The Program

Our goal is simple: Promote healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility through our competitive diving program. Our coaches teach athletes lifelong skills including discipline, self-confidence, & team work. Over the years the YMCA Aquatic Center has been home to many of the world’s elite coaches and divers. Two-time Olympic Diver, Mark Ruiz, National Champion, Brian Gillooly, and Coach K are building the next generation of Olympians here at the Y.

YCF Diving Team began as Team Orlando Diving (TOD) – established in 1985. Champions such as Mark Ruiz, Bryan Gillooly, Lenny Leyland, Matt Bricker, Brittany Viola and many more have come from this prestigious program. In 1996, the team was turned over to coach Coach Jay Lerew, who coached USA Olympiam Mark Ruiz, the current YCF Diving head coach. TOD has won Junior National Team Titles from 1996-2003. On August 30, 2010 TOD affiliated with the YMCA of Central Florida (YCF) and Mark Ruiz was named head coach. The team has grown leaps and bounds over the past year and is looking forward to continued growth for the 2011-2012 season. This year, YCF Diving has four divers receive scholarships at NCAA Division I schools.