Piranhas Weekly News - Week of June 8
Dear Piranhas Families:
What a way to kick off the season! Our Piranhas brought the heat (and the hustle) to Time Trials this weekend. From fast swims and first-time races to thunder delays and blazing sun, we had a little bit of everything, and your swimmers handled it all with incredible spirit.
A huge thank you to our volunteers for helping us shake off the rust and run a smooth, fun meet. Time Trials are all about getting back into the rhythm of meet days, and we’re off to a strong start.
A few highlights from the day —
- Our 8 & Unders showed big courage, many diving in for their first-ever races.
- The 15–18s kicked off our first cheers of the season with flair from the diving board!
- Congratulations to our record breakers: Addie Celentano (9-10 Girls 25 Fly, 17.35), Emerson Mancari (13-14 Girls 50 Back, 33.51), AND The Piranha Grill Team ($1800 in sales and over 300 breakfast sandwiches served!)
- Big shout-out to our parent volunteers, including Jessica Skerritt, Jenness Simler, and Kelly Masley who kept timers running like clockwork (pun intended) and Beth Kreikemeier who fulfilled her shift, even when her swimmer had to scratch (that’s commitment!).
- And finally, Noah Popp brought the hype with some top-tier walk-up music.
(photos thanks to team photographer Jason Nye)
Week Ahead Practice Notes
No practice Monday due to the B Meet. We’ll kick off the week with afternoon practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, including what our coaches have officially dubbed “the greatest conditioning practice ever.” Get ready!
Morning practices begin Thursday and will continue through the rest of the summer.
You can find the full morning schedule here: Practice Schedule
Monday B Meet vs Broyhill Crest (June 9)
Our first HOME B Meet is this Monday against Broyhill Crest!
Here’s what you need to know:
Location: Parklawn Pool
Theme: Wild West! Break out your boots, bandanas, and cowboy hats for some spirited fun on deck.
Look out for a detailed meet email from our fantastic B Meet Reps, Amanda Hungerford and Ali Goldwater, with arrival, warm-up, and start times.
Piranathon is Tuesday!
This is not your average practice - it’s a way to take on an extra challenge and support the team! All swimmers are encouraged to attend, and we especially need our older swimmers to cheer and count laps for the younger ones.
A few things to know:
- Younger swimmers will use kickboards to complete their laps.
- Almost every swimmer leaves sore, but with a huge boost in confidence!
- Piranathon is also our main fundraising event for the Parklawn Piranha Boosters, a charitable organization that helps fund:
- Team equipment
- Team-building events
- Partial support for this year’s team suits
Your tax-deductible contributions help make our swim team experience even better. Thank you in advance for your support!
Friday Night Social – Tie Dye Night (June 13)
Our first Friday Night Social of the season is here and we’re kicking it off with Tie Dye Night!
Just bring your swimmer. We’ll supply the shirts and dye. Your swimmer brings the creativity and spirit!
Schedule is below. Please head to the basketball area at your assigned time:
Bonus: We’ll be selling Chick-fil-A sandwiches and combos while supplies last!
First A Meet – Saturday, June 14 at Parklawn
Our first A meet of the season is right here at home! Swimmers selected to compete will be notified Thursday evening and volunteer jobs will open at the same time.
- If your swimmer is selected, please be sure to sign up for a volunteer position.
- Any open roles will be assigned to parents who haven’t yet signed up, so jump in early to choose your job.
- Not swimming? Come out to cheer, grab a snow cone, and enjoy breakfast poolside. Your presence adds to the excitement!
Meet Theme: 80s/Neon
Pull out the leg warmers and highlighter colors. We’re going back to the 80s this Saturday!
Meet Sign Up Reminders
Please check the calendar regularly for B meet signups. Entries are due Saturdays at 3 PM.
Tip: As soon as A meet entries are released, go ahead and submit your B meet availability. It’s the best way to lock in a preferred volunteer job.
Health Reminder
Please help us keep all swimmers safe and healthy. If your swimmer has had a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, they must be symptom-free for 24 hours (fever free without medicine) before attending practice or a meet. When in doubt, sit it out.
NVSL Nights Out – Mark Your Calendars!
Saturday, June 28 – D.C. United Swim & Lifeguard Night
Join your swim friends at Audi Field as D.C. United takes on Nashville SC at 7:30 PM.
Each ticket includes a D.C. United silicone swim cap (pick up at the match).
Sunday, July 6 – Nationals Game
Catch the Nats vs. Red Sox at 1:35 PM.
Plus, it’s Kids’ Batting Glove Giveaway Day!
Sunday Coach Kevin clinics
Focus on starts, turns, breakouts, and get ready for IM Carnival. These are for swimmers legal in all four strokes. Sign up here: Coach Kevin's Clinic
12 & Unders 8-9 am
13 & Over 9-10 am
Looking for some one-on-one coaching? Our coaches and lesson instructors can work with you. Here is our private coaching roster: Coaches
A Note About Kindness on Deck
We know this is a busy time for families. Between work, school events, and general life logistics, it’s a lot. Let’s continue to model the kind of behavior we want to see from our swimmers: patient, helpful, and community-minded.
We’re all in this together, and the energy we bring to the deck sets the tone for our kids. Let’s keep it positive, respectful, and supportive, because Parklawn is better when we lift each other up.
Let's have a great week Piranhas!