Photo credit: COM Aquatics

What happened: COM Aquatics continues to establish itself as one of the nation’s premier aquatics programs, highlighted by hosting the 2025 USA Diving Winter Nationals Championships and bringing the event back to Midland in 2026. The organization has become a pipeline for elite talent by combining Olympic-level coaching with year-round programming that serves athletes and families across the Permian Basin.

What sets COM apart from many programs across the country is its commitment to accessibility and long-term development, offering opportunities for everyone, from first-time swimmers to Olympians.

“We have high-level aquatic programming for literally all ages,” Executive Director Jenna Purkey said. “Prenatal all the way up to a 93-year-old who just finished water walking.”

The big picture: Founded nearly 60 years ago, COM Aquatics has grown from a parent-led swim initiative into a multi-pool facility serving both competitive athletes and the broader Midland community. The campus now includes multiple competition pools, a dedicated diving center with access to platforms and springboards, therapy services, and fitness programming.

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“It started as a group of parents who saw the need and figured out how to meet it,” Purkey said. “That has set the tone for everything here.”

That mindset continues shaping the organization as programs evolve based on community needs. Safety remains central to COM’s mission, with the organization placing heavy emphasis on water safety before competitive success.

“One of our 10-year goals is to eliminate drowning in West Texas,” Purkey said.

From there, athletes develop not only swimming and diving skills, but also discipline, accountability, and time management that carry beyond the pool deck.

Go deeper: COM Aquatics is led by dive head coach John Proctor, who served on Olympic coaching staffs and helped develop athletes competing at national and international levels. The program has produced elite competitors, including Olympic bronze medalist Natalie Hinds, and earned recognition as a USA Swimming Bronze Medal Club. But Purkey emphasized that success at COM is not defined only by championships or scholarships.

“People think you have to be an amazing swimmer or diver to get something out of it,” Purkey said. “But you get something out of it no matter what.”

The organization also focuses heavily on relationships and community building for both athletes and parents. That culture has helped COM maintain athletes and families for years while creating pathways for swimmers and divers at every skill level.

“We care about the person first, and that opens the door for success,” Purkey said.

What’s next: For more information about swimming programs, visit COM Aquatics Swim Team or call 432-684-7755 ext. 140. For diving information, visit COM Aquatics Diving or call 432-684-7755 ext. 111.