Patriot Aquatics was founded by its head coach Clay Parnell in 1980 as Parnell’s Barracudas. With a dozen swimmers and some enthusiastic parents the group has to first raise over $11,000.00 to pay for a heating system for the Westmonte pool in Altamonte Springs . With that done, the team rapidly expanded not only in numbers but in performance to become one of three top age group programs in the state.

In 1985 Parnell built a fitness and Aquatic Club with a 25 yard 8 lane pool for the team and the public. Although the team made some fantastic strides at both the age group and senior level, the fitness business left a lot to be desired and the club went out of business in 1988.

About the same time Parnell’s Fitness & Aquatic Club was built, the team became the Stars of Central Florida. During this time numerous age group state records were set and out senior swimmers made inroads to national competition. Two of our swimmers broke Jr. National Records and our girls finished 3rd at the long course Jr. National meet, the Best finish of any Central Florida Team Ever!!

During this same time the LakeBrantleygirlsHigh School team began their domination of high school swimming in the State, winning or finishing Runner- up in the state in the State 8 times in 9 years with 4 straight wins.

Our team then moved to the LongwoodAquaticCenter until that was condemned in 1990 at which time we moved back to where we began, the WestmonteAquaticCenter .

During the next 3 years, Parnell was instrumental in assisting the LBHS Booster club in building the new athletic complex for the school. In the 1994 the new complex was opened and our team had finally found a permanent home.