YBCC Phoenix Butterflyer Eric Henry Commits to Ramapo College of New Jersey

The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties’ Phoenix Swim Team has announced that Eric Henry of Cherry Hill has committed to Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah for next fall.

“I have known Eric for a long time and I am thrilled that he will be able to live out his goal of swimming in college,” said Chris Brookover, head coach of the YBCC Phoenix and director of competitive swimming at the YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties. “Eric still has plenty of upside potential, which will be helpful to Ramapo as he grows as a swimmer. I am sure it will be a fantastic experience that he will value the rest of his life.”

Henry, 18, started swimming four years ago at Willowdale Swim Club in Cherry Hill after encouragement from friends to join the team. Prior to joining their summer swim team, Henry had never taken a swim lesson before.

“I knew nothing about swimming when I started, all of the strokes were foreign to me,” said Henry. “The whole coaching staff at Willowdale worked tirelessly with me. Coach Jon Shepard was extremely patient - as he took the time to teach a 14-year-old how to swim from scratch and helped me with proper technique.”

Tireless dedication to the sport and extra practice helped Henry gain the speed he needed to swim competitively in college. After falling in love with the sport at Willowdale, Henry began to swim for his high school team, Cherry Hill East, as well as the YBCC Phoenix team to continue to improve his times.

“When I met Coach Chris, I didn’t have to think twice about where I wanted to train year-round,” said Henry. “He’s a great motivator. All of us on the team really strive to make him and each other proud – both in and out of the water.”

Henry resides in Cherry Hill with his parents and brother.

For more information or to register for the Y’s competitive swimming program, contact Chris Brookover at 856.231.9622 x242, chrisb@ymca-bc.org or visit ymca-bc.org.

About the Y
The YMCA of Burlington and Camden Counties is a cause-driven, community based, charitable organization that strengthens community by building healthy, confident, connected and secure children, adults and families. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the community’s health and well-being and provides opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Throughout neighborhoods across the two counties and its 70+ locations, the Y makes accessible the support and opportunities that empower more than 30,000 people each year to learn, grow and thrive. Visit ymca-bc.org.