Our History

The Markham Artistic Swimming Club, founded in the 1970’s, started out as a recreational program.  In 1982, Diane van der Pol was hired by the Town of Markham to teach the recreational program which consisted of approximately 20 swimmers. A native Montrealer as well as a Judge and former synchronized swimmer herself, Diane had been Head Coach of a summer synchro program in Montreal, which she initiated. Although her program started out quite small, the numbers quickly grew. She coached many swimmers who went on to swim nationally and her greatest thrill was to discover Carolyn Waldo, who swam with her program for six summers. Carolyn visited the Markham Synchro Club in 1989 and performed a short sequence and demonstrated some figures, much to the delight of all swimmers and parents.  From Montreal, Diane moved to Kingston, swimming for Queen’s University and remaining active as a Judge. After moving to Toronto, she coached at Havergal College and University of Toronto before moving to Markham.  Where she remained active as a national synchro judge in addition to her position as Coach of one of our 15 – 20 age group teams and Head Coach of Markham Synchro Club.  Diane has retired from coaching but is still active with Synchro Canada as a national and international judge.

Today, our Club continues to mature and grow. This would not be possible without a highly qualified and dedicated coaching staff, as well as the support of our parents and the personal commitment of the individual swimmers. We look forward to another exciting and challenging year ahead!