Dan Aupi’s swimming career began at the youthful age of 4 at the Valley Shore YMCA (Westbrook, CT). What started as a means of safety and after school activity while his parents, Sandra and Fermin Aupi, worked full time, shifted into a more serious endeavor as Dan continued to improve. He quickly developed into one of the top swimmers in the state of CT in the 8, 10 and 12 age groups while setting records at every club he swam for – many of which stand to this day.
It wasn’t until the age of 13 that Dan joined the Branford swim program(s), the Branford Stingrays and subsequently Branford High School in a move that reinvigorated his passion for the sport. Coached by George Miles, Cliff Johnson and Rich Thompson, Dan achieved numerous awards both individually and collectively with his teammates.
Dan graduated from Branford High School in 2008 as a three-time All-American, two-time State Open Champion, four-time Class M Champion, six-time All State, six-time All SCC, and two-time All-Area Team. Dan excelled in the backstroke and breastroke, but it was his ability to compete in all strokes which made him a top Individual medley swimmer in the state.
His versatility to swim in any event at any distance made him a key competitor for the Hornets. His freestyle swims, usually immediately after competing in a previous event, were key in winning the 400 relay event at the Class M meet and State Opens. His four years of camaraderie and achievements alongside his high school teammates remain his fondest memories of the sport. Dan also was a member of the Varsity tennis team which he captained his senior year.
Dan went on to attend Bates College (Lewiston, ME) where he swam against his former Branford teammate and BSHOF member Owen Rood. Coached by Peter Casares, Dan helped the Varsity swim team ascend the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) rankings from 11th place to 6th place in his 4 years and held 13 individual and relay records at graduation.
His college coaches acknowledged that it is a testament to the strong culture of excellence that he helped to sow that built the program to a much higher level during his time there which continues today. Dan was also a 4 year member of the Men’s Club Water Polo Team.
Dan graduated from Bates College in 2012 with a BA in Neuroscience and Economics. In the immediate years following graduation, Dan rejoined the Branford HS swim team as an assistant coach alongside former teammates, Ray Beaulac and Greg Miles, in what are some of his most rewarding memories.
Dan now serves as Market Development Manager for Pentax Medical, commercializing novel medical devices that promise to improve patient outcomes. He credits all his success in life to the sacrifices his mother, Sandra Aupi, and (late) father, Fermin Aupi, made to enable him to pursue his dreams.
