Many thanks to the new and returning families who were able to participate!

• We (Drew and Lance) introduced ourselves as the swim team team representatives. This is our second year as MVP team reps.
• We introduced our returning coaches Paul Makin and Kelli Makin, who have coached at MVP for 20 years, in addition to many years coaching elsewhere. They will be supported by assistant coaches (or "teen coaches"). Our coaches offer private lessons scheduled through the MVPA website, which are a great way to target individual skills. Swim lessons can be scheduled once the pool opens this weekend.
• Several volunteer coordinators talked about their roles helping the team and why it's more fun to be involved than watch from the sidelines. Our team runs on volunteer power, and (at a minimum) when a swimmer participates in a meet, at least one parent is expected to volunteer. We think we're a pretty fun crowd to work with, and aside from NVSL Meet Officials, no prior experience is necessary.
• NVSL, through which we run our "official" Saturday meets (sometimes called "Dual" or "A meets"), is one of the largest summer swim leagues in the country, and MVP is one of 102 teams in the league. Saturday meets are seeded based on the swim ladder and coach discretion.
• Developmental meets (sometimes called "B meets") are held on Monday evenings. No one on the swim team is required to swim in a meet.
• The best first meets for our youngest swimmers are the Green & White (intrasquad) meet on 6/30, and Romp in the Swamp on 7/16.
• Gators are known for their exemplary sportsmanship throughout the league. Please help us keep this tradition going strong.
• Practices will start slow, and our youngest swimmers may see reduced pool time at the beginning of the season depending on the water temperature. Each child will be assessed by the coaches and placed in an appropriate lane to promote their development. The coaches will spend time with athletes at all levels and the more your athlete practices, the more quickly they'll progress.
• Unless there is a safety concern, we ask that only swimmers and coaches are on deck during practices and meets.
• Friday night pep rallies are back! Check the event schedule for dates and please bring the kids for cheers in the pavilion while the grown ups mingle outside.
• Finally, please contact your (volunteer) team reps with any questions or concerns throughout and beyond the season. We, along with our Gator volunteers and coaches, ask for your patience and kindness and support while we all do our part to make it great. Go Gators!