Christian Vieyra

The new Olympic-sized pool on the south side of campus is now filled as of April 13.

The SRJC swim team will dive into a new Olympic-sized outdoor pool this summer, after waiting almost five decades from when the inaugural swim season began.

Celebrating its 50-year anniversary in the spring of 2023, the swim team began in April 1973 when the Bear Cubs opened their existing swim complex near Tauzer Gym and competed in their final meet against College of Marin. That first team finished 7-2-1, and two Bear Cubs qualified for state. Half a century and many successful seasons later, it’s time for an upgrade. 

“I’m super excited to have the 50-meter pool built for future teams,” said SRJC standout swimmer Ruby Gonzalez, who will compete for state in the 50-meter freestyle, 200 freestyle, and 200 backstroke at East LA college.  

Coach Jill McCormick has led the men’s and women’s swim teams for 22 seasons, winning six California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) state titles and eight Conference titles. She has coached more than 300 All-American athletes. The new 50-meter pool will seal her legacy as SRJC’s swim coach. 

Coaching the men’s and women’s swim and dive team comes with more than just winning meets; it’s what goes on behind the scenes. McCormick hopes to help SRJC raise millions for the aquatic endowment which includes the naming rights to the new pool. Funding for the new pool also came from the 2014 Measure H bond. 

“This new facility and the endowment will help develop, support, and protect the future of aquatics at SRJC and in our community,” McCormick said.