NYAC proudly wishes the Graduating Student from 2021 the best of luck in their Future Endeavours!

Swimming through high school is a remarkable feat!  Your dedication to school and swimming, family and friends is commendable.  

Know that you will make NYAC proud! 

Pride - Discipline - Loyalty

 

 

Beni Baidoc 

High Performance 

 

From: 

A.Y Jackson Secondary School  

Plan for the future: 

University of Toronto 

About me: 

Hey everyone, my name is Beni and I swam for NYAC for the past seven years! I am a swimmer specializing in the 100 free but am an all-around sprinter. Swimming is one of the most demanding sports out there, but trust me, it is worth every sweat and tear shed. Everyone has their ups and downs, but if you can persevere, you'll be able to grow as both an athlete and student. The more I swam, the better my time management became, and this part is very important to be successful in school and with swimming. In my opinion, being committed is the first step in achieving your goals as an athlete. This means, coming to every practice, on time, ready to swim, no questions asked! Just remember, always do your best and remember what matters most is your effort and not always your results. Be proud that you are an NYAC swimmer. As my time at NYAC is coming to an end, I am happy I was able to make many fun memories with friends and coaches, I was able to meet the best of friends, -because you can both complain about swimming and school :)- go on fun training camps, participate in big championships, and receive coaching from very talented coaches. Although it was only a short seven years, I am very grateful to NYAC for helping me become the person I am today and supplying me with numerous swell experiences. I hope the younger generations of NYAC can take some inspiration from me and see that it is possible to balance both swimming and school, whilst achieving quality results and getting into top universities. I hope the best for everyone and one last thank you to all my friends and past coaches! Beni Baidoc signing off 

Alex Bruce 

Senior A 

 From: 

Northern Secondary School  

Plan for the future: 

Engineering at Queen’s University  

About me: 

Been with NYAC for 7 years, made a lot of memories that I will never forget. Striving towards Engineering programs next year, though my swimming career may not be over yet :) Thanks to NYAC for making me feel like I was part of a team! 

Trista Bullock 

High Performance 

 

 

From: 

Don Mills Collegiate Institute 

Plan for the future: 

 

Majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Indiana State University 

About me: 

I joined NYAC in 2014 and have been swimming competitively since I was 10 years old. I have been in the High Performance group for 2 years. With the support from all the NYAC coaches, I have accomplished many things in and beyond the pool. Before the pandemic, coach Eddie and I spent countless practices working on my backstroke technique. With his support, I was able to qualify for the 2020 Canadian Olympic Junior Trials in 100 back which was unfortunately cancelled. Some of my best accomplishments include qualifying for the 2020 Olympic Junior Trials, competing in the 2019 Ontario Junior International meet and being the NYAC 2018-2019 Girls 15 FINA Points award winner. Some of my best times include 100 Backstroke (1:05.63LCM), 200 IM (2:25.82LCM), and 200 Freestyle (2:10.21LCM). I am excited to continue my swimming career and swim Division 1 at Indiana State University this August! 

Keira Holland 

Senior B 

 

From: 

Earl Haig Secondary School 

Plan for the future: 

Bachelor of Arts and Education (Honours) at Queen’s University 

About me: 

Keira has been a part of NYAC for 9 years, beginning in Waves and progressing through to Senior B this year. She has volunteered as a Swim Official at numerous meets, worked at Waves meets and volunteered at the NYAC Summer Swim Camp. She has also worked as a coach for both the NYAC Aquathon Summer Camp and for the Waves program. She has developed a tremendous love of her sport and has been a member of her high school swim team for 3 years and its captain this year. She is graduating from Earl Haig Secondary School as an Ontario Scholar, recipient of the Queen’s University Principal’s Scholarship and the Kiwanis Club Scholarship for outstanding academic achievement and significant contribution to her community through volunteering. She will be studying Concurrent Education at Queen’s University with a Honours Bachelor of Arts & Bachelor of Education, and hopes to continue swimming and coaching while there. Thank you to all the coaches and staff that have shared this journey….you will be missed!! 

TĂ©a Lacey 

Senior A 

 

 From: 

North Toronto Collegiate Institute 

Plan for the future: 

Western University for Ivey AEO & General Science 

About me: 

Other than being at the pool, I spend my days writing songs at the piano, sailing in the Toronto Harbour or on excruciating long hikes with my family. I am very interested in the brain and how it impacts human behaviour so I'm hoping to study Neuroscience & Psychology in the upcoming years at Western University. 

 

I have been swimming with NYAC for 8 years and it has shaped me to be the individual I am today. Not only has it taught me resilience, commitment and time management but I have also developed friendships that I will have for life. I am truly grateful for all the amazing coaches and experiences that I'll never forget. 

Matthew Laslop 

High Performance 

 

 From: 

Crestwood Preparatory College 

Plan for the future: 

Seneca College for Aviation 

About me: 

My name is Matthew and I have been swimming with NYAC since I was 6 years old. I started in the Waves program and have gradually worked my way through the Intro, Age, Provincial 1, Provincial 2 and National Development 3 program to finally end up in the group I am currently in, High Performance. Throughout my years with NYAC, I have transformed into another person physically and mentally. Swimming provided me with an escape from the stress of school while also providing a positive social environment as well as a new challenge every day. No matter the group I was in with NYAC, the coach was always there for me whether it be yelling to kick harder or giving me feedback on technique. Up until Covid-19 hit the world, the group I was a part of was preparing for the Ontario Youth Junior Championships as well as the Ontario Swimming Championships competitions. More recently, our group and NYAC, in general, have been doing everything they can to stay fit through virtual dryland on Zoom. Although the past year of swimming has been somewhat of a letdown, the future is looking better every day with more vaccines becoming available to the public. I hope to finish off strong and plan to continue swimming with NYAC in the fall for one more season. 

Megan Little  

High Performance 

 

 From: 

Blyth Academy 

Plan for the future: 

Commerce at Dalhousie University 

About me: 

My journey with NYAC started 10 years ago and I have been in the High Performance group for the last four years. I have had many ups and downs in my swimming career and I have come to realize over the years that things don't always go according to plan or the way you hope. In 2017 I qualified and competed at trials in the 800 freestyle, I was thrilled to be a part of it but also found it very nerve wracking. I have competed at the Ontario Provincial Championships, Age Group International, Canadian Junior Championships and Eastern Championships. I am extremely grateful for my coaches, especially Murray Drudge and Eddie Toro for everything they have done for me and all of the amazing memories with NYAC. I am thrilled to continue my journey at Dalhousie University. 

 

Edith Mak  

Senior A 

 

 From: 

University of Toronto Schools 

Plan for the future: 

Health Science at Queen’s University 

About me: 

I have been swimming since I was 10 years old, and it has been such an amazing experience! I am so grateful for the incredible teammates and coaches I have had at NYAC and look forward to swimming in the future. 

Andrew Martin 

Senior A 

 

From: 

Northern Secondary School  

 

Plan for the future: 

University of Waterloo 

About me: 

I have been swimming with NYAC for ten years. My favourite event is the 1500 freestyle. Some of my other interests include running, biking, the outdoors, marvel, and am fascinated with space. My favourite movie is 'Avengers: Infinity War'. I really look forward to getting back into the pool as soon as possible. 

Ciara Meagher 

Senior A 

 

 From: 

North Toronto Collegiate Institute 

Plan for the future: 

Media, Information, and Technoculture at Western University 

About me: 

I entertain myself by going on sunset bike rides, soaking in the sun at the beach and grabbing ice cream with friends. I’ve learned to make some rather delicious desserts and dabbled with my cooking skills to try different recipes. I would say I’m pretty creative, wanting to experience new things constantly in pushing boundaries. NYAC has allowed me to develop a family sense of community, discipline and responsibility, which I'll be taking these experiences with me. I am truly thankful for all the countless times coaches have spent nurturing and educating me not only on certain skills in the pool but in life as well, I will forever be grateful. I will be studying MIT (Media, Information and Technoculture) at Western University. Which analyzes modern communication and info technology that influence our lives daily and can’t wait to see what this next chapter has in store. 

Aidan Pierce 

Senior A 

 

From: 

Don Mills Collegiate Institute 

Plan for the future: 

Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo 

About me: 

Aidan has been swimming with NYAC for 6 years and will be heading to Waterloo in the fall to study chemical engineering. 

Ethan Singh 

Senior C 

 

From: 

John Polanyi Collegiate Institute 

Plan for the future: 

Unconfirmed 

About me: 

Energetic, internet funny man, lazy, underwhelming, overwhelming, thinking, hard working 

Emery Soos 

Senior A 

 

From: 

Toronto Prep 

Plan for the future: 

Economics at University of Guelph 

About me: 

I like to swim, be active, play sports, and I take great pride in my academics. I have a strong work ethic, and I am determined to be the best in everything I do. I am respectful to all my peers and I am always there to talk to and people feel comfortable around me. 

Kate Weldon  

High Performance