Award-winning swim coach leads by example through hard work

Miami Herald

14-05-2025

Mike LaMonica is a 16-time All-American swimmer who trains more than two hours a day. He usually finishes before the sun comes up.
LaMonica will be 65 this year. He is an inspiration to us all to keep moving.
He swims Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 5:15 a.m. Also, he swims Saturday at 7:15 a.m.
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays are for weights, strength training and mobility. That makes four water days and three strength days.
'No one has broken any of my three national records,' he said. 'I will be attempting to break the World Record in the 100 Meter Butterfly in a meet this November. If I can drop .37 seconds that would do it!'
He broke his third and fourth United States Masters record in his age group at the Rowdy Gaines Masters Classic swim meet in Orlando Jan. 31- Feb. 2.
That event was the Men's 100 Meter butterfly (65-69 age group) and he broke it twice at the meet — first on Friday and then again on Sunday. He said his final time was 1:04.22. The old record of 1:05.37 had stood since 2016.
'The final time, adjusted to yards, would have been fast enough to qualify for Florida High School state championships,' he said.
LaMonica has been out of high school for 47 years.
He was recently named Swim Coach of the Year at the Gulliver Prep annual banquet. He is the school's head coach for 53 master swimmers and also helps out with the entire age group swim program.
After a move to Miami in 1992 from New York City, he worked at the iconic Beber Silverstein Group. LaMonica said he still has a close relationship with the Miami communications firm, but now he's passionate about swimming and teaching swimming.
His son, Diego, graduated from Gulliver Prep in 2020 and went on to play tight end at Vanderbilt University on a football scholarship. He is also dad to Olaiah, 7, and Ella, 5, and he is married to Kelly Garcia.
LaMonica said the Gulliver Raiders Swim Club that he trains with has about 180 families involved. Swimmers range in age from 6 to 65. The club, open to everyone, is advanced, and you must try out to be placed on a team. Details are at https://bit.ly/3F7oR2s
In his 'spare time,' LaMonica said, he teaches private swim lessons and personal training to swimmers from age 2 to 81.
'The water doesn't care how old you are,' he said. 'It's all consistent work, work, work.
'I hope I'm leading by example for both our Masters and especially our age group swimmers. National records don't show up unless you do.'
CELEBRATE MIAMI'S OCEAN
This year marks the fifth anniversary of Miami's World Ocean Celebration, and to honor the milestone founders Adam Steckley of Blue Scholars Initiative and Ombretta Agró Andruff of ARTSail have expanded the one-day celebration into nine days of community-focused programming.
From May 30 to June 8, more than 50 partners will host a mix of events designed to engage residents of all ages through art, science, education and hands-on conservation.
Organizers said 'the goal is to create a citywide experience that celebrates Miami's unique relationship with the ocean while deepening public engagement with the environmental issues our city continues to face.'
Highlights include a guided snorkel to explore the secret 'Neon Reef,' a hidden gem off the sands of Miami Beach; a paddleboard clean-up, exploration and education at Biscayne National Park; a conservation concert with Donavon Frankenreiter at the Miami Beach Bandshell; an Ocean StorySLAM at Miami Beach Regional Library featuring local storytellers and ocean activists; and a 'Sheroes of the Ocean' panel to honor women leaders who are transforming ocean conservation in Miami.
More about all events, many free, at www.worldoceancelebration.miami/
GALA RAISES FUNDS TO END ALZHEIMER'S
The Southeast Florida Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hosted its second annual Sunshine Gala April 5 in Coral Gables to raise more than $546,000 in critical funds.
Lauren Pastrana, an anchor at CBS News Miami, served as emcee for the evening, and this year's Sunshine Gala co-chairs were Josefina Carbonell and Enrique 'Henry' Piñeiro.
'What this did to our family was devastating, and this gala is a way to not only raise funds but also to increase awareness with people who can make a difference,' said Piñeiro, whose mother-in-law had early-onset Alzheimer's and passed away.
Miami-Dade is the No. 1 county in the country for Alzheimer's disease prevalence, with neighboring Broward and Palm Beach counties in the top 40.
An estimated 76,000 people, or 16.6 percent over the age of 65, are living with Alzheimer's in Miami-Dade County according to research by Alzheimer's Association, the worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to care, support and research.
'The Sunshine Gala was held in Miami quite deliberately. as our community is the epicenter of the disease,' said Ray of Hope Honoree Dave Lawrence Jr. 'That's why it is so important for me to do my share in raising awareness and dollars, so that it may benefit everyone, everywhere.' More at www.alz.org
BAND HOSTS 46TH SEASON FINALE
Guest conductor Tina DiMeglio will lead the Greater Miami Symphonic Band in a powerful evening of music celebrating resilience and joy at 6 p.m., May 18, at Maurice Gusman Concert Hall, 1314 Miller Dr.
Selections include 'A Mother of a Revolution' by Omar Thomas, a tribute to courage and transformation; and 'One Life Beautiful' by Julie Giroux, a moving reflection on the grace of a single life.
Music Director Robert Longfield will conduct a vibrant selection of works including Alfred Reed's 'Alleluia! Laudamus Te,' and John Barnes Chance's dramatic 'Incantation and Dance.'
Tickets are $20 for adults, $5 for students and children over 5 years of age and are available at the box office on concert day, or in advance at www.GMSB.org
Write to [e-mail] with news for this column.