“She believed she could, so she did”. It’s a powerful quote that Sydney holds dear. At just 22 years old, Sydney is an Aquatics Manager at the Y with big responsibilities including swim lessons for all levels, hiring instructors, coordinating water fitness and lifeguard classes, certifications, scheduling, swim team, and so much more. “That quote is super empowering for a young woman,” says Sydney. “It’s a big thing to be confident, believe in myself, and know I can do it. I don’t think I’d be the person I am without the Y. I take a lot of pride in my work and I don’t think 17-year-old Sydney would have said that.”
She is excited to share this self-belief with Y swimmers and tells a story of one teen with diverse abilities who was so afraid of the water he wouldn’t get into the pool. “Now he’s able to swim in the deep end. He jumps in, puts his face in the water, and whoops and hollers. It makes me proud to be at the Y,” she says.
Born and raised in Brewer, Sydney’s relationship with the Y began at 8 years old when she took swim lessons. Later, she swam competitively for the Y’s Barracuda Swim Team for 12 years. She and her teammates still hold the Y record for the 400-yard freestyle relay. Believe it or not, Sydney says she didn’t have the best swimming skills when she started. It’s why she enjoys teaching adults to swim, understanding that skills can be taught at any age. “I had one woman who wouldn’t get into the water at all,” says Sydney. “Now she’s swimming with a noodle and picking her feet up.”
Outside of the pool, Sydney goes to school (she graduated from Husson University with a BSc in Exercise Science and is now pursuing Physical Therapy) and rides her thoroughbred horse Rio. She’s a twin (her sister also works at the Y) and has a passion for sushi and country music. But it’s the Y members who keep her inspired day in and day out. “I love our members. Everyone is so kind and helpful,” says Sydney. “We have a member who comes in every day and gives us candy. He’s the kindest person you’ve ever met and that’s what the Y is about.”