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 by Becky Peacock and Ann Davidson. The team name was changed to The Libertyville Stars in 2007. Becky Peacock and Ann Davidsen retired in 2020 from leading the team, but occasionally assist on deck with some of the practices.
Team Members:We currently have 35 team members, ages 12 to 52, each with a developmental disability.
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.
Mission:To instill a love of swimming in athletes with disabilities while offering members an opportunity to reach their full potential as athletes and people through an inclusive training experience. We look to provide team unity, character development, and a family support where every swimmer can achieve at their highest level.
Key Objectives:Since the start of our swim club, our key objective has been to provide competitive swim training and competition for athletes with a 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.
Head and Assistant Coaches:Tina Lowry became the head coach for Libertyville Stars in 2021. Her swim career started at the local YMCA and continues with her volunteering as a certified USA Swimming official and coach with Illinois swimming. She is regularly seen at the pool officiating, coaching, and swimming. Her career involves improving quality in services for those who ask for supports due to a disability. Tina does have a diagnosis of autism and strongly believes in creating inclusion and equity for those disability by knocking down barriers. You can reach her at tina.lowry@d128.org

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. You can reach her at Elizabeth.Siena@d128.org

Carrie Pineda joined the Libertyville Stars as an assistant coach in 2023. She has over 13 years of competitive swim experience, including Indian Boundary YMCA, Westmont Swim Club (now FMC), Downers Grove North High School and Lawrence University. She has transitioned into the role of a “swim mom” as her two children have joined in the sport through Mundelein Mustang Swim Club. She is looking forward to sharing her passion for swimming with the Libertyville Stars. You can reach her at Carrie.Pineda@d128.org