athletes who excel at the state, regional, and national levels. The team trains at the University of Saint Joseph’s Bruyette Natatorium and Miss Porter’s School pool and serves swimmers across multiple age groups and abilities.

For more information about WHAT Swimming, training opportunities, and upcoming events, please visit www.whatswim.org or contact 860-985-2818.

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