MT. LAUREL, N.J. – The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Phoenix Swim Team has announced that Yannick Lyons of Burlington Township has committed to continue his swimming career at Monmouth University in West Long Branch for next fall.
Lyons, 17, started swimming at age eight at Tarnsfield Swim Club in Westampton with his twin brother Lucien, who also swims for the Y. Currently, Lyons trains and competes year-round at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ YBCC Phoenix team.
“Yannick has been an absolute joy to coach,” said Chris Brookover, head coach of the YBCC Phoenix and director of competitive swimming at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “His work ethic is outstanding, his ability to process instruction is incredible and his dedication and hard work are exceptional.”
In addition to touring Monmouth University, Lyons went on several recruiting trips to other schools. He ultimately decided that Monmouth was where he wanted to be after formally visiting the campus and meeting head coach Matt Nunnally.
“The first time I went to Monmouth, I toured the campus and saw the swimming facility and really fell in love with the school. I really loved the vibe,” said Lyons. “This was their first year back having a swim team, prior to that, they haven’t had a swim team for more than 20 years. I’m so excited to be a part rebuilding this team.”
Although only swimming with the Y for one year, Lyons credits training with the YBCC Phoenix and Coach Brookover with being able to live out his lifelong dream of swimming in college.
“Coach Chris is definitely one of the best coaches I’ve ever had, he’s like a second dad to me. The great thing about the Phoenix program is that it not only focuses on building a swimmer’s talents, but it focuses on building lifelong friendships,” said Lyons.
“One year on our team was not enough. Yannick exemplifies the type of swimmer and person we hope to graduate from YBCC Phoenix. I am so proud of his decision to continue to swim in college. Coach Nunnally is getting an outstanding student athlete,” said Coach Brookover.
Swimming news courtesy of YBCC Phoenix.
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