Swimming: Michiana Marlins & South Bend Swim Clubs merge

MISHAWAKA, Ind. — In a significant development for the Michiana swimming community, two of the area’s swim clubs, the Michiana Marlins of Knollwood and the South Bend Swim Club, announce their merger into a new, unified USA Swimming club: the Michiana Marlins. This strategic partnership brings together decades of experience and a shared commitment to fostering aquatic excellence in the Michiana area.

The new Michiana Marlins Swim Club will be led by veteran USA Swimming coach and new Penn High School head coach, John VanDriessche. An ASCA Level 5 coach and the 2024 IHSSCA Swim Coach of the Year, VanDriessche brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success. Kelly Laneman, Team Manager for Michiana Marlins of Knollwood, will continue to serve as the team and business manager, ensuring a seamless transition and strong operational foundation for the new club.

“We are thrilled to bring together the best qualities of both clubs and we hope to create a stronger, more dynamic swimming community,” VanDriessche said. “Our focus is on providing a team-first environment where every swimmer, from beginner to elite, can reach their full potential.”

The Michiana Marlins Swim Club will operate across multiple locations in the Michiana area, offering a welcoming environment and best in class swim instruction and training for swimmers of all levels. The club’s programming includes not only a competitive swim team and specialized training sessions, but also a developmental swim school and pre-competitive swim instruction, all led by a dedicated team of experienced coaches and swim school instructors committed to helping athletes excel both in and out of the water.

With this combination of expertise Michiana Marlins is now poised to continue the legacy of their club’s historic name with ties dating back to the 1950s.

ABOUT THE MICHIANA MARLINS

The Michiana Marlins name carries a storied history in both the local and national swimming communities. As a perennial point-scorer at the USA Swimming National Championships throughout the late 20th century, the Marlins were instrumental in the development of Olympic swimmer Daniel Harrigan, who won a bronze medal at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

The original Michiana Marlins consolidated with two other local clubs in 2001, coincidentally VanDriessche was the head coach of the Marlins leading up to the 2001 merger. The name was revived last year with the launch of the Michiana Marlins of Knollwood.

With this merger, the Michiana Marlins Swim Club is set to build on the legacy of the Marlins brand, offering top-tier aquatic programs and fostering the next generation of swimmers.

Media Contact:

John VanDriessche

Head Coach – Michiana Marlins

(574) 276-6057

Swim@MichianaMarlins.com

MichianaMarlins.com