Orange Beach Swim Team

06/16/2026

I’m so proud of this group of athletes, because this weekend in PCB we faced challenges and learned a great deal on what it means to be an athlete on days when conditions are not ideal physically, mentally, or emotionally.

This is when our “Got GRIT?” slogan comes into play. When it is hurts, when it’s out of our control, when there are negative thoughts crowding our mind, we lean into our grit.

Growth - Resilience - Initiative - Tenacity

I also tell our swimmers to swim their own race; I am more concerned about the person behind the block and their time rather than what place they finished. However, it is really exciting when they dominate! Some highlights:

💦 Emma Kahler and Amelia Chiseev for winning each event swum and scoring high point winner for their respective age groups.
💦 Amelia Chiseev for still swimming the 100 BK, despite not wanting to, and turning around with a time drop and SES cut.
💦 Izzy Holliday for flipping her mindset and getting up to race! She won 4 out of 8 events and stayed in the Top 4 for her remaining events with personal best times.
💦 Brooklyn Key for her phenomenal 400 FR in which she managed to negative split her 200s.
💦 Natalie Hastik for swimming with all her heart and securing 3 personal bests even though she had been away at camp recently.
💦 Lizzie Key, the birthday girl, for her positivity and for swimming with all their heart!

Congratulations, makos! 🧡🦈💙

Thank you Cat 5 Aquatics for hosting us! 🏊🏼‍♀️

06/09/2026

This past weekend was our second long course meet of the season and our swimmers really swam well mentally and physically. This meet offered a lesson in balance and learning that just because a race wasn’t your best time, doesn’t mean it was a bad race—maybe better technique or cleaner turns. As I always say, the little things are the big things.

Congratulations to Ben Lewis for successfully competing in his first USA meet! 🏊🏼‍♂️

I’d like to recognize Ezra Etheredge for his tremendous growth. He can now fully embrace the uncomfortable and understands what it means to RACE! Ezra also dropped time in every single event swum. 💪🏼

Congratulations are also in order for Amelia Chiseev, Emma Kahler, and Penelope Key. All three girls secured additional SES cuts. 🤩

Next up, Panama City Beach LC Open this weekend! 🏖️

06/04/2026

Congratulations to June’s Mako of the Month, Natalie Hastik!

Natalie or “Nat-Attack” has demonstrated serious discipline and determination in her training as we closed our short course season. She continues to display great work ethic and lead her teammates by example. Even after hitting a plateau in the pool, Natalie has never lost sight of her goals. Her training is finally paying off as she reaches closer and closer to higher-level time standards. Go get’em Nat-Attack!

05/08/2026

Congratulations to May’s Mako of the Month, Lizzie Key!

Lizzie AKA “Wanda” is a mighty force of s***k and energy. Lizzie’s personality brings teammates together and her drive motivates others to see their own potential. There isn’t a bigger cheerleader on deck and she can even out-kick some of our senior boys! She’s all muscle in a spirited little package. You go, girl!

04/29/2026

👯‍♀️

04/25/2026

Unfortunately the weather would not cooperate today. The Ready, Set, Bloom Swim Meet has been cancelled for today.

Please be advised that due to inclement weather, the Orange Beach Swim Team Ready, Set, Bloom Swim Meet scheduled for today has been cancelled.

Weather permitting, the Aquatics Center will open for normal operations at 10:00 AM.

04/03/2026

Congratulations to April’s Mako of the Month, Peony Lester!

Having only competed in swimming for about a year, Peony has more than tripled her yardage and training capacity within the past season. She dropped nearly :30 seconds in her 200 FR this winter, clearly showcasing her improvements. She exemplifies the art of balancing commitments as she juggles a busy swim schedule, school choir, and the everyday life of a student-athlete in a family of 11. Keep it up, P!

03/31/2026

Practice Lately = Peer Work, Sunsets, & Good Vibes 🌅😎✌🏼

03/24/2026

Got GRIT?

03/16/2026

📅 Mark your calendars!
📣 Set your notifications!
🏊‍♀️ Join OBST!

OBST’s summer 2026 season opens for registration on April 1st for residents and returning athletes (Spring 2026)!

Registration will open to the public on April 8th.