It’s building confidence and skill in a supportive environment. It’s welcoming kids ages 5 to 17, regardless of ability or background. It’s ten consecutive Western Swim League titles and 22 Western Dive League championships in the last 25 years. It’s Donut Fridays.
It could only be the Bearpath Golf and Country Club Swim and Dive Team!
“This pool has been like a second home to me over the past 25 years,” said Brent Pottinger: Forest Hills Elementary fifth grade math teacher during non-swimming months, and Bearpath head swim coach during others. “I’ve welcomed more than a few kids to the Swim Team when they were preschoolers, only to see them leave it as undergrads. It’s been a special thing, watching so many kids grow up.”
“I joined Bearpath in 2019,” said Breanna Torkelson, head dive coach. “This job was the perfect landing for a gymnast who also dove in high school and college, but that’s not why I love it here so much. Bearpath is a real honest-to-goodness community. You’re part of not just one but hundreds of families. I love creating a space for them where hard work pays off and competitive spirit is celebrated.”
“For many of our youngest Bearpath swimmers, the dream begins with simply jumping into the pool, learning strokes, and making new friends,” said Brent. “But as they grow within the program, a bigger goal comes into view: earning the honor of becoming a team captain.
“Every swimmer earns the title of ‘Captain’ during their last two years of eligibility. This milestone is a celebrated tradition in our program, giving each athlete the chance to step into a leadership role, encourage their teammates, and leave their own legacy on the team. One of the favorite traditions among the Captains is the Captains’ Games, which is an event they organize and run for the whole team. Kids look forward to this day all year long.
“This tradition not only celebrates dedication and leadership, but also helps keep our swimmers engaged year after year. Many stay in the program longer, motivated by the opportunity to one day wear the title of Captain. It’s a goal that inspires commitment, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond the pool deck.”
“Swimming is especially physically exhausting, and diving can be downright scary at times,” said Breanna. “There’s a lot of serious focus and determination at work here. We keep things fun and help kids work their nerves out by supervising plenty of purely noncompetitive activities, such as casual cannon ball contests, mini trampolining from the pool deck into the water, and – of course – Donut Fridays.
“We’re real with ourselves. Most of these kids are here to enjoy an exciting summer pastime, and little more. That’s why fun is always the main outcome we’re rooting for. At the same time, the team also provides a place for swimmers who love to compete. Together, that mix of fun and dedication is what makes our program so strong and successful.”
“Breanna’s not exaggerating,” said Brent. “The Bearpath Dive Team recently racked up their 11th straight Western Dive League championship. It’s their 22nd title since 2000! Our Swim Team has been similarly blessed with success – something we owe as much to our team members’ skill as we do their passion.
“One girl immediately comes to mind. She began swimming with us when she was 5 years old. She went on to become a high-level swimmer, ultimately leaving Bearpath to pursue other opportunities with her club team. Sadly, a shoulder injury put the brakes on those ambitions at age 17.
“When I heard she’d quit her club team, I sent her a letter welcoming her back to Bearpath. Imagine how happy I was when she accepted!
“But then something incredible happened. It was 2022. We were in that summer’s championship meet and locked neck and neck with Wayzata Country Club – our greatest rival – and it was her turn to swim. To our amazement and against all odds, she didn’t just win. She set a record that hadn’t been broken for 20 years, which helped Bearpath win the meet by 12 points.”
“Times like those are amazing,” said Breanna. “But really, Bearpath Swim and Dive Team is all about kids smiling big when they learn something new, or accomplishing something they never otherwise thought they could have. We’re creating experiences kids will cherish for the rest of their lives.”
Children of Bearpath members can sign up for Swim Team, Dive Team, or both. Early registration begins in March 2026. Visit BearpathGolf.com to find out more!