Becoming a Sharks USA team member is an opportunity to become more involved in competitive swimming. All swimmers age nine and older are eligible for USA Swimming. USA members attend additional meets throughout the season and compete in events not offered in our dual meets. The fee to join USA Swimming is paid directly to USA Swimming and is in addition to the YWCA team fees and membership.

Swimmers registered with USA Swimming are expected to participate in USA meets.

Recommended attendance is 4-5 practices per week.

Practices:

September 23-October 11, 2024
Monday-Friday:  6-7:30 p.m.

Fees for this division of the Sharks Swim Team include:

Coaching fees for practices and meets and coaches’ mileage reimbursement to and from meets.

All swimmers must be YWCA Members.

The Mako Sharks group is open to new and returning eight and under swimmers and new 9-10-year-old swimmers.  This level focuses on the four competitive strokes, starts, and finishes.

The balance of practice is 80% technique and 20% endurance.

Recommended attendance is 2-3 times per week.

Practice Schedule:

October 14, 2024-February 2, 2025
For any swimmers entered in the Middle Atlantic 10 & Under Championships at Cumberland Valley on March 8, 2025, practices will extend through March 6, 2025, and an additional fee will apply.

Monday-Thursday:  5:45-6:30 p.m.

All swimmers must be YWCA members.

The Tiger Shark group is open to advanced 8 & under, 9-10, and new 11-12-year-old  swimmers.  This level focuses on the four competitive strokes plus the Individual Medley, starts, turns, and finishes.

The balance of practice will be 70% technique and 30% endurance.

Recommended practice attendance is 3-4 times per week.

October 14, 2024-February 20, 2025
For any swimmers entered in the Middle Atlantic 10 & Under Championships at Cumberland Valley on March 8, 2025, practices will extend through March 6, 2025, and an additional fee will apply.

Monday-Thursday:  5:45-6:45 p.m.

All swimmers must be YWCA members.

The Blue Sharks group is open to advanced 9-10-year-old and returning 11-13-year-old swimmers.   This level focuses on advanced technique for the four competitive strokes plus the Individual Medley, starts, turns, and finishes.

The balance of practice is 60% endurance and 40% technique.

Recommended attendance is 4-5 practices per week.

Practice Schedule:

October 14, 2024-February 21, 2025
For any swimmers entered in the Middle Atlantic 10 & Under Championships at Cumberland Valley on March 8, 2025, practices will extend through March 6, 2025, and an additional fee will apply.

Mondays and Wednesdays:  6:45-8:15 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays:  6:45-8 p.m.
Fridays:  6-7:30 p.m.

The White Sharks group is open to experienced 13-18-year-old swimmers.  This level focuses on advanced techniques for the four competitive strokes plus the Individual Medley, starts, turns, and finishes.

The balance of practice is 70% endurance and 30% technique.

Recommended attendance is 4-5 practices per week.

Practice Schedule:

October 14, 2024-February 21, 2025

Monday-Thursday:  6:30-8:15 p.m.
Friday:  6-7:30 p.m.

All swimmers must be YWCA members.

This group is for swimmers who will practice with the Sharks regularly from October 14 through the beginning of the high school season and after the conclusion of the high school season for Divisionals and All-Stars.  Once high school practices begin, these swimmers may practice with the Sharks up to two times each week but will usually practice with their high school team.  These swimmers are expected to compete in the Sharks’ meets.

Practice Schedule

Monday-Thursday:  6:30-8:15 p.m.
Friday:  6-7:30 p.m.

Congratulations!  Your child has done the tryout and has been invited to join the team!

The two-week trial lets you and your child see if competitive swimming is right for you!

We encourage you to bring your child to as many practices as possible during the trial period. This will give them a real sense of what being a part of the Sharks’ Swim Team is like!

Practices

Monday-Thursday:  5:45-6:30 p.m.

If your child decides to continue with the team after the two-week trial, the $35 fee will be applied toward the team fee for their level!