From Mini Meets to Nationals: GLASA’s Growing Swim Program

On December 7th, the Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) hosted its largest swim meet yet—a day filled with resilience, teamwork, and joy in the water, and Coach Kari was there to cheer the athletes on to victory!

How It All Began

Our journey with GLASA swimming started back in 2022, when I (Kari) volunteered at GLASA’s Great Lakes Games. Inspired by the athletes and the potential to grow opportunities in the pool, I stepped into the role of swim coach in 2023 and we started getting athletes in the water. By 2024, we launched our first mini meet—a simple time trial that proved athletes were eager for more competition.

In Spring 2025, we took another big step forward: the meet was sanctioned by Move United, allowing swimmers to use their times to qualify for the Hartford Nationals. That event marked a turning point, showing how adaptive athletes could compete at higher levels while building community along the way.

December 7th: GLASA’s Biggest Showing Yet

This winter meet brought together 30 registered athletes, and despite a tough morning snowfall and flu season sweeping through communities, 24 athletes competed. Many achieved personal bests and Move United qualifying times.

While Mackenzie—my daughter and inspiration—was sidelined by said flu, she cheered the team on in spirit. Athletes traveled from across Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin, representing programs like GLASA, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Dare2Tri, and more. The energy on deck was electric, with swimmers racing their own times and celebrating each other’s successes.

Volunteers and Community Spirit

The event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible volunteers: GLASA families, local high school swim team members, and certified officials who ensured everything ran smoothly. Their dedication highlights what makes adaptive athletics so special—community support and shared celebration.

Building a Year-Round Program

GLASA’s swim program has become a cornerstone for families seeking adaptive opportunities. The program offers:

• Learn to Swim and competition practices twice weekly in Carol Stream and Lake Forest, Illinois.

• Year-round sessions (with short breaks around holidays).

• Options for athletes with physical and visual impairments to join in person or virtually.

Families can explore water safety, recreational swimming (perfect for vacations!), or skill development to transition into summer programs, club teams, or high school swim teams. Even then, athletes can remain part of GLASA, joining workouts and receiving technique support.

Did you know? Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) can compete at the Illinois State Meet. GLASA has set up a table to share more about the program and loves cheering on the athletes! The energy is electric!

Looking Ahead

GLASA’s vision includes hosting clinics with U.S. Paraswimming athletes and representatives, giving families, coaches, and swimmers the chance to learn more about the sport. They're also always looking for volunteers—whether in the water or on deck—to help continue to grow.

Mackenzie has even been featured in GLASA content. Check out their recent coverage of her's and Coach Kari's involvement on YouTube: Stronger Together 2025

Here are some of the podcast episodes where Coach Kari discusses paraswimming on our podcast and on Move United's Redefining Disability Podcast, as well as our interview with GLASA Founder, Cindy Housner where we discuss more of the programs, camps, clinics, and events that are creating stronger athletes and a more connected community.

About Coach Kari

I’ve been in the water since childhood, swimming competitively, lifeguarding, instructing, and coaching. In 2016, I joined Reach Aquatics, invited by my former high school coach. When Mackenzie was born with a limb difference, I dove deeper into paraswimming, eventually coaching at local, regional, and national events—including Move United Nationals, U.S. Paraswimming meets at the Olympic & Paralympic Training Center, Paraswimming Nationals in Florida, and the 2024 Paralympic Trials. Mackenzie is a little fishy herself and even at 6 years old, she competed at the Move United Nationals achieving a National Record in the 25 Yard Free for her classification and age group!

I’m proud to be a Level 1 Paraswimming Certified Coach, and in 2025, I was honored as Illinois Swimming's AWD Coach of the Year, alongside Reach Coach Monika. Our athlete Ryan also earned AWD Athlete of the Year!

Check out what GLASA is growing!

The GLASA team is more than a program—it’s a community. Whether you’re an athlete, family, or volunteer, they are ready to welcome you. Interested in learning more or volunteering? Visit the website at glasa.org or feel free to email me at kari@limbdifferencecollective.org. I'm always excited to talk shop!

Hey, maybe soon, we’ll launch Coach Kari’s Swim Corner—a space to share everything I’m learning and tracking in paraswimming. Stay tuned!

Have you attended an event that you'd love more of the community to know about? Tell us about it and we can share it! email kari@limbdifferencecollective.org to get started

Photo Credit: Liz Mixon GLASA

Photo Credit: Kari Treat

Photo Credit: Kari Treat