Meet the YBAC Hurricanes
The YBAC Hurricanes provide a complete swimmer pathway from learning foundational skills to competing at national levels.
Our program is built on intentional coaching, long-term athlete development, and a strong team culture that supports swimmers at every stage of their journey.
At YBAC, athletes are challenged to grow not only in performance, but in confidence, leadership, and character.
YBAC Team Philosophy
The YBAC Hurricanes Swim Team is proud to be part of the Alamance County Community YMCA's commitment to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Our program uses competitive swimming as a way to help athletes grow in confidence, character, and personal responsibility.
We believe that swimming should provide a positive and supportive environment where athletes can learn, improve, and enjoy being part of a team. Our coaches focus on teaching strong technical skills, encouraging consistent effort, and helping swimmers develop healthy habits that support long-term success in the water and in life.
YBAC follows a long-term approach to athlete development. Swimmers are guided through training that matches their age, experience, and stage of growth. We recognize that every athlete develops differently, and we work to support each swimmer's individual progress while maintaining clear expectations for effort, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Our team culture is built on the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These values shape how we train, how we compete, and how we treat one another as teammates and families.
At YBAC, success is not measured only by times or results. We believe success is reflected in confidence, perseverance, teamwork, and the ability to represent our team and community.
Remembering Eamon Hipps
Class of 2026
Eamon Hipps joined the YBAC Hurricanes in February 2024, returning to the sport he once loved with the initial goal of conditioning for soccer. A successful age-group swimmer through age 12, Eamon had stepped away from the pool to focus on soccer—where he became not only a standout goalkeeper, but also a leader and teacher. He spent countless hours giving back, coaching younger athletes at goalie clinics and mentoring swimmers during summer league at Olde Forest Racquet Club.
What began as conditioning quickly turned into renewed ambition in the water. Eamon set goal after goal—sub-23 in the 50 freestyle, first place in high school, sub-50 in the 100-yard freestyle, and ultimately qualifying for YMCA Nationals. Prior to starting this season, he had easily achieved one of those dreams, quickly moving onto breaking 50 seconds in the 100 freestyle and helping his relay qualify for YMCA Long Course Nationals only a few weeks ago at Capital Classic. His work ethic, humility, and quiet determination elevated everyone around him.
Outside the pool, Eamon was equally exceptional. He was a key part of Western Alamance High School’s 5A championship soccer team, earning MVP honors, earning recognitions for Defensive Player of the Year for Mid-Conference, and earning an invite to Clash of the Carolinas (another goal he had for senior year). He was excited about continuing athletics in college and was in the process of choosing where his next chapter would begin. In his 17 years, Eamon touched more lives than many do in a lifetime. He was a teammate, a mentor, a competitor, and a friend—and he is irreplaceable to our team. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Always & Forever Our Hurricane
February 25, 2008 - December 27, 2025
FAQs
Yes! YBAC is a year-round competitive swim team. Our swimmers train and compete during a short course season (September-March) and a long course season (April-July) on the AAU, YMCA, and USA Swimming competition circuits.
YBAC Hurricanes offers four training tiers based on skill level and goals: - Storm Prep Academy (Novice) -Technical (Beginner) -Competitive (Intermediate) -High Performance (Advanced) -Masters (Adult/Fitness & Competition)
Technical Level (Ages 6-18) For swimmers who have completed swim lessons but are still developing their skills. These swimmers can swim freestyle and backstroke legally and a basic knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly. Groups: - Technique (11 & Under) - Fitness (12 - 18) Competitive Level (Ages 6-16) For swimmers with strong knowledge of all four competitive strokes. These groups include multi-sport athletes with flexible training needs. Groups: -Category 1 & Category 2 (Ages 6-11) -Category 3 & Category 4 (Ages 11-16) High-Performance Level (Ages 12-18) For athletes training at the highest levels of intensity and volume. Swimmers must meet standard requirements and receive a coach recommendation and coach approval for this group. Both morning and evening practices are offered for schedule flexibility. -Category 5 -Senior -National Masters Level (Ages 18+) For adults who want to swim for fitness or train to compete in YMCA Masters, USMS, or USAS events. No prior swim team experience required.
Swimmers advance based on skill development, commitment, and coach recommendation. YBAC uses test sets, swimmer check-ins, and consistent evaluations throughout the year to ensure proper placement and progress.
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