SEASTARS Aquatics obtained non-profit status May 2004.

Robin Mohanco Heller, Chaz Heller, and Bonnie Becker envisioned a program to make swimming a sport everyone can participate in regardless of economic, physical, or mental restrictions.

In 2004, it was the only organization of its kind in the United States providing a quality USA Swimming swim team free to its participants.

We reached our goal of 29 Swimmers. SEASTARS Swimmers began practicing in June at the City of Pensacola’s Cecil T Hunter Pool. SEASTARS swam outdoors year-round. Swimmers did community service events and swim meets for the first time with outstanding results! SEASTARS held its first Annual Registration Day.

SEASTARS participation grew to 60 Swimmers. SEASTARS hosted its first USA Swimming sanctioned meet bringing over 300 swimmers from Northwest Florida and Alabama to Pensacola. SEASTARS practiced at The Salvation Army pool from November to March. This allowed all Swimmers, especially our Special Needs Swimmers, to participate year round. SEASTARS held its first Annual Water Safety Day. SEASTARS Aquatics received a marketing grant from IDEAWORKS USA (a Pensacola marketing and public relations firm). SEASTARS Aquatics increased market visibility and Swim Team participation numbers by collaborating with IDEAWORKS, Channel 3 News, Pensacola News Journal, Ballinger Publishing, and many other local media outlets and individuals.

SEASTARS participation grew to 63 Swimmers. SEASTARS offers both morning and afternoon practices for the first time. Fifty percent of the Swimmers participated in both practices. SEASTARS hosted two summer meets. Two of our Special Needs Swimmers swam and medaled at the Special Olympics State Swimming Meet competition. SEASTARS Aquatics staff and SEASTARS Swim Team received recognition and awards for contributions made to the local community.

Coaches Chaz and Robin received 4th place in the International Doc Councilman Award. This award, sponsored by theAmerican Swim Coaches Association, recognizes innovative ideas in swimming and creative coaching.
WEAR Channel 3 TV featured SEASTARS Aquatics Swim Team on Angels in Our Midst.
Pensacola Magazine featured Coach Robin in their April 2007 issue Ordinary Heroines- women who are working to change the world.
ASCA chose Coach to be oRobin ne of seven swim coaches in the world to take part in the Fellows Class of 2007. She took part in the ASCA World Clinic and Fellow Training and Clinic. She participated in a task force exploring ways towork with and develop swimmers from low socio-economic backgrounds at ASCA’s request.

SEASTARS participation grew to 71 Swimmers. For the first time, SEASTARS Aquatics offered fee-based private and semi-private lessons (to any age or ability level) at both The Salvation Army pool and clients’ home pools in the greater Pensacola area. This was a new revenue source used to help fund the Swim Team and raise community awareness of SEASTARS. Congressman Jeff Miller nominated Coaches Chaz and Robin for the 2008 Lewis Hine Awards. With this nomination, Congressman Miller recognized them for their “work on behalf of America’s children and youth.

SEASTARS use of The City of Pensacola’s Cecil T. Hunter Pool ended.

SEASTARS Aquatics began offering services full-time at The Salvation Amy pool. SEASTARS participation fell to 47 Swimmers primarily due to our transition to the new home. The Salvation Army of Pensacola is the only State of Florida Salvation Army with a swimming pool. Because of the SEASTARS program and what it offers to the community, The Salvation Army State Headquarters chose to completely renovate the facility. Our growing relationship with The Salvation Army helped our organization thrive by providing an indoor facility ensuring consistency of services year-round, fostering a new partnership which supported and encouraged our growing business, and increased visibility within our community.

SEASTARS participation was 45 Swimmers. SEASTARS lessons and community awareness grew.

SEASTARS started a Facebook page. We offered Fun Fridays during swim practice, once per month for the first time. Nike Swim and Perry Ellis International recognized SEASTARS their work make[ing] it possible for a child’s life to be changed through Swimming” and donated over $54,000 worth of suits, caps, and warm-ups.

Florida State Employees’ Charitable Campaign (FSECC) included SEASTARS on its Charity Listing for the first time.

SEASTARS participation grew to 84 Swimmers, almost doubling over the period of one year. The Salvation Army painted the SEASTARS logo on the side of their building.

SEASTARS Swimmers were now strong enough to compete in long-course competition and many team records are broken. One male SEASTARS Swimmer placed first in the Escambia County Middle School Championship Meet. Four Swimmers taught free swim lessons to The Salvation Army Campers for the first time.

Two Swimmers qualified for Southeastern Competition (Local Swimming Committee area comprised of swimmers from Tennessee, Alabama, and Florida Panhandle). Coach Robin took the Swimmers to Nashville, Tennessee for the competition. The Pensacola News Journal ran a sports section story in March about our Southeastern Qualifiers and the team as a whole.

SEASTARS participation was 113 Swimmers. Our Facebook page currently has 2,107 local, national and international followers.

SEASTARS was voted “The Best Sports and Recreation Program in the Coast†by Independent News.

There were 108 swimmers registered on the team. Robin Heller was named Executive Director and an entire new board was established.

In July SEASTARS Swimmers earned their first ever 1st place trophy at the PNY Sprint Meet!

Swimmers also participated in numerous community service events including: Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army, Two water stations for The Pensacola Marathon, Reimagine Brownsville and Reimagine Warrington, UWF Festival on the Green Children’s Carnival, Nickelodeon World Wide Day of Play, Escambia County’s School We Believe in the Children Health Fair, and The Girl Scout’s Run for the Cookies.

SEASTARS participation grew to 112 Swimmers. Two SEASTARS Swimmers were employed to coach the Novice Group and teach Swimming Lessons.

We placed 2nd in the Summer League Championship Meet (highest placing in years past was 5th). Coach Robin was asked to serve on Southeastern Swimming’s Board as their Disability Chair. USA Swimming invited her to go to Colorado Springs and stay at The Olympic Training Center for a week’s Disability Workshop.

SEASTARS was voted The Best Non-Profit in the Coast Runner-Up by Independent News. SEASTARS had its First Annual Summer Kickoff Luau as a fundraiser and it was a huge success grossing over $5,000.00

SEASTARS was named the first ever Non-Profit of the Quarter by The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber for June- August.

SEASTARS Swimmers competed in over 19 swim meets, participated in 12 community service events, and donated over 77 hours teaching free swim lessons to Salvation Army Campers this year. SEASTARS sent three of our Special Needs Swimmers to Augusta, GA for their first ever Nationally Qualifying Paralympics Swim Meet in October.

Coach Robin was named an Ambassador for Persons with Disabilities by the Center for Independent Living. Swimmer, Jawone Blankenship, placed 8th in the State in Diving in November and has qualified for The Southeastern Championship Swim Meet in Auburn, AL in February.

After 11 years, we were able to purchase SEASTARS’s lane lines and backstroke Flags in January for the pool. In May our relationship with The Satori Foundation began. Our swimmers get to enjoy 4 sailing trips a year, we also carried the torch for the opening ceremony for the Junior Olympic Sailing Regatta at The Pensacola Yacht Club in June.

SEASTARS had 9 swimmers donate 69 hours teaching 16 non-swimmers to swim through The Dondre Lewis Aquatic Scholarship Pilot Program which ran the month of July. So proud of The SEASTARS Swimmers for giving back to their peers! The death of 13yr old Dondre in April at Ft. McRae was tragic, we were so glad we got to help his fellow church members inside and outside of the pool! Anthony was able to compete in the Southern Zone Meet in Cary, NC and Coach Robin was honored to be selected as the team disability coach.

In October two of our Special Needs Swimmers medaled in the Special Olympics State Competition bringing home 3 golds and 1 bronze. We had 4 swimmers travel to Augusta, GA for a Paralympic meet. Jawone Blankenship place 3rd in the State in Diving and the entire team got to travel to Montgomery for a swim meet in November.

In April our first SEASTAR ever signed a letter of intent for AN ATHLETIC COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP! Jawone signed and received a Diving Scholarship through Delta State University!

SEASTARS had 9 swimmers donate 51 hours teaching 27 non-swimming Salvation Army Campers totaling 116 lessons. This was a donated value to the community of over $3,625.00. In August Coach Robin was the 14th recipient to be honored with The Center of Independent Living’s Spirit of CIL Award, which recognizes individuals who promote positive change for and with people with disabilities.

Anthony was selected again to compete in the Southern Zone Swim Meet as a Disability Athlete in Tupelo MS. SEASTARS hosted its 1st Annual Awareness Day for the Special Needs Community at The Pearl Nelson Center in September and it was a huge success! We look forward to the event annually and we are always needing help sponsoring that event!

In March we provided water safety material, swim suits, water watcher whistles, and taught Throw Don’t Go at OJ Semmes Elementary Safety Carnival. The Magnolia Bar had a fundraising event for us in April and we had our First Annual Team Banquet that month. The 2nd Annual one will be April 30th, 2019 and we will continue this awesome tradition!

SEASTARS had 9 swimmers donate 44 hours teaching 16 non-swimming Salvation Army Campers totaling 88 lessons. This was a donated value to the community of over $2,750.00. In June we started the tradition of pairing with Gulf Breeze Sertoma’s Family Fishing Rodeo as our monthly community service. Anthony and Dolon were able to travel to Midland TX in August and compete in the Southern Zone Age Group Championship as Disability athletes. Walker Parra, brother of one of our Special Needs Swimmers, presented us with tons of swim gear and over $1000 raised as his Senior Project for Washington High School. Coach Will started Volunteering in the Summer and helps 5 days a week coaching and doing Swim Lessons.

We held our 2nd Annual Awareness Day in September. We continue our relationship with UWF Swim Team every September and January, and have been manning Water Stations for the Pensacola Marathon every November. We also teach 2nd graders at both Pensacola Water Safety Days in May and September and Bell Ring for The Salvation Army in December.

In February, Robin Heller was interviewed today by the Kela Group that promotes drowning prevention. In March, Coach Robin Heller and SEASTARS Aquatics were honored by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge.

In April, SEASTARS Aquatics held their 2nd Annual Team Banquet at The Wright Place in Downtown Pensacola, Isabella, volunteered during the Pensacola Water Safety Day for They’re Making Kids Water SMART to Keep Kids Water SAFE event doing lessons for 2nd graders all day at the event. Swimmer, Malik, 9, made Southeasterns in the 100 breaststroke. Dolon got the 11 and 12 boys 100 fly cut too! Truly amazing for our little Autistic swimmer who has represented SES at the Age Group Zones meet as a disability swimmer MADE ABLE BODIED CUTS! Dolon also MADE the SES Championship Meet cut in 100 meter Fly!

In May, we had our First Annual SEASTARS Aquatics Team Trip to the 2019 Water World Classic Swim Meet in Dothan, AL. SEASTARS competed against 10 other teams in Dothan at the 2019 Water World Classic and took 1st place overall!

In June, Coach Aj Lee flew to South Carolina yesterday to attend The USA Swimming Southern Zone Diversity and Inclusion Summit to represent Southeastern Swimming. He will be working on USA Swimming Diversity and Inclusions Initiatives. It is a huge step in Aj’s journey from an 11 year old SEASTARS Swimmer to an almost 21 year old SEASTARS Coach.

In September, Robin was honored with winning the Disabled Swimming Service Award.

In October, we had an amazing turnout for our SEASTARS Awareness Day, Coach Robin, Coach AJ and Coach Marissa attended 4.5 hours of Southeastern Swimming meetings. Dolon Babcock made the Southeastern All-Star Team for being in the top 5 fastest times in the 11 and 12 boys long course mile swim. He is our first SEASTARS swimmer to achieve this accomplishment!  Our SEASTARS Coach AJ Lee will now serve on the Southeastern Board of Directors as our new Diversity Equity and Inclusion Chair!

In November, our community service was The Buddy Walk for Down Syndrome.

Our December community service was Ringing the Bells for The Salvation Army at Cordova Mall. We have been doing this for over 8 years.

Our January community service was Timing for the UWF Women’s Swim Meet.

In February, the organization I Support the Girls of Gulf Coast donated over 300 Summersalt swimsuits to SEASTARS Aquatics! February’s Community Service was to do a complete cleaning of the pool, pool deck, locker rooms, showers, toilets, pump room, swim equipment and dry land equipment. Malik and Dolon had some great meets.! Malik went to Huntsville for Southeasterns and he got 3 best times and he placed 17th on the 50 Breaststroke. Dolon got 2 best times and got 1st in EVERY event he swam in with his classification and age. As a 13 year old, that is really impressive considering he is swimming against primarily adults over the age of 18!

In March, we received suits, goggles, and swim caps from Goggles for Guppies; a program who help serve Disability and Low Income Swimmers.

Swim Lessons Resume (January) With Covid being a present concern, socially distanced swim lessons kicked off in January, offered Monday–Thursday afternoons with instructor Marissa Agerton. All ages and abilities were welcome, with safety as the top priority.

DEI Panel (January) SEASTARS promoted the USA Swimming Diversity, Equity & Inclusion All-Star Panel on January 30th, featuring past award winners discussing inclusion in the sport.

First Dual Meet in Nearly a Year (February) SEASTARS hosted their first dual meet since February 2020 — a milestone amid COVID — competing against PNY with 30 athletes. Reed, Malik, and Efrain earned High Point honors for the boys. Best times were recorded across the board.

Practice Structure Update (March) After spring break, practices were consolidated, giving swimmers the option to train five days a week again. Special Needs practices continued unchanged. Coach AJ departed in April, moving to Mobile.

Farewell to Coach Marissa (May) Marissa Agerton’s final day was May 14th. She departed to complete a work study and pursue a career in archaeology. Her leadership was credited with keeping swim lessons running throughout the pandemic.

Community Service — Navy Base Flooring Project (June) Volunteers laid donated flooring at The Salvation Army during a tropical storm — a testament to the team’s dedication to community.

End-of-Summer Celebration (August) The traditional potluck, team photo, and pool party wrapped up a summer that welcomed many new faces to the SEASTARS family.

Beach Cleanup (September) The team participated in Keep Pensacola Beautiful’s Johnson Beach cleanup, collecting 63 pieces of trash on a beautiful fall day.

Palafox Market Outreach (November) SEASTARS had a strong presence at the Palafox Market, spreading the word about the team with three two-hour shifts.

Holiday Fun Friday (December) The year wrapped up with a festive Fun Friday — a dirty Santa hat exchange (featuring hats knitted by Coach Robin!), reflections on what the team means to everyone, and a generous gear donation from TNT swimmer Lili Sims.

Despite two challenging pandemic years, 2021 was defined by resilience, community, and growth for SEASTARS — on and off the pool deck. 💙

🌅 Winter–Spring 2022

• Jan 12: We honored Robin Heller’s dad’s (George Mohanco) legacy by placing his handmade “Throwns” at the pool — now used for Swimmer of the Week photos.
• Apr 16–20: SEASTARS broke fundraising records at the Legal Graffiti event, raising $5,465.40 thanks to Joe Zarzaur’s team.
• Apr 23: Six swimmers earned lifeguard certifications and began teaching lessons, offering free swim sessions to Salvation Army kids.
• Apr 30: The team returned to long-course competition post-COVID, with standout performances from Dolon, Pablo, Efrain, and Malik.

☀️ Summer 2022

• May 21–29: SEASTARS joined the Pinfish Tournament and celebrated Memorial Day with GPAC’s Boston Butt fundraiser, sharing food and gratitude.
• Aug 1: Lifeguard-certified instructors thanked The Debutante Society for supporting their training.
• Aug 4: The Gulf Breeze Rotary Club fixed the parking lot, served dinner, donated $6,000, and gifted a grill — an incredible act of generosity.

🍂 Fall–Winter 2022

• Sep 24: Robin and her mom, Bonnie, represented SEASTARS at Autism Pensacola’s Steps for Autism, reconnecting with old swimmers and families.
• Dec 10: Swimmers rang bells and sang carols for The Salvation Army, celebrating the partnership with your home pool.
• Dec 16: The Holiday Party wrapped up the year with gifts, games, and gratitude — thanks to Gulf Breeze Rotary’s support, every swimmer received SEASTARS water bottles, towels, and candy-filled cups.

It’s a wonderful record of community spirit, teamwork, and growth — a year full of heart and connection.

🌊 Winter–Spring 2023

• Feb 11: The team kicked off the year at the Mardi Gras Moon Pie Meet in Gulf Shores — lots of firsts, best times, and moon pie prizes!
• Mar 1–9: Ribbons distributed from the Region 4 Championship, and SEASTARS received a generous donation from Buona Fortuna.
• Apr 20–22: SEASTARS hosted visitors at the pool, promoted the team at Earth Day Pensacola, and looked ahead to volunteering at the Sea Turtle Triathlon in October.
• May 7–21: Eleven swimmers competed at the Flip Flop Long Course Meet; the team enjoyed sailing and marine science trips with the Satori Foundation, culminating in the Pinfish Tournament at the Yacht Club.

☀️ Summer 2023

• June: A busy month — multiple meets (Free/Back and Fly/Breast), more sails and pontoon excursions with Satori, and new team records from Raylynn.
• June 27: SEASTARS hosted Navarre YMCA for a dual Summer League Meet — fast swims and fun all around.
• July–Aug: Sailing adventures continued, including a trip during the Blue Angels Air Show. The season wrapped with an End‑of‑Summer Meet, cookout, and team potluck at the Salvation Army pool.

🍂 Fall–Winter 2023

• Sep 25–26: SEASTARS ran a booth at Steps for Autism, and swimmer Emma placed 5th at the World Para Triathlon in Spain — a huge milestone toward Paris 2024!
• Oct 29: The team participated in Earth Day Pensacola’s first EcoKids event, teaching leadership and community awareness.
• Nov 8: Emma and Leah appeared on the Voices United in Education podcast — inspiring and well‑spoken ambassadors for SEASTARS.
• Dec 13–16: The year closed with strong performances at Gulf Shores, Emma’s commitment to Colorado Mesa University as the first NCAA para triathlete, a joyful Holiday Party, and bell‑ringing community service with Callie’s saxophone carols.

It was a year of growth, giving, and groundbreaking achievements — especially Emma’s historic athletic milestone and the team’s deepening community ties.

🌟 Winter–Spring 2024

• Feb 23: Emma Meyers made history as the first Para Triathlete to compete at the NCAA Varsity level — a proud moment for SEASTARS and her coaches.
• Feb 28: Coach Robin Heller spoke at The Cotillion’s First Annual Membership Luncheon, celebrating over $23,500 in support since 2012.
• Mar 1–2: Callie Coleman earned Swimmer of the Week honors after stellar performances at districts and the GPAC meet. SEASTARS also hosted a booth at Podcast Palooza, reaching over 350 attendees and sharing community programs.
• Mar 16: Six swimmers competed at the Bodenhammer Pool Meet in Gulf Shores — standout performances from Callie and Michalea, with multiple best times and records.
• Apr 21–28: SEASTARS celebrated Earth Day at Bayview Park and marked 20 years of SEASTARS Aquatics, honoring Robin and Chaz Heller’s leadership.
• May 11: The Satori Pinfish Rodeo brought medals, stingrays, and smiles! SEASTARS announced a new partnership with Satori and The Salvation Army, launching a swimming scholarship program for low-income members.
• May 17: The annual Legal Graffiti fundraiser raised matched donations through Zarzaur Law, supporting SEASTARS’ mission to empower youth through swimming and life skills.

🏅 Summer–Fall 2024

• Jul 2: Emma qualified for Paris 2024, fulfilling her lifelong dream — a monumental achievement for SEASTARS and adaptive athletics.
• Aug 8: The End-of-Summer Party featured tie-dye, sprinklers, and water balloon fun before the new school year.
• Sep 2–14: SEASTARS celebrated Emma’s Olympic journey and participated in Steps for Autism, continuing their tradition of community engagement.
• Oct 5–30: The team competed in Gulf Shores, volunteered at Palafox Market, and hosted a festive Halloween Party.

🎄 Winter 2024

• Nov–Dec: SEASTARS closed the year with multiple meets — GPAC at UWF, Gulf Shores in Foley, and a joyful Christmas Party on Dec 14.

✨ Overall Theme: 2024 was a year of historic achievements, community partnerships, and celebration — from Emma’s groundbreaking NCAA and Olympic milestones to SEASTARS’ 20th anniversary and expanded outreach through Satori and The Salvation Army.

🏊 Winter–Spring 2025

• Jan 18–19 & Mar 1–2: SEASTARS competed in early‑season swim meets at the UWF pool, hosted by GPAC.
• Apr 12: The Pensacola Yacht Club and Satori Foundation treated swimmers to a sailing day — a favorite annual tradition.
• Apr 19: Swimmers and coaches joined Earth Day at Bayview Park for community service and outreach.
• May 3 & 17: SEASTARS participated in the UWF Flip‑Flop Invitational, continuing strong performances.
• May 10: The team joined the Satori Foundation’s Pin‑Fish Tournament, celebrating their long‑standing partnership.

🌞 Summer 2025

• Jun 6–8: Competed in the Tom Lalor Invitational at UWF.
• Jun 14: Swimmers raced in the Free/Back Medley Relay at PSC pool.
• Jun 21: Enjoyed a Marine Science Trip and Sailing with Satori and the Pensacola Yacht Club.
• Jul 12–13: Wrapped up the competitive season at the Summer Finale GPAC Meet at UWF.
• Jul 26: Celebrated at the Navarre Fun Meet and BBQ — a beloved summer tradition with the Navarre YMCA.

🍂 Fall–Winter 2025

• Sep 20: Joined Keep Pensacola Beach Clean for the September community service event.
• Oct 4–5: Traveled to Mobile, Alabama for a CMSA swim meet.
• Oct 18: Hosted a Rummage Sale, raising $400 to support SEASTARS swimmers.
• Nov 1 & 21–23: Competed in the CMSA meet and the Gravy Bowl Invitational at UWF.
• Dec 19: Ended the year with a joyful Christmas Party at the Salvation Army Building — games, food, and festive fun.

✨ Overall Theme: 2025 was a year of steady competition, community engagement, and partnership growth — blending athletic excellence with service and celebration