Congratulations to the outstanding athletes of the Piranhas YMCA of the Suncoast Swim Team (PYP) who signed with their respective universities during a special ceremony at the Greater Palm Harbor YMCA on April 28, 2025.
Four swimmers were honored at the event: Logan Jaffe, Caylin Carter, Anthony Simmons and Peter Wendol. Pictured above (L-R), the athletes posed proudly wearing their future schools attire: Logan will attend Florida Atlantic University, Caylin is transferring to Montevallo University in Alabama, Anthony is headed to Emory University, and Peter will swim at Missouri State University. They were joined by proud parents, friends, coaches, staff and younger teammates to celebrate the milestone.
All four athletes began swimming competitively at a young age and are excited to continue in the sport at the collegiate level.
Logan, 18, a senior at Palm Harbor University High School (PHUHS), shared her excitement about joining Florida Atlantic University.
“I’ve been swimming since I was seven years old. This means a lot to me. I had many colleges contacting me and Florida Atlantic University stood out. I hope I can be a professional swimmer,” said Logan, who plans to study communications.
“The YMCA of the Suncoast is a family. It’s great to be with my team, coaches and staff. I credit the Y with my success,” she added.
Anthony Simmons, also a PHUHS senior, described the day as the “culmination of hard work.” He said, “this day means so much to me. Our team is amazing. Everyone cares. My coaches have been incredibly guiding and supportive.” Anthony plans to major in psychology.
Peter, 18, another PHUHS senior, has been a PYP swimmer for over 10 years. He started swimming at age seven.
“Ever since I started swimming, my biggest goal has been to swim Division I in college. Being able to complete this goal means so much to me. It’s been a tiring but rewarding process to get here,” said Peter, who will major in forensic accounting and hopes to become an FBI analyst.
Caylin Carter, who started college at the University of Florida, is transferring to Montevallo University.
“I felt the pull back to swimming. I’ve been swimming competitively since I was seven years old. Montevallo is a Division II school and I’m looking forward to swimming there. The YMCA of the Suncoast has been a big part of my swimming success. They’ve encouraged the hard work and love needed for the sport,” she said.
Lisa Bitting, Team Administrator for PYP, oversaw the ceremony. She coached all four athletes early in their careers.
“The signing ceremony was a special celebration this year. Three of the four athletes are graduating soon and one graduated in 2024. Caylin trained on her own and is now returning to swimming. Peter, Anthony and Logan have grown through PYP, giving back as volunteers and assistant coaches to younger teammates. All four are outstanding role models and it was special that the younger athletes could attend the celebration,” said Coach Lisa.
Congratulations also go to PYP Head Coach John Scaldini, named the branch Employee of the Year for 2024. He was surprised by the honor.
“I was blown away. It was already an awesome day for the athletes and to share that moment with them was really special. I can't thank the Y and my fellow Greater Palm Harbor employees enough. I’m just grateful to have found such a wonderful place to coach.”
Congratulations to all!
Published Tuesday, May 27, 2025.