News

The East Cooper Swim League Expands

Published

1 year ago

June 24, 2023

Press Release

As the Mount Pleasant population continues to grow and the popularity of summer swim team continues to rise, the East Cooper Swim League (ESCL) has expanded to meet the demand.

Founded in 2004, the league was created with eight teams and was born out of the desire to keep competitions in the local Mount Pleasant area and compete just once a week. And as the tri-county area surged in population, making cross- county commutes longer, other teams decided to transition from the Coastal Carolina Aquatics Association (CCAA) to the East Cooper Swim League. Lindsey Ballenger, Team Rep for Brickyard commented, “When we made the transition in 2016, our team grew by 40%! The competition schedule and meet locations were much more desirable to young families”. Dunes West and Belle Hall were the most recent teams to transition into the ECSL (in 2021).

The ECSL is now made up of 12 teams in two divisions, Gold: Dunes West, Park West, Belle Hall, Hamlin, Brickyard, Rivertowne Country Club, and Silver: Rivertowne on the Wando, Mount Pleasant Recreation Department, I’on, Wild Dunes, Hobcaw Creek Plantation and Creekside, with a waiting list to join for next summer.

As the league grew, the leadership decided to transition the ECSL Championship Meet to the North Charleston Aquatic Center in 2021 to better serve the number of participants. They also added a 5/6 Age Group Mini but Mighty Championship Meet in 2022. The league now also offers a Senior Scholarship, presented during the Senior Tribute at the Championship Meet.

ECSL Past President Michelle Cormack says, “As we celebrate our 20^th year next year, we anticipate our roster to grow to over 1500 swimmers. I am so proud of how far the ECSL has come, and we look forward to continuing to grow and serve the community through the sport of swim.”

The season will culminate in the ECSL Championship Meet at the North Charleston Aquatic Center on Saturday, July 8 for ages 7-18. Teams will bring their top swimmers to compete for points and 2024 league standings. The ECSL will also host the 2^nd Mini but Mighty 5/6 Age Group Championships at the Mount Pleasant Recreation Department on Wednesday, July 5.