Reflecting on the Journey: ODAC Training Camp 2025

As our week at training camp came to a close, we witnessed countless examples of true mental fortitude—moments that went far beyond physical performance. One of the most powerful came during our final evening in the pool.

The coaching staff challenged the distance group with a progressive test set: a 200 freestyle, 500 freestyle, 1000 freestyle, 1,650 freestyle under fatigue. The goal was simple but demanding—if six of the ten swimmers could beat their fastest time on the 1,000 freestyle from a test set earlier in the week, they would earn the opportunity to skip the final 1,650 that followed. By that point, the athletes had logged approximately 15K yards per day over the previous five days, pushing through soreness, exhaustion, and cumulative fatigue.

"I pushed off for my last 1,000 knowing I already made it through five days I needed to last one more 1,000 to represent my work ethic and dedication to this sport." - Brooke Heustis, ODAC Distance Swimmer

What followed was remarkable. Not only did they meet the goal of six swimmers beating their times —EVERY swimmer in the group improved on their time from earlier in the week. Several achieved personal-best 1,000's, while the rest finished within just one to two seconds of their fastest performances. Watching them rise together in that moment—focused, resilient, and fully committed to one another—was a powerful reminder of what this team is capable of when they work as one.

The journey didn’t end there.

The vans drove them home from Lynchburg dropping them off at Bingo Palace in Virginia Beach, The athletes took on one final challenge: the New Year’s Eve Bingo Party—a huge fundraising event and long-standing ODAC tradition. Historically, this event has been run by parents, as ODAC shares a rotating schedule at Bingo Palace with other organizations. This year, however, the rotation ended, and the event was granted to ODAC much later in the season without a parent bingo team assigned.

Recognizing both the opportunity and the need, the coaching staff saw this as a meaningful way for swimmers to step up, take ownership, and fundraise toward a major planned improvement for the club. After an already demanding week, the swimmers embraced the challenge wholeheartedly. With more than 66 volunteers contributing their time and energy, the night was a record-breaking success—proof once again that this group knows how to show up when it matters most.

“I had so much fun, the kids were amazing, the atmosphere was great, even the volunteers in the chow hall were so fun and inviting” - Linette Bushell, Bingo Player

“New Years Eve Bingo is an extra long session already, I was so impressed with the swimmers efforts and attitudes, especially coming straight from a long exhausting week at Training Camp” -Melanie Neubeiser, Swim Parent/Bingo Volunteer

"They not only met their goal for the session, they blew it out of the water, I don't know how we'll top that night next year!" -Kalynn Wachs, Bingo Treasurer

Team Commentary:

What was your favorite meal served during Training Camp? Bailey Heustis: "Olive Garden"

Maggie Wright: “Panda Express”

As the youngest swimmer at training camp (turned 14 on the 2nd day of camp), what was your first Training Camp experience like?

Garrett Kopach: "I’ve been on ODAC for nearly six years now, but Training Camp made me really feel like part of a family and very encouraged by the older swimmers and coaches. I felt like they all wanted the best for me and encouraged me throughout every swim."

Tell me about your Funko Pop?

Ethan Stowell: “The funko pops were cool because even though they were a small part of the camp, the whole point of them was to focus on the small things.”

Brenna Fary: “My Funko Pop was Cher from Clueless and she had a little bubble thought that said ‘as if,’ it was a great reminder to not over think while swimming.”

As a longtime swimmer but newer to ODAC, how was your first Training Camp experience?

Jack Valentine: "It was challenging, but definitely worth it and helped me build physically and mentally as a person, also it helped me grow closer to the team." Daniel Stowell: “It was definitely hard with multiple practices a day, but it was a good experience to have my teammates there to push me, and it is a great foundation for the rest of the season.” As a veteran ODAC Swimmer, how many training camps have you attended and what stood out about this year? Tyler Koepp: “This was my 5th ODAC Training Camp and Distance Group is really what set this one apart.”

What was your most memorable experience of Training Camp?

Kaylah Maniace: "When Coach Steve told me to get out of my head and just do it"

Bulut Ertufan: “Winning a real bowling pin for top score at the bowling outing, 144 points”

Garrett Kopach: "The Diving Boards"

My Reflection:

As a parent who has been part of this program for 18 years, I am incredibly proud as I reflect on this journey—especially what this past week has meant for our athletes. Witnessing their growth in accountability, focus, social connection, loyalty, and intellectual and emotional development has been truly inspiring. Each year brings its own lessons, but this week stood out for how it challenged everyone not just as athletes, but as individuals.

The bonds formed and the resilience displayed are reminders of why ODAC is about so much more than swimming. It’s about building resilient, committed, and thoughtful individuals—together. I am deeply grateful to be part of this community and to see these life lessons come to life year after year.

— Blog & Photos contributed by Mike McNabb, January 2nd, 2026