Hello Parents!

There has been feedback from team parents that evaluations are confusing, stressful, frustrating. I totally understand. I apologize and wanted to clarify my messaging. Hopefully, this will ease concerns. The evaluations are meant to be informal. The purpose is to make the team a positive experience for everyone. It will help the coaches determine the best practice lane for swimmers. It may help parents of the littlest swimmers decide if their swimmer is ready for the team or not.

I spoke with Coach Nate and he wants every swimmer who wants to participate to be able to be on the team. Kids need to be able to swim, but do not have to be perfect. Some kids will start the season with very little skill in the strokes. It is okay if swimmers need to to hold on to the wall and lane ropes for small breaks. Some young kids can’t do a 25 yard/meter swim when the season starts.

Every year, we have a few young swimmers who are overwhelmed. We do not want them to feel pressured to get in the pool and participate in practice. We want the team to be fun and for kids to want to return each summer. We do not want their first experience to be negative.

We would like to have evaluations done at your swimmer’s first practice, ideally in the first week of practice. Please check in with Roxy, Malessa, or Kim at your first practice so we can have the coaching staff do a quick, informal evaluation of your swimmer. We can usually be found in the pool office. The coaches would like to watch all 5 and 6 year olds and new Piranhas 7-10 years old.

See everyone soon!