Founded in 1992 by the Frabasilio family, the Yuma Heat was created to fill a need for competitive swimming opportunities in a region where organized swimming competition was once limited. Leading the program is head coach Myriah VanBuskirk, a former Yuma Heat swimmer and daughter of the team's founders. Having experienced the organization as an athlete, coach and now head coach, VanBuskirk has witnessed its growth firsthand. "I think you have to get out of the town and experience more before you’re able to really coach here." The Air Force Academy commitment is the latest example of the opportunities available to Yuma Heat swimmers.