You Kept Us Swimming: Our Support for the Atlantic Coast Swim Team

At McGuire Counseling & Psychotherapy, we believe the healthiest communities are the ones that show up for their young people. That's why we were proud to contribute $1,000 to the Atlantic Coast Swim Team Booster Club this season.

The Atlantic Coast swimmers train at the University of North Florida (UNF) pool, and pool time isn't free. Our contribution helped the booster club cover the team's lane time so practice could keep going, and it helped feed the swimmers at one of their bigger meets of the season.

When the team sent us this photo holding signs that read "Thank You for Your Partnership" and "You Kept Us Swimming," it made our whole office smile. Supporting local student athletes is exactly the kind of work we love to be part of here in Jacksonville.

Sports give teens far more than medals and times. Being part of a team builds:

• Belonging — a group that has your back, in and out of the pool
• Resilience — learning to handle a tough race, a missed goal, and early-morning practices
• Healthy stress relief — regular exercise is one of the best natural supports for mood and sleep
• Confidence — setting goals and watching hard work pay off

Student athletes also carry a lot of pressure: school, competition, college plans and social life all at once. Programs like this one give them structure and support, and that matters for mental health just as much as physical health.

The team is heading into the most important stretch of the season, with the Gateway meet followed by districts and then state. We're cheering for every swimmer, and we're grateful to the parents, coaches and booster club volunteers who make it all possible.

If your teen is struggling with stress, anxiety, performance pressure or anything else, our team is here to help. Learn more about our adolescent counseling in Jacksonville or contact us to schedule an appointment.