Small Team Donation, Big Inspiration

The Wheaton College synchronized swim team was thrilled to head to Stanford, California for the first meet of the 2017-2018 season. While the team enjoyed some time off from the pool and dinner with Wheaton alumni, their van was ransacked.

The entire team found the whole experience shocking and unnerving, “It was certainly a first for me and I have to say it was among one of the scariest events we've experienced as a team. My first thought was the safety of the team and ensuring that they close out any cards that were stolen. Then it was onto the police department for reporting,” said head coach Rebecca Ercoli.

All of the team members’ swim bags, personal items, and team equipment was stolen. In fact, all the thieves left behind was the team banner and a sneaker. The Wheaton Lyons woke the next day to compete at the Stanford meet without so much as a goggle or noseclip among them. But, that didn’t shake these strong women. They arrived at the meet focused and ready to compete. With the help of the Stanford team, they were able to borrow suits and other gear, allowing them to put forth their best effort and have a strong showing at the first meet of the season.

Not only was the Wheaton community in horror of this theft, but so were some of the youngest members of the local community who work with, and look up to, the Wheaton Synchro team each week at their own synchronized swimming practices.

The Attleboro YMCA Synchronettes became the Attleboro YMCA Lyonfish Synchronettes, in 2015 after the team began practicing at Wheaton College and met the team. The name change is an obvious nod to Wheaton's mascot, the “Lyon,” solidifying their connection to the Wheaton community. The young athletes look up to the strong Wheaton synchro women for coaching and inspiration and were shaken to see their role models burglarized.

"I am just so happy that all the Wheaton girls weren't hurt when those people robbed them," said Lyonfish team member Eily. "We don't know what we would do without them."

The Attleboro Y Lyonfish Synchronettes team members range in age from 6-16. When they learned of Wheaton’s mishap, they jumped in to help, taking up a collection at the concession stand at one of their synchro meets and calling on the Lyonfish families to chip in.

"I thought it was really sad and scary that their stuff was stolen," said Cailyn. "We wanted to help somehow."

The Lyonfish raised $300 in donations for Wheaton synchro. Both teams recently came together and the donation check was presented along with a large, novelty check covered in messages of thanks, love, and encouragement from the young swimmers to their experienced role models.

"The girls on our team have the amazing opportunity to watch and learn from this dedicated college team. It was just awful, what happened to them, and we really saw this as an opportunity for our team to pull together and stand with our synchro sisters and help out," said Lyonfish Synchronettes head coach, Michal Fandel.

Coach Ercolli was touched not just by the gift itself, but also by the intentions that came with it, “Knowing that we have support from our littles is both comforting and inspiring. Seeing the strength and depth our sisterhood will be a memory that lasts a lifetime. Through the wake of adversity comes strength, love and a new formation of family.”