Thank you for your interest in the Libertyville Stars Swim Club. Our team is made up of a very special group of athletes and dedicated volunteers. We are associated with Special Olympics, and we practice most Sundays at 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. during the school year at Libertyville High School.

Here is more information about our team:

Founded: 2000

The Libertyville Stars Swim Club was formed in 2000 as The Cats Special Olympics Swim Team. The team name was changed to The Libertyville Stars in 2007.
Team Members:We currently have 35 team members, ages 13 to 49, each with developmental disabilities. The size of the team is limited because the safety of the swimmers is always of utmost concern.
Volunteer Peer Coaches:A key to the success of our team is our dedicated volunteer peer coaches. At many swim practices, we have nearly a one-to-one coach-to-swimmer ratio. Our peer coaches are all accomplished competitive swimmers from Lake County high schools and swim clubs, including Libertyville High School, Vernon Hills High School, Mundelein High School, Highland Park High School, and Warren Township High School.
 
As a result of being a part of our team, our peer coaches learn to look at all people with disabilities in a whole new light, with great respect for their abilities, and many have pursued life careers in Special Education. Friendships between our athletes and volunteers extend beyond the pool.
Key Objectives:Since the start of our swim club, our key objective has been to provide competitive swim training and competition for individuals, 12 years and older, with developmental disabilities in an integrated community setting. This unique program gives athletes opportunities to develop physical fitness and life safety skills, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with other Special Olympics athletes, families, and the non-disabled community.
Founders:Becky Peacock is a mother of one of our swimmers, Blake. Serving as an advocate for people with disabilities, Becky strongly believed that when disabled and non-disabled people interact with each other, it brings out the best in everyone.
 
Ann Davidsen is a former competitive swimmer at the University of New Mexico, the University of Alabama, and various Masters clubs. Ann’s daughter was one of the first peer coaches with Libertyville Stars.
Head and Assistant Coaches:Tina Lowry became the head coach for Libertyville Stars in 2021. She works for a social service organization supporting individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In her spare time she is officiating swimming or in her garden. Tina does have a diagnosis of autism and strongly believes in knocking down barriers for those with a disability, inclusion, and equity.

Elizabeth Siena joined the Libertyville Stars as an assistant coach in 2022. She is a former competitive simmer from Mount Union College. Additionally, she brings her expertise of pool management and instruction from Foss Swim School. She is also a resident of our D128 community.