Swim with Purpose. Train with Passion. Grow as a Team.
At Woodland Hills Aquatic Team, we help swimmers of every level—from beginners to collegiate athletes—reach their full potential through elite coaching, a close-knit team culture, and values that last a lifetime!
What's WHAT?
Not Just A Question, it's a team!
Origins & Growth: A Storied Beginning
Founded in 1993, the Woodland Hills Aquatic Team (WHAT) emerged as a formal competitive swimming club serving Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs, operating under the umbrella of Allegheny Mountain Swimming and USA Swimming. From its early years, WHAT developed as a tiered program geared toward swimmers across all ages and abilities—offering everything from introductory stroke lessons through high-performance training for elite athletes.
Over time, WHAT built a reputation for excellent coaching and community spirit. Notably, longtime coach Hosea Holder—a respected “stroke enhancement specialist” with more than five decades of experience—helped shape the program’s technical foundation and culture of perseverance. While Hosea has since retired from active coaching, his dedication remains part of the team’s legacy.
WHAT Today: Mission, Culture & Coaching
Today, WHAT continues to evolve as a nonprofit swim club focused on developing both athletic skill and important life values. Its mission emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, discipline, determination, patience, work ethic, confidence, and pride—instilled through structured training, strong technique instruction, and team-oriented unity.
Led by a committed coaching staff and supported by an active board of directors and parent volunteers, WHAT stays true to demanding the best from each athlete—always with an eye on personal character and community spirit. This supportive environment is built on proven aerobic training methods and cohesive organizational structures designed to help every swimmer reach their full potential.
Why Parents Choose WHAT
- Inclusive & progressive levels – from developmental swimmers to college-level training during breaks, WHAT welcomes all ability levels.
- Strong legacy & experienced leadership – the program’s foundation was built by dedicated coaches over the years, and today’s coaching staff continues that tradition of excellence through skill development, mentorship, and a positive team culture.
- Values-driven coaching – beyond wins and times, the program emphasizes character development, effort, and sportsmanship as core objectives.
- Community-rooted governance – a robust structure of parent volunteers, board members, and coaches ensures transparency, engagement, and alignment with team goals.
WHAT Programs
Competitive Swim
Swim School Programs
Team Info & News
Swimming Spotlight
New & Noteworthy
Testimonials
Growing up with Woodland Hills Aquatic Team (WHAT) was one of the most defining
experiences of my childhood. The dedication, discipline, and support I found there laid the foundation for everything that came after. From the unwavering encouragement of my coaches and teammates, I learned how to push myself and love the sport.
That foundation allowed me to excel through high school, where I earned spots at the
WPIAL championships and the PIAA state championships—goals I set for myself.
Today, I’m proud to swim at the college level in the NCAA, still carrying those lessons
with me every time I dive in.
— Maxwell Huck
Have something great to say about your experience? We'd love to feature your testimonial! Email us at wh.aquaticteam@gmail.com.
— Unknown
Have something great to say about your experience? We'd love to feature your testimonial! Email us at wh.aquaticteam@gmail.com.
