ROSS MOONEY

2025 INDUCTION TO THE RHODE ISLAND AQUATIC HALL OF FAME

Roger and Sheryl Mooney’s youngest son Ross followed his sibling’s path in the aquatic arena. His brother Mark was a standout swimmer, and Ross’s champion sisters and fellow RIAHOF inductees Jenny 2013, and Sarah 2016, led the way.   Ross swam for East Bay Aquatic Club (EBAC), under coach Sandy Gorham and Matt Connery 1990-2000, and later competed for the Providence Aquatic Club 2000-2002, coached by Jon Caswell and Jenny Mooney Eaddy. Ross was a varsity member of the East Providence high school swim team and was a graduate of the class of 2002.  Coached by Pat O’Brien, as a Townie Ross led the Rhode Island Interscholastic League with multiyear All-State swims in 100 butterfly ‘00, 50 free ‘01, 200 IM ‘02 and 100 butterfly ‘02.  Ross accepted a swimming scholarship to University of Rhode Island, and under coach Mick Westkott’s tutelage, Ross became a significant contributor to the success of the Ram program from 2002-2004. Shortly after college, Ross returned to competition representing the East Providence Masters/SwimRI under coach Frank McQuiggan from 2006 to 2014.  During this time, he set New England Masters records in 100 breaststroke, 50 breaststroke, 50 butterfly and earned multiple top ten United States Masters Top Ten swims including 2nd in 50 fly 22.94, 18-24 age group: 5th in 100 breaststroke, 7th in 50 breast, 8th in 100 IM, 100 fly, & 50 back.

Ross began his coaching career under the leadership of Matt Emmert at North Kingstown High School. He continued his coaching career at the Andover/ North Andover YMCA, YMCA of the North Shore, Little Rhody Aquatic Club under John O’Neil, Envious Swimming under Marshall Muir and Jeff Miksis, and Bulldog Aquatic Club under Jerry Cummiskey. During his time coaching with Envious Swimming, Ross started up and coached a SWIMRI workout group at the Cumberland High School.

  Ross has lived in RI since he was three and has been swimming competitively since he was five.  Swimming has shaped his life, although it is known by his coaches that he did not always love to practice, yet he loved to compete.  He has never left the sport, competing at the club, high school, college, and masters level. Ross now owns AquaSafe Swim Programs Inc. which began in Cape Cod and has since expanded to Raynham, Taunton, Brockton, Plymouth, and Providence.  AquaSafe Programs include a learn to swim lesson program, competitive age group club, and masters swim teams.  Ross lives in Little Compton with his wife Amy, and sons Maximus, Maverick, and Atticus.