Dear Parents,

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks for making last night's time trial swim meet a success! It was wonderful to see all the swimmers enjoying themselves, including our inexperienced participants who were trying out for the first time. Their efforts were commendable, and the celebration with their parents afterward truly highlighted the importance of this beginning stage in their swimming journeys. We aim to foster a positive environment where our swimmers are encouraged to give their best, maintain a great attitude, and explore swimming as a lifelong sport.

Please don't be discouraged by the number of disqualifications; with only a few practices under our belts, we haven't had the chance to teach our youngest and newest swimmers all the necessary skills yet. Remember, competitive swimming is not a sprint but a marathon—it requires time, love, nurturing, and a positive mindset.

We also want to emphasize that our swimmers should focus on competing against the clock rather than stressing about racing against their teammates. The goal is time improvement, and now that our first meet is behind us, swimmers can look at their times and set goals for improvement in the coming week.

If a swimmer feels disappointed due to mishaps like goggles falling off or slipping off the block, please reassure them that these experiences are valuable learning opportunities. Disqualifications are merely lessons to help us grow, and there’s no need for negativity.

Rick and I ask for your support during swim practices. Please refrain from coaching your child while we are guiding them, as this can create confusion and agitation. Our goal is to provide constant positive reinforcement and constructive corrections, ensuring that every swimmer feels supported and motivated.

A big thank you to all the parents who volunteered yesterday with timing, officiating, and managing the meet. Without your help, our swim program would not be possible. Also, please take a moment to recognize our board members, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our program runs smoothly. Their efforts may often go unnoticed, but they are essential to our success.

We would also like to express our gratitude to our incredible assistant coaches. They put in countless hours helping the swimmers and then compete in their own events. They are not only outstanding role models but also passionate students who truly love what they do. Please take the time to thank them when you see them.

Lastly, please ensure that your swimmer has the proper goggles and swim cap for comfort and fit. Many experienced swim parents can offer recommendations, but I often suggest youth Speedo goggles for the younger ones and Speedo goggles with soft silicone for older swimmers. You don’t need to spend a fortune; I’ve seen goggles last for years when they are designed for competitive swimming.

Thank you for your time and commitment. We look forward to seeing everyone at Tuesday morning’s practice, where we’ll focus on starts, finishes, and stroke technique.

See you then!

Coaches Heidi and Rick