The nonprofit Santa Clara Swim Club (SCSC) plans to make waves for its 75th anniversary, timing its celebration to coincide with Santa Clara’s annual Parade of Champions on Oct. 3. SCSC invites all competitive swimmers, alumni, coaches and supporters to be part of its celebration, honoring the club’s remarkable history as it dives into its next quarter of a century.
“Santa Clara Swim Club has a legacy unlike any other,” said Head Coach Kevin Zacher. “For 75 years, this club has shaped athletes, families and friendships that last a lifetime.
“Our anniversary celebration is a chance to honor that history and to look ahead to the next generation of champions,” continued Zacher. “We’re excited to celebrate with our community after the Parade of Champions and share in the pride that connects us all.”
The SCSC 75th anniversary committee is already suited up. It invites supporters to add their name to the celebration invitation list, share written memories, photos, and memorabilia, volunteer to help and walk in the Parade of Champions.
SCSC, which began in 1951, boasts a formidable Olympic record of training 80 Olympians, winners of 79 Olympic medals.
“That’s more Olympic medals than many countries around the world,” said Zacher, who was recruited from Arizona in 2021 to help the club meet unexpected challenges and maintain its legacy of excellence.
SCSC stayed afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in January 2020. Then, in 2021, former SCSC CEO and head coach John Bitter was found guilty of embezzling about $750,000 from the club.
In January 2024, just as summer Olympics training began, the club lost its training facility when Santa Clara’s International Swim Center suddenly closed because of structural safety issues. SCSC had to scramble to find other pools for training—and pay higher use fees.
In a federal court case (5:26-cv-01574) filed on February 23, 2026, the Central Mutual Insurance Company sued the City of Santa Clara and SCSC, LLC, to recover $1 million the insurer paid in August 2025 to settle an alleged sexual assault case that, according to SCSC, stems from the late 1970s.
“Even with those challenges, SCSC continues to develop great swimmers and remains deeply respected in both the community and the swim world. It has continued to grow under Kevin’s leadership,” said SCSC Board of Directors member Amanda Pease, a SCSC parent for ten years.
SCSC currently enrolls 550 competitive youth swimmers ages 6 through 18 and 50 competitive masters swimmers. About 750 students participate in SCSC’s learn-to-swim lessons at its Pomeroy pool. Perhaps 30 or 40 beginning swimmers transition each year to the competitive swim program.
Programs are financed by monthly membership fees and an annual fall Swim-A-Thon fundraiser. SCSC receives grants from the 49ers Foundation and the Santa Clara Aquatics Foundation, which also supports the Santa Clara Diving Club and Santa Clara Artistic Swimming (formerly the Aquamaids).
“Thriving for 75 years despite setbacks means SCSC is more than a club. It is a legacy. Its longevity reflects resilience: the ability to endure challenges, adapt, and keep shaping generations of swimmers and families,” said Pease.
“That staying power comes from the memory and history of the place, the strength of the SCSC brand, the quality of its coaching, and the loyalty it inspires.”
The 75th anniversary weekend events begin with an Alumni & Friends Cocktail Mixer at the SCSC Swim School Pool at 571 Pomeroy Ave. on Oct. 2, 6 p.m.-9 p.m. A post-parade celebration is Oct. 3, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at Buchser Middle School, formerly Santa Clara High School and the original home of SCSC in 1951.
“Knowing the greatness that has come out of SCSC, and feeling part of that tradition, is what I believe pushes all of us to carry the mantle forward,” said Pease.
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