Bolles Swimming: Inside One of the World’s Most Elite Swim Programs

SwimCoachJoao
6 hours ago
2 min read

If you’re a swimmer, you know that some places just feel different. The air is thicker with ambition, and the walls are covered in names that have shaped Olympic history. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to visit The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, to see exactly how they build champions.

From the moment I stepped onto the campus, I realized this wasn't just a school—it was a legacy.

Walking Through History

My tour started at Bolles Hall, a stunning 1920s building that looks more like a Mediterranean resort than a high school. It actually was a luxury hotel before becoming a military academy and eventually the powerhouse school it is today.

But the real magic happens near the water. I spent some time at the Murphy Olympic Wall, a tribute donated by the family of gold medalist Ryan Murphy. Seeing the names of over 60 Olympians etched into the wall is a reminder that excellence here isn't an accident; it’s the standard.

Culture Over Everything

I sat down with Head Coach Peter Verhoff, who told me something that surprised me. Despite their 38-year state championship streak, they don't just talk about winning. They talk about "Team."

One of my favorite parts of the visit was hearing about the Reindeer Relays. It’s this amazing tradition where the elite seniors—kids who are headed to D1 programs or the Olympics—team up with the little ones in the "learn to swim" program for holiday races. It keeps the energy light and reminds everyone that they’re part of one big family.

The Training Ground

I got to see two very different, but equally impressive, pool setups:

The ISL Pool: This is a short-course pool with a cool backstory—it’s the actual pool used for the International Swimming League in Las Vegas, brought right here to Jacksonville.
The Uible Pool: This is the legendary 50-meter long-course tank where the senior groups put in the heavy yardage.

A Global Brotherhood

What struck me most was the diversity. I met swimmers like Victor from Brazil and athletes from over 20 different countries. They live in the dorms, eat together, and push each other through grueling 3:45 PM afternoon sets. It felt less like a high school team and more like a professional training center.

Watching these athletes train at such a high level while maintaining a supportive, brotherhood-like atmosphere was inspiring. Bolles isn't just a factory for fast times; it's a place that builds character through the grind.

Want to see the training sets and the full tour for yourself? Check out my full vlog here.

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