What is Silver Fins Diving?

The Silver Fins Dive Team was organized by 1976 Olympian Barbara Nejman and is sponsored and operated by the Southwest Family YMCA under the Silver Fins Swim and Dive Program directed by Denise Stewart.  Our competition program is sponsored through both United States Diving and AAU.

This program is for the competitive diver. We train athletes (8 through 18 years of age) who have learned the fundamental skills thru participation in a “Learn to Dive” program or the YMCA Mighty Mahi summer program. Silver Fins Diving provides an opportunity to learn advanced techniques to be competitive within Novice and Junior Olympic age groups at local, national and international levels, as well as to participate in High School and College programs. 

Currently, we have two dedicated dive coaches: Bill Hunter and Nichole DeBattista. 

Bill is the Head Coach and recipient of the Arizona AAU Coach of the Year award.  Bill is also the AFUHS District Coach for Agua Fria, Millennium, Canyon View, Desert Edge and Verrado High Schools. Most of the Elite High School Divers participate in a year-round dive program. 

Barb Nejman continues her support of our program as a visiting coach with the YMCA, providing elite level coaching, as well as directing dive clinics and special events.  Barb has coached all levels of diving through the Olympic level.  Barb is a member of the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.