Two more clubs have joined forces in the state of Virginia, with the Quantico Devil Dolphins (QDD) folding into the Potomac Marlins Swim Club. The teams will operate under the Marlins’ banner. The Potomac Marlins have roughly 500 swimmers to their name, and this number will be pushed over 600 with the addition of the QDD athletes.
This is certainly not the first time that clubs in this area have merged together to form multi-site clubs. Just two months ago it was reported that Poseidon Swimming and Burkwood Aquatic Club would compete together under the Poseidon banner, while NOVA and VACS are two clubs that have also joined forces recently.
Obviously, when thinking of successful multi-site programs (especially in Virginia), Nation’s Capital Swim Club comes to mind immediately. The program has coached names like Katie Ledecky, Andrew Seliskar, and Carsten Vissering, and perhaps other clubs in the area are trying to follow this program model in hopes of extending a uniform coaching philosophy to a wider array of communities. Read the statement by the Potomac Marlins:
August 20, 2015— The Potomac Marlins are excited to announce the merger of the Quantico Devil Dolphins (QDD), Manassas, VA, with the Potomac Marlins Swim Club. Swimming under the Potomac Marlins’ banner, the merger will enable QDD swimmers to compete locally and be a part of a large 600-swimmer team with similar philosophy and goals. The Marlins are a large team but maintain a small team feel. Their mission is “to inspire an athlete’s DREAM, to DEVELOP and maximize individual performance, and to DELIVER individuals to their highest potential” – values on point with QDD philosophy.
A member of the Potomac Valley Swimming (PVS) League since 1993, the Marlins have grown from a team of 80 swimmers to 500 swimmers. The addition of QDD adds over 130 athletes to the total team, swimming at 7 locations. The Central Park Aquatic Center, home to QDD and located in Manassas, provides an opportunity for the Marlins’ program to expand and serve families further west in Northern Virginia. The level of competition within PVS will offer athletes the chance to continue to compete at a high level, and to push themselves to greater success.
While QDD is parting with a 53-year-old history of success, members recognize the changes in the competitive environment and are excited about the opportunities the Marlins provide. Athletes will be able to compete locally within PVS, minimizing the financial burdens associated with travel, and swim on a large team. Swimmers will have more opportunities to attend swim meets and participate on relay teams. QDD is also joining an organization that shares their passion for giving back to the community.
Barry Marlin, Potomac Marlins, states in a letter to members, “The Potomac Marlins are resolved in their intent to value the traditions of QDD Swim Team as we start this new chapter of competitive swimming. We expect nothing but the very best outcomes to this exciting opportunity for our staff, families, and most importantly, our wonderful athletes.”
QDD has a rich tradition and legacy that punched well above their weight with a fistful of Olympians and great citizens. I trust the heritage of hard work and determination will continue under a new shingle. #GoDevilDolphins
QDD is a great team. They have had over 500 swimmers in past years of their history. It is about time they merged with another local team to build opportunity and strength. I just hope that the PMs embrace the great coaching staff at CPAC. Wish you all the luck in the world.
what will the merged team be called?
will the staffs stay same from both clubs?