What's Special about the Sea Dragons?
The name “Sea Dragons Swim Team” was chosen because weedy/leafy sea dragons (our mascot) are unique, quirky, and fun creatures—just like we want this team to be. Our goal is to create a space where quirkiness is celebrated, uniqueness is embraced, and the whole experience is filled with fun and quite a bit of humor.
Read below to find out more about what makes our team special!
Experienced Coaching
Hi there! I’m Stephanie Iraggi, and I’m thrilled to be the head coach of the Sea Dragons Swim Team. As a fellow homeschooling mom of two, I know how important it is to find activities where your kids can learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment. I’m creating this team to be that place for both your children and mine!
I’ve been passionate about swimming since I was 8 years old, competing on various teams throughout my younger years and continuing to swim for my own fitness today. My coaching journey started with my summer league team, and at 18, I took the plunge and started my own year-round swim team. What began as a small homeschool swim practice, similar to what we’re building with Sea Dragons, blossomed into a top-notch swim instruction company. I eventually sold the business to focus on being a stay-at-home mom when my first child was born!
Now that my kids are old enough to swim on a team themselves, I’m beyond excited to be back on deck. I can’t wait to share my love for swimming, help kids improve their skills, stay fit, and most importantly, have a blast in the water!
The Sea Dragons Swim Team is all about creating a supportive, fun-filled environment where kids can thrive, and I’m so excited to welcome you and your children to our swim family. Let’s make some waves together!
Assistant Coaches
Coach Ava
My name is Ava Radford, and I am so excited to help coach the Sea Dragons with Mrs. Stephanie. I am the oldest out of four kids in my family, and we are all close in age, which makes things fun and sometimes rowdy! I am sixteen years old and currently in my sophomore year at our homeschool, Legacy Oaks Academy. I have been swimming at a local pool in their summer swim league since I was seven years old, and I currently work there as a lifeguard in the summer as well. I really enjoy swimming and being part of a swim team!
I love working with kids because it is so incredibly fun, they help you learn things and see things differently, also I want to have a positive impact on the lives of children, build relationships with children and fellow caretakers, and have the opportunity to learn and grow! When I am not in the pool, I love reading novels, listening to music, playing my violin, and having fun outside with my friends and family.
Coach Lily
Homeschool Mindset
The Sea Dragons Swim Team embraces the homeschool mindset by making learning fun and engaging. As someone who grew up homeschooled and now uses this approach with my own children, I believe that when children enjoy what they’re doing, they learn more effectively and retain skills longer. Our practices are designed to be adaptable, recognizing that each swimmer has a unique way of learning.
Even in a group setting, we prioritize individualized learning, understanding that growth happens when children are passionate about what they’re doing. Our team culture encourages discovery, celebrates progress, and fosters a love for swimming that is as unique as each of our swimmers.
Recreational Model
We admire the dedication of teams focused on developing future Olympians, but our approach is different. At the Sea Dragons Swim Team, we emphasize a recreational philosophy centered on fun and skill-building rather than intense competition.
Our team is designed to be low pressure and enjoyable for every swimmer. While we might host a friendly, optional meet against a similarly sized team during the year, the focus will always be on creating a positive experience. Our primary goal is to foster a love for swimming and celebrate individual progress, ensuring that every practice is both engaging and rewarding.
Adaptive Accomodations
At the Sea Dragons Swim Team, we celebrate the wonderfully unique and quirky nature of our swimmers. We’re a team that embraces “neurosparkly” kids of all types, including ADHD, autistic, sensory seekers, sensory avoidant, and more. We also welcome kids with physical differences or challenges like hearing loss, limb differences, coordination struggles, dyslexia—you name it! Our goal is to create a supportive, adaptive environment where every swimmer feels at home.
We know that every child is different, and that’s what makes our team so special. We’re committed to adapting to each swimmer’s needs, making sure everyone is supported and encouraged as we build better skills together. Whether it’s tweaking a drill to suit different abilities or simply cheering each other on, we’re all about helping each swimmer shine in their own way. At Sea Dragons, we’re more than just a team—we’re a community where quirks are celebrated, differences are embraced, and every practice is an opportunity to grow together.
Encouraging Character
At the Sea Dragons Swim Team, our core philosophy is about building people, not just swimmers. We believe that every practice is an opportunity to nurture not only athletic skills but also character. Our team is a place where encouragement flows freely, and we lift each other up with both our words and our actions. We strive to always assume the best about one another, creating a supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
We work together to promote good sportsmanship, kindness, and honesty in every interaction. By fostering a culture of mutual support and positive reinforcement, we help each swimmer grow into a confident, compassionate individual. Our goal is to cultivate a team spirit that goes beyond the pool, teaching important life skills and building lasting friendships. At Sea Dragons, we’re dedicated to creating a community where personal growth and team unity go hand in hand.