2026 Summer Swim Team Registration is now Open

About/Coaches

History

With such a big & vibrant community a question always raised was "Why doesn't Penderbrook have a swim team?" It was interesting to find out that about 14 years ago some families did attempt to form a swim team, but unfortunately it did not last as there was not enough commitment to sustain it.

With this in mind, in 2022 we began the journey to approach our PCA in discussions to show the community's renewed interest and viability to provide this wonderful opportunity for our neighborhood. We were granted permission to have a start-up swim session at the Penderbrook pool in the Summer of 2023. This effort resulted in having a total of 25 swimmers and an opportunity to develop a strong network among families living in the community (not to mention having tons of fun!)

We were excited to report in 2024 that we were accepted to join Colonial Swim League in Summer 2024. This was a big step that helped strengthen our commitment and build upon the foundation that was started the previous year. Our number of swimmers has increased and the program has strengthened. With continued support from all participants, we hope to continue this journey and be able to provide the opportunity for families to join Penderbrook Swim Team for generations to come!

Meet our 2026 Season Swim Coaches

Head Coach Bill Lam:

Coach Bill began swimming at the Oakmont Rec Center at the age of four. Over the years, he swam with the Mason Makos, FISH, and the Oakton High School varsity swim team, where he later returned as a part-time volunteer coach. During the summers, he also swam with, and eventually coached for, the Faircrest Cyclones swim team.
Bill has extensive coaching and teaching experience spanning many years across a variety of sports and disciplines, including fencing, STEM education, and competitive swimming. Most recently, he was part of the inaugural season of the Penderphish swim team when it debuted in the summer of 2023, and he has coached with the team ever since.
The summer of 2026 marks Bill’s first year serving as Head Coach of the program. He is excited to continue building and growing the team, helping swimmers improve and achieve their goals, and creating the kind of fun, supportive, and memorable summer experience that lasts long after the season ends!

Junior Coach Alan Lam: Coach Alan Lam has been swimming since the age of 4. He has trained with the Mason Makos and FISH, swam for the Fair Lakes Cyclones, and was a swimmer for the Pender Phish last season. He mainly competes in butterfly and freestyle.

After being part of the Phish family as a swimmer, Alan is thrilled to officially join the coaching staff this summer. He can’t wait to help every swimmer build confidence and fly through the water!

Junior Coach Andrew Garver: Andrew is a returning coach and has been an avid swimmer since the age of 7. He started swimming for the Northern Virginia Swim League's Oakton Otters. He currently is on the Oakton High School swim team. He has competed at state and national level for sprint freestyle for the past three years. He is so excited to coach the Pender Phish this summer and can't wait to help each swimmer to keep perfecting their swim techniques!

Meet our Assistant Coaches:

Coach Anna is a rising junior at Oakton High School. This will be her second summer with the Pender Phish, and she'll be helping to coach the Minnows as well as swim with her own age group. She can't wait to start swimming with all the Phish and Minnows this summer!

Coach Coraline has been swimming competitively for 3 years and enjoys working with younger swimmers. When not at the pool, she can be found playing the clarinet, running or snuggled up with a book and a cat.

Coach Heidi is excited to join the Penderbrook Phish Swim Team for her second season as a swimmer and assistant coach. She also swims for the Mason Makos and Oakton Otters.

Coach Kamila is 13 years old and currently swims for Machine Aquatics. She's been swimming competitively for three years and loves being in the pool. Outside of swimming, she enjoys reading, playing badminton, and of course, eating good food!

Coach Thomas is on his second season as a Phish. Before that he swam with the Fair Oaks Sharks for a few years. He is also a goalkeeper on a travel soccer team and attends Oakton High School. He enjoys playing pickle ball as well as hanging out with friends.

Swim Team Board

All committee board members are parents who are volunteering their time to help provide a wonderful opportunity for kids and families to come together to encourage the growth and success of our swim team!! To join our team, please reach out to penderbrookswim@gmail.com.

Mulligans Pub on the Green

Mulligans Pub on the Green is located by Penderbrook Golf Club in Fairfax, VA and offers a full menu of terrific American grill and seafood cuisine.

Big Blue Swim School

Big Blue Swim School empowers kids with the skills they need to feel confident in the water — laying the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment!

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