Founded in 1956 by John Collins, Sr. as an extension of Badger Day Camp in Larchmont, NY, Badger Swim Club has grown from a local summer training program into one of the nation’s most respected and successful competitive swim clubs. Nearly seven decades later, we continue to call the Badger Pool in Larchmont home, honoring the tradition and community roots that started it all.
From the very beginning, Badger attracted attention well beyond Westchester. Starting in the 1950s, athletes from across the United States and around the world sought out the Badger Pool as a training destination—sometimes for a season, sometimes for an entire Olympic cycle. Influenced by the legendary coach Doc Counsilman, Badger became a hub for elite preparation.
In 1956, U.S. OlympianFord Konno used Badger as a primary training base in the lead-up to the Melbourne Olympic Games. That same era saw Australian swimmers such as Sam Herford, Forbes Carlisle, and Ursula Carlisle travel across the world to experience training at Badger. These international connections cemented the club’s reputation as a place where the best came to get better.
1972, John Collins Jr. took over leadership of the program, ushering in a new era that blended world-class coaching with the family-oriented culture that had defined Badger since its founding. Under his guidance, the club grew into a year-round training ground for athletes with national and international aspirations, producing Olympians, NCAA champions, and some of the top age group swimmers in the country. Today, John Collins Jr. continues to coach alongside his son, Jack Collins, carrying forward the Badger tradition into its seventh decade.
Badger’s legacy is perhaps best seen on the sport’s biggest stage. Beginning with Rick Carey’s three gold medals at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, Badger swimmers have continued to shine at the Olympics. Lea Loveless-Maurer, Cristina Teuscher, Jenny Thompson, and Cody Miller all carried the tradition forward, helping to amass 11 Olympic medals and 27 World Championship medals for Badger athletes.
While our history is filled with champions, our mission goes beyond medals. We pride ourselves on creating a safe, supportive, and challenging environment where swimmers not only thrive athletically but also build resilience, discipline, and character that last a lifetime.
Every swimmer who trains at Badger is part of a legacy of excellence and perseverance. Whether they are just beginning their journey or preparing for international competition, our athletes are united by the same principles that have guided the club since 1956: hard work, community, and the pursuit of excellence.
