Ruixin ZhangVisual journalist
PHOTOJOURNALISMFLYING FISH

32 years later, YWCA Flying Fish program swims on

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Founded in 1994, YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s Flying Fish program offers competitive and noncompetitive swimming. These photographs document its swimmers, coaches and the community built around the pool.

Swimmer Ryan McComb’s favorite stroke is the butterfly. “It’s exhilarating to do,” he says.
Swimmer Ryan McComb’s favorite stroke is the butterfly. “It’s exhilarating to do,” he says.Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
By Anne Wolff’s desk is a cabinet decorated with souvenirs given to her over the years. The girls in the picture are at a swim meet 12 years ago (From left: Eve Rubovits, Zinzi Steele, Erin Long, Quinn Sciarra). They’re in their 20s now, Wolff says.
By Anne Wolff’s desk is a cabinet decorated with souvenirs given to her over the years. The girls in the picture are at a swim meet 12 years ago (From left: Eve Rubovits, Zinzi Steele, Erin Long, Quinn Sciarra). They’re in their 20s now, Wolff says.Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
Swim coach Carlos Ceja with his dog, Frankie. Frankie serves as an unofficial mascot of Flying Fish.
Swim coach Carlos Ceja with his dog, Frankie. Frankie serves as an unofficial mascot of Flying Fish.Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
On the pathway leading up to the swim center are carved names on bricks to honor Flying Fish community members. One brick reads, “IN HONOR OF PETE CARAGHER, THE BEST FISH.”
On the pathway leading up to the swim center are carved names on bricks to honor Flying Fish community members. One brick reads, “IN HONOR OF PETE CARAGHER, THE BEST FISH.”Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
One of two swimming pools at the facility.
One of two swimming pools at the facility.Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
Frankie has unofficially taken up residence in the office, and apparently is skilled at getting people to give him treats.
Frankie has unofficially taken up residence in the office, and apparently is skilled at getting people to give him treats.Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable
A bench outside the swim facility. The nameplate reads: “Donated by the Clemson Family in honor of the Flying Fish Coaches.”
A bench outside the swim facility. The nameplate reads: “Donated by the Clemson Family in honor of the Flying Fish Coaches.”Ruixin Zhang / Evanston RoundTable