Only 62 days until summer, but who is counting!  Although summer league is short and intense we are committed to improving our swimmers. For our younger swimmers we would like to see them improve their strokes and hopefully learn a new one. For our older swimmers we would like them to make improvements, and this does not always mean time drops. A better underwater, turn, or breathing, that will lead to a better swimmer. We would like less focus on records, relays, and A meets and more on improvements, sportsmanship, friendships, fun, and developing a life long love of swimming.

Assessments. Last chance for new swimmers to be assessed will be this Sunday. We have a lot of new swimmers coming to the team and we have been really impressed by those trying out.

We have a new coach! We have been fortunate to have Armi's Army as a cornerstone of our swim program. We win meets because we fill lanes with legal swimmers.  Coach Armi is taking a break from mornings but we still remain committed to our young swimmers.  We are proud to announce that we have hired a developmental coach to run our junior piranhas and help our younger team swimmers learn their strokes. Parklawn welcomes Coach Marcques to the Piranha family.  Coach Marcques has already taught some of our Piranhas that learned to swim through Arlington County. You will start seeing him on deck when we shift to morning practices, we are excited and fortunate to have him and his positive energy. Learn more about Coach Marcques on our coach's page:  https://parklawnswimteam.swimtopia.com/coaches

What we need from parents.  We are very proud of the program that has been built over the years. The kids love this team because they see their parents involvement, it show how much you care. This is a family event, not just a kid event.  So we need all of our families to help. If you are a returning family we expect more involvement than just being a timer on deck. If you have a swim background or a good eye for legal strokes, please reach out to Katie McGrorey, we are in need of officials for our A and B meets. Katie has reached out to some families already, please respond if you received an email. 

If you want to help plan the banquet, assist Viking Dinner/Progressive dinner, help with pep rallies, etc. reach out to Caroline or myself.  If you don't know what you can, reach out and we will figure it out. I want to thank all the families that have already reached out and assumed new roles on the team.

NVSL SafeSport Program.  The NVSL has adopted the SafeSport program and all of our adult coaches and team representatives will be SafeSport certified this year (what we are doing).  They offer three courses that I am recommending strongly for you and your children. 

Swimmers complete the free 15 minute SafeSport for Kids (age 5 to 12) or SafeSport for Youth Athletes (age 13+). 

Parents and other volunteers complete the free 30 minute Parent’s Guide to Misconduct in Sport course.

The courses for parents and swimmers are free and age appropriate.   The link and instructions to access can be found here:

https://www.mynvsl.com/file/35811/SafeSport_NVSL_P...

We hope that you and your kids will take these courses, it is not only applicable to swim but other sports/activities you might participate in. 

Have a safe and wonderful Spring Break.