Swim Team 2026 Preseason Email #1
Hello Swim Team Families,
Spring practice starts next week!
Registration
If you’re getting this email, you are registered for swim team/starter swim. Here’s a list of who is on our roster so far: Swim Team Registration as of Wed May 6 If you see any errors please let me know. And if you notice friends who aren’t registered yet, maybe send them a text and nudge them? We’re at about 120 right now, and we aim to be around 200 by summer.
Coaches
This season we are welcoming back our head coach Chris Veraya, as well as Assistant Coaches Jojo Southwell, Tyler Sunderland, Julia Bentler, and Molly Murphy. We are also happy to have Intern Coaches Sadie Pallotta, Lucy LaBella, and Cookie Hooper who will be leading the Speedy Sixers. So exciting to have such a strong team of coaches who have a deep history with the Arb- we are so lucky!
Practices
Practice starts Monday May 11, check this practice schedule for your age group’s time. There is flexibility to swim up or down an age group if needed. If you are interested in this option, check with Coach Chris—just reply all to this email. While spring practice is optional, we encourage young or new-to-swim-team swimmers to attend as much as possible. Time invested in the water during preseason is so valuable for building strength and endurance. This improves water safety and will help your swimmer be more successful during the summer when the pace picks up. (And it will pick up!)
Bring suit, googles, towel. Any comfortable swimsuit will do. You may want a swim cap- you will receive one at the red and blue meet, and you can purchase one at the office. ($3 latex, $10 silicone) Aim to be on deck about 10 minutes before practice so you have time to put away your clothes before it’s time to get in the pool.
Speedy Sixers: practice is Tues/Th for the spring and there are two timeslots to choose from. Feel free to attend the one that works best for you, we’ll see how the numbers balance out and make adjustments as needed.
Volunteering
Swim meets and team activities aren’t possible without volunteers. Every family is asked to contribute a minimum of 4 volunteer hours per swimmer for the season. I am also looking for a few leaders to fill some key roles this year in officiating, volunteer coordination, and swim meet logistics. If you’re willing to step up, I’d love to hear from you!
Season Schedule
Check out our season overview calendar for information about upcoming events, and if you use an electronic calendar, here’s the ics URL if you want to subscribe to the swim team calendar.
Team Suits, Caps & Apparel
Stay tuned for more info on team suit- we will stick with a red suit for a third year but are updating our logo. The team store will be updated soon. Team caps are available at the office and will be distributed at the Red & Blue meet. Apparel (shirts/hoodies) will be available to order soon too.
New to Swim Team
New to swim team? Welcome! We are happy you’re here. For families who would like a primer or have questions about swim team, I’ll be doing a virtual orientation on Thursday May 14 7:30-8:30 pm. Here’s the Google Meet Link.
And finally, a little about me… Hi! I’m Kirsty, I’m the AH board member in charge of swim team. I’m a volunteer and also have a full time regular day job… thanks in advance for your patience with me and my after-hours emails. I have two teens on swim team — Avi (Senior) and Helena (14U). They have been swimming with the Arb since they were littles but we are not a serious club swimmer family, just summer swim league rec. I love summer swim league because growing within a team where you compete together for ten years is a really special thing, and the Arb has wonderful traditions and an amazing culture. I know this firsthand because I myself am an OG Westsider. I grew up in Arbor Heights and swam for the Arb from age 7-17. My flex- I still have a record on the AH board, 8U medley relay. I would honestly love to see it broken someday- but it’s a tough one because waaaay back then they let 8’s dive in at both ends of the pool(!)
Anyway, looking forward to a safe, sunny and fabulous summer of swim team. Please reach out with any questions- or catch one of the coaches on deck. Can’t wait to see you all at the Arb!
Warmly,
Kirsty Grainger
Swim Rep | Arbor Heights Swim & Tennis Club
[email protected] | ig: @ahstc.otters @arborheightspool
