(Callie with her son Andrew)

(Callie during her days in the 8U crew)

(Callie with her "pool friends" at the swim banquet)

With just one week until our first swim meet of the season, it feels like the perfect time to share another Dolphins Through the Years feature and reflect on the friendships and traditions that make summer swim so special.

About Callie

We’re excited to feature Callie Merriman, a former Dolphin now back at the pool as a swim parent, watching the next generation begin their own Dolphin journey.

When did you swim for the Dolphins?
“I joined at the age of four in 1992 as a Junior Dolphin and continued through my senior season as a fourteen-year-old in 2002.”

Favorite Memory
“I loved the friendships made. To this day, my best friends are my ‘pool friends’ that I grew up with on swim team. The opportunity to grow up with such a tightly knit group of kids and families made summers so special and established a lifelong community.

I love seeing so many of us back with our own children and watching everything come full circle.”

Favorite Coach
“Tom Shane.”

What did swim team teach you?
“It gave me confidence at a young age and taught me commitment. It allowed you to be challenged while having fun with friends.”

Are your kids swimming now?
“My son, Andrew, is newly 5 and joined the team as a 6U this summer, and I have two little twin Dolphins on the way! I know watching them make their own swim team memories will undoubtedly be my favorite memory yet.”

If you’re a former Dolphin—or have a former Dolphin in your family—we would love to feature you this season. Contact us at [email protected].