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Officials Training Dates!

The NVSL has set the dates for training for officials! We need as many officials as we can get. You do not need to have been a swimmer to become an official! Please see the dates below and mark your calendar. The NVSL Officials committee has worked very hard to add more dates and locations for training. Please note that to remain qualified as an official, you need to attend training at least every other year. Questions? Email the NVSL or ask us!  

Sat, May 17th - 8-10AM • New Referee* @ Hunt Valley 

Sat, May 17th – 8-10AM • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Cottontail 

Sun, May 18th - 8-10AM • New Starter* @ Parklawn 

Weds, May 21st - 7-9PM • Ref/Starter Recertification @ Little Hunting Park 

Saturday, May 31st – 8AM-1PM NVSLU @ Fairfax County Govt Center 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035. 

**We will have volunteers in the lobby to direct you to the correct rooms for your clinics.

• NEW Referee Only* @ 8AM 

• NEW Starter Only* @ 8AM 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ 8AM 

• Stroke and Turn (New and Recert) @ 10:30AM 

• Chief Timer Clinic @ 8:30AM 

• Hy-Tek @ 8AM 

• Table Admin @ 10:30AM 

Wednesday, June 4th - 7PM • Referee/Starter Recertification (Virtual)** 

Sun, Jun 8 8-10AM:

• New Referee/New Starter* (Participants choose either New Ref or New Starter) @ Orange Hunt 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Fox Mill Woods 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Virginia Run 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Tuckahoe 

Tuesday, June 10th - 7PM • Stroke and Turn Recertification (Virtual)**

Wednesday, June 11th - 7PM 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn @ High Point Pool 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn @ Sully Station 

*New Referee and New Starter clinics are only for those new to the position and cannot be used to recertify. 

**Virtual recertification clinics are for officials who have been certified in the position for a minimum of 5 years. Registration links will be sent to Team Reps and posted on MyNVSL.com by May 1st. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

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Registration for Summer 2025 is OPEN!

It’s time Piranha People!! Registration for the MHC Swim Team 2025 season is OPEN! Register your swimmers HERE no later than 11:59 pm on April 30 to save $25, get a personalized swim cap, and guarantee your swimmer's t-shirt size. Please use the discount code EARLY to save $25. (Good until 11:59 pm April 30, 2025.) (Any swimmers registered after April 30 will get a non-personalized cap and a t-shirt as close in size to that requested while supplies last.) Registration for MHC Swim Team is on our SwimTopia site NOT the main MHC site.

Please note that you must be MHC members (or lessors) in good standing in order to register your child(ren) for swim team. This is an NVSL requirement and cannot be waived.

FAQs:

Age: swimmers must be between the ages of 4 and 18 as of June 1, 2025. (PLEASE NOTE: swim team is not a learn-to-swim program. If you have a young swimmer/little piranha we will conduct an evaluation to be sure they can be safe in the water. Evaluations for Little Piranhas will be held Sunday, May 18 during Polar Piranha Practice (details to come). Evaluations are not required for swimmers who have been on the team previously. If you are unsure whether your swimmer is ready to move to 8 and unders, please come to evaluations!)

Practice: After-school practices begin on 5/27/25 (see times on SwimTopia website); Morning practices begin on 6/16/25. (LPs will start on Monday 6/16/25)

Cost: Please note that these are the costs as of 5/1/25. Register HERE before that (with code EARLY entered at checkout) to get $25 off your first swimmer!

First swimmer: $205

Second swimmer: $105

Third swimmer: $80

Fourth (and subsequent) swimmer: $55

Family maximum: $500

Summer’s coming. Can’t wait to see you on deck! Eat ’em up Piranhas!

Questions? Contact the Mansion House Swim Reps at

[email protected]

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We're Hiring for Summer 2025!

Calling all junior coaches! MHC Swim Team is hiring for the 2025 Summer Swim Season! We are seeking applicants for Junior Coaches for the 2025 season.

Applications are due NO LATER than 11:59pm on March 23, 2025. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this deadline.

REQUIREMENTS:

Age 15+ by 5/27/25

Lifeguard Certified by 5/27/25 (if you are registered for a class this Spring, please include date of class in your application)

Member of the Swim Team by 5/27/25.

Please note: We might be conducting interviews this year to help us form our coaching team. They will likely be conducted over Zoom.

The application form is posted below. Please return it to [email protected].

Come spend your summer at the pool! We can't wait to work with you!

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Summer 2025 Junior Coach Application

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Please Note!

All information below THIS POINT refers to the 2024 summer and 2024-25 Polar Piranhas season.

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Polar Piranhas is Full!

Polar Piranhas is now at full capacity! If you missed out and want your swimmer(s) to be added to the waitlist, please email us at [email protected].

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Summer 2024 Wrap Up and Polar Piranhas!

We want to congratulate our individual All-Stars who competed at the 2024 NVSL Individual All-Star Meet on Saturday, July 27, 2024. Harper Dresch (11-12 girls 50 free), Parker Canfield (11-12 girls 50 back, 11-12 girls 50 fly), Marco Perez (9-10 boys 50 breast), and Logan Dresch (9-10 boys 25 fly) we are so proud of you!

High resolution photos from our team photographer, Karen Lant, are still available for download HERE. They will remain available until August 31 so don’t wait! Also! If you missed the slideshow this year at the banquet you can view it HERE.

In other news, Polar Piranha registration for the 2024-25 winter season is open! Polar Piranhas will meet from 6:00pm-7:00pm at the GW Rec Center starting on September 8, 2024. Registration will remain open until we reach 50 swimmers and then we will move to a waitlist. We are happy to report that both Coach Joel and Coach Morgan will be coaching winter swim! In your email you will find an application for Junior Coaches. If you have an older swimmer (15+) who is interested, please encourage them to apply. We will also consider volunteer coaching spots for swimmers who are currently 14 but will be 15 by next summer and are hoping to get some coaching experience. The following dates will be “no swim” dates: 12/1, 12/22, 12/29, 2/9, 4/20, and 5/11. Questions? You know where to find us!

We still have some spirit wear that has not been picked up. If you ordered some and haven’t gotten it, please let us know. We also have a lot of paper plate awards that were not picked up. The coaches worked very hard on these and they are special! Please make sure to coordinate to get your swimmer(s)’ plates.

Thank you all for a wonderful season! We look forward to seeing you at Polar Piranhas and next summer!

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End of Season Banquet!

Reminder that our end of season banquet will be on Saturday July 20 from 6:00-10:00 pm at MHC. We will have food from Chalkboard, lots of awards to celebrate, paper plates for every swimmer, and the highlight of the night, the slide show! Please bring a dessert if you can, a 10x10 or larger tent if you have one (in case of rain), and your good thoughts for no rain/storms! If storms look likely we may have a change of venue and will let you know via email ASAP. See you tomorrow!

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Weeks 7 and 8

Hard to believe we are in the home stretch of the season - but here's how you know it's true: there is really, Really, REALLY a lot going on this week and next! Keep checking emails and verifying availability, please and thanks. Congrats Piranhas on another great A meet this weekend! It was a really close one. 

This is a particularly big week for our Little Piranhas since it is your final week of practice! See below for kickboard races on Monday before the B meet and for details about the Lollipop Meet on Thursday. Please note that Thursday is the last practice for Little Piranhas. If you want to join in the pancake breakfast next Tuesday (7/16) you are welcome to come! But there will be no practice for LPs that day. 

Reminder for the B Meet: Please park at the far end of the lot or in the neighborhood to leave space for our guests. Also we will start with IM followed by the regular stroke order. 

Please mark your swimmer(s) availability for the final A Meet, the IM meet, and Divisionals NOW. For IM and Divisionals we have to bid in swimmers for open lanes and need to know who can swim ASAP.

WEEK 7: July 8 – July 14

B Meet

  • July 8: B Meet #5 vs. Waynewood @ MHC: 6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 4:45. Warmups @ 5:00. Set up volunteers arrive 4:30 (if possible) Other volunteers arrive NLT 5:30 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).
    • PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE THE CLOSER PARKING FOR OUR GUESTS! Please park beyond the tennis courts unless you have reserved parking so our guests don’t have to hunt for parking in the neighborhood.
    • At this meet we will offer kickboard races for our Little Piranhas! If your LP wants to swim, please come to the pool NLT 5:00 ready to go! Please have your swimmer(s) wear whatever suit they are most comfortable swimming in (one piece suits for girls and jammer style for boys preferred), bring a towel and goggles. If you have a kickboard, you can bring it, or use one of ours! Kickboard racers will go to clerk of course at 5:20 and races start at 5:40. You are welcome to stay after and watch the meet, or head home. Questions? Let us know!
    • For the main team parents, lucky you - still a few volunteer slots left! Thanks to those who have already signed up. We still need: OPEN SLOTS GO HERE Sign up HERE!
    • NOTE: We are starting with IM this week! So if your swimmer is not swimming IM, they will likely have time for a snack between warmups and individual events. Please plan accordingly. After IM we will follow the regular order of free, back, breast, and fly (if we get there).
  • July 9: Ice Cream for Breakfast! Team breakfast after each age-group practice. We also have a special fun day activity this week, so make sure to come!
    • Swim Team will supply ice cream
    • Swimmers, plan to bring a favorite topping. Unopened packaging vastly preferred, unless it's fresh fruit.
    • Volunteers, of course, are needed. Check out SwimTopia, or just show up 15-20 minutes before the end of your swimmer's age group.
  • July 10: All-Star Relay Carnival, Rutherford (qualified swimmers only)
    • All-star relay swimmers – Big CONGRATULATIONS to our 11-12 girls medley relay on their qualification for All Stars! We are so proud! Stay in touch, we will coordinate warmups and carpools.
  • July 11: Lollipop Invitational Mini Meet, 8 & under and Little Piranhas vs. MVYC, 9:00 am.
    • This is your meet, Little Piranhas and 8 and unders! Don’t miss the culminating event of the LP season. We are welcoming our neighborhood friends from the Mount Vernon Yacht Club.
    • This is also the final day of practice for Little Piranhas!
    • Parents of all LP swimmers, plan to stay for the meet and cheer on your swimmer. LPs and 8 and unders should come to the pool by 8:15 am
    • 8 and Unders are also eligible to participate in this meet! Freestyle and Backstroke only. There is no regular 8 and under practice on Thursday, so plan to come a bit early and swim in the meet!
    • The meet will be staffed by swimmers ages 9+up. Official uniform (blue shorts/skirt, white top) encouraged! Swimmers will need to find a coach when they arrive to sign up for a job.
    • Arrive: 8:15am, ALL AGE GROUPS (13+ should come at their regular practice time of 7:30 and plan to stay and help with the meet).
  • July 12: Pep Rally: Olympics@ 6pm.
    • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
    • Last Name A-H (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
    • Last Name I-O (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
    • Last Name P-Z (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
    • Details about the pep rally to come from coaches during practice! Come eat, play games, participate in the costume contest, and bond with the team. This will be a fun one! This is also our LAST PEP RALLY of the 2024 season. Everyone (including LPs) welcome! This is not just for A meet swimmers!
    • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.
  • July 13: A Meet #5 vs. Camelot Community Club Knights @ Camelot: Caravan from MHC exact time tbd but around 7:00am. Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Watch your email! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.
  • July 14: Swim Team Prom, ages 13+ only (Swimmers must be swimming as a 13-14 or 15-18 this summer to attend), 5:00 – 9:00, Dinner at the Mount Vernon on the Potomac marina, dessert at MHC. No date or corsage needed! Dinner and dessert will be served. Attire: think summer garden party. Accessories: Swimsuit & towel. Details: To come! Please check Swimtopia for volunteer slots.

WEEK 8: July 15 – July 20

Practice:

Morning Practices July 15, 16 for everyone; July 17-19 Divisionals swimmers only. Regular practice times (even for Divisionals swimmers)

No Afternoon Practices this week

  • July 15: Fort Hunt IM Invitational @ Waynewood, 5:00. Select swimmers only; please mark availability and choose a volunteer spot! email to come.
  • July 16: Fun Day and Pancake Breakfast, Volunteers: we need griddles and parents/caregivers to cook up some hot cakes for hungry kids!
  • July 16: Last day of practice for non-Divisionals swimmers. Divisionals swimmers meet with Coaches to choose strokes.
  • July 17-19 Divisionals swimmers' practice. Practice continues for those swimmers who have qualified for Divisionals. Regular age group practice times.
  • July 20: Divisionals @ Arlington Forest, 8:00 – 3:00 (approx). Select swimmers only; VERY IMPORTANT that we know your swimmer(s) availability now.
  • July 20: End of Season Awards Banquet @ MHC, 6:00 – 9:00.
    • All swimmers, siblings, and families welcome!
    • A kid-friendly buffet dinner & dessert will be provided.
    • Please RSVP via SwimTopiaand indicate number of attendees, so we can accurately estimate food.
    • Join us for awards, camaraderie, and the legendary MHC Swim Slide Show! We promise to give you the happy cries.
    • Please post your *high-res* pictures of your amazing swimmers or swim team events to the shared Google drive here:
      https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KRq3NhXsNBPM-kY5pu8Iv0K-nLLZPXzQ?usp=sharing
    • Attire: Beachy casual / picnic chic

UPDATES and REMINDERS

  • Post-Event Clean-Up: Whether it's an A Meet, a B Meet, a Pep Rally, or a team breakfast and whether you stay till the end or leave as your swimmer is finished, PLEASE REMEMBER:
    • How we leave our team area is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
    • Clean up is our responsibility and not that of the lifeguards. This goes for all swim team events. Please be respectful.
  • PiranhaThon: Congratulations and THANK YOU, Piranha Nation! Your generosity allowed us to raise over $2,200 for Cure Search. We are closing out with 99 Pledges later this week but there is still time to donate if you would like. Even if you didn’t participate in the swim. Click HERE to donate.
  • Team Photos: Are here! If you had photos taken of your swimmer and have not received an email from Briar Creek Photography, first check your spam folder. Next, reach out to Georgi at [email protected].
  • Mark SWIMMER and VOLUNTEER availability please and thanks! It’s summer & plans shift — if yours have, please update on SwimTopia!
  • Pool use before 11am when the pool opens: Nope! No kids or adults in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. This includes lap swimming for adults. No exceptions. Kids 6 and under can swim in the baby pool ONLY with direct parent supervision.
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Weeks 6-7

Happy 4th of July week, Piranha Nation! 

  • Big congrats to all of our swimmers who competed at Divisional Relays last Wednesday! Special kudos to Parker Canfield, Harper Dresch, Norah Dominski, and Rachel McDonald, our 11-12 girls medley relay who made it to All-Star Relays as the 10th seed and the same four swimmers who are our 11-12 girls freestyle relay who placed 19th in the NVSL and were seeded a first alternate. We are so proud of you!

WEEK 6: July 1 – July 6

Practice:

Morning Practices (except on July 4!)

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we will assign to groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Afternoon Practices

  • Tuesday ONLY: All ages EXCEPT LPs. 5:00-6:00pm (NOTE: No afternoon practice on Wednesday and Thursday due to the Fourth of July holiday

B Meet

  • July 1: B Meet #4 vs. Highland Park @ LHP 6406 Telegraph Road, Alexandria, VA 22310:6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 5:00. Warmups @ 5:20. Volunteers arrive NLT 5:20 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).
  • July 2: Team Breakfast! We are looking for a few people to donate some fruit and OJ to supplement the bagels and cream cheese. Please sign up to help on Swimtopia.
  • July 4: The Annual PiranhaThon! 8:00 –10:00. Each year, the Piranha Nation takes a day to give back by swimming for donations to a local or national organization. Look for an email later today with more information.

Friday Note: It is a privilege to be chosen for an A meet. Please help your swimmer(s) respect that privilege by resting up, eating well, hydrating, and generally preparing to perform at peak levels on Saturday. Please keep them out of the sun on Fridays and away from the pool. This is a great time for movies, the library, or other indoor non-exhausting events. Help us get some more wins by preparing to swim fast!

July 5: Pep Rally: Winter Holiday in July, 6pm, potluck.

  • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
  • Last Name A-H (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
  • Last Name I-O (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
  • Last Name P-Z (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
  • Dress to celebrate a winter holiday in July! This should be a fun one so come eat, play games, participate in the costume contest, and bond with the team! Everyone (including LPs) welcome! This is not just for A meet swimmers!
  • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.

July 6: A Meet #4 vs. Arlington Forest Gators @ Mansion House: MHC warmups at 8am, setup volunteers at 7am, other volunteers NLT 8am. Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Watch your email! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.

  • NOTE: This meet is Senior recognition day! ALL swimmers are encouraged to come and cheer senior swimmers' accomplishments. If you have a senior please respond to the email you received about helping us celebrate your swimmer!

WEEK 7: July 8 – July 14

  • July 8: B Meet #5 vs. Waynewood @ MHC. Details to come, but this is our final B Meet of the season.
  • July 9: Ice Cream for Breakfast! Team supplies the ice cream, you bring your favorite toppings! Yum!
  • July 10: NVSL All-Star Relay Carnival. Big congrats to our relay team who qualified! Details under separate email for those families.
  • July 11: Lollipop Meet, 9:00am @ MHC vs MVYC. Little Piranhas, your day has come! This meet is for you and for 8+under swimmers. Older age groups (9-10 and up) run the meet and fill all volunteer positions. One of the true highlights of the season! Detailed info to come but please mark calendars now!
  • July 12: Pep Rally @ 6pm.
  • July 13: A Meet #5 vs Camelot Community Club Knights @ Camelot, 9am. Final A meet of the season! Caravan from MHC at time tbd. Invited swimmers only. Details to come.
  • July 14: Swim Prom, 6:00. Ages 13+ exclusively. Detailed info for eligible swimmers to come in a separate email.
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Weeks 5 & 6

I don’t want to alarm anyone but we are officially more than halfway through our season! Congrats on another great A meet! It was a tough loss but we were very proud of all of our swimmers efforts and more importantly of their excellent sportsmanship. 

**Also! A parent misplaced a black and red mastercard at the meet on Saturday. If you happened to pick it up, please return it to the swim reps or to the owner. Thank you!

The next two weeks have lots of fun in store for the entire Piranha nation. Here’s an overview of what we have lined up for you – corresponding details below:

  • Monday, June 24: B Meet vs. Little Hunting Park @ LHP
  • Tuesday, June 25: Team breakfast & Penny Dive
  • Wednesday, June 26: Divisional Relay Carnival @ Sully Station
  • Friday, June 28: Red Carpet Pep Rally
  • Saturday, June 29: A Meet #3 vs. Sully Station @ MHC
  • Monday, July 1: B Meet vs. Highland Park @ HP
  • Tuesday, July 2: Team breakfast
  • Thursday, July 4.Piranhathon fundraiser 8-10am.
  • Friday, July 5: Winter Holiday in July Pep Rally
  • Saturday, July 6: A Meet #4 vs. Arlington Forest @ MHC Senior Day

WEEK 5: June 24 – June 29

Practice:

Morning Practices (preferred)

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (you should already have your assigned groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Afternoon Practices (Not an extra practice! Please only use these if you have a conflict with morning practice (a desire to sleep in does not constitute a conflict. We only have 2 lanes for this practice, so please be considerate)).

  • Tuesday & Thursday: All ages EXCEPT LPs. 5:00-6:00pm (NOTE: No afternoon practice on Wednesday due to Divisional Relays)
  • Sign-up on Swimtopia and update there if you cannot come. Please do not just no-show
  • No coaches in the water at these practices, so plan accordingly based on your swimmer(s) skill level.
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B Meet

  • June 24: B Meet #3 vs. Little Hunting Park @ LHP 7000 Canterbury Lane, Alexandria, VA 22307: 6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 5:00. Warmups @ 5:20. Volunteers arrive NLT 5:20 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).

June 25: Team Breakfast and Penny Dive

Divisional Relay Carnival!

June 26: Divisional Relay Carnival, 6:30pm, Sully Station, selected swimmers only

  • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY, this is especially important for this meet. It is the only chance for relays to qualify for All Star Relays and it is a scored meet. So we want to put our best foot forward!

Friday June 28: Important reminder: If your swimmer(s) is in the A meet, please please please keep them out of the sun and heat on the Friday before the meet. This is a great time for indoor play, movies, etc to rest up. We saw a lot of kids really tired this past Saturday and our next two meets will be close ones! Rest up to swim fast!

June 28: Pep Rally: Red Carpet, 6pm, potluck. Please have food and swimmers there AT 6:00 so we can start promptly and get everyone home promptly

  • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
  • Last Name A-H (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
  • Last Name I-O (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
  • Last Name P-Z (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)

June 29: A Meet #3 vs. Sully Station Supersonic Transporters @ Mansion House: MHC warmups at 8am, setup volunteers at 7am, concessions volunteers at 7:30, other volunteers NLT 8am. Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Watch your email! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.

WEEK 6: July 1 – July 6

July 1: B Meet vs. Highland Park @ HP 6406 Telegraph Road, Alexandria VA 22310: 5:20 warm ups. Info to come but please mark availability and pick a volunteer job now!

July 2: Team Breakfast HELP! Volunteers needed to set up, supervise, and clean up breakfast. Donations to share are welcome! You guessed it – sign up via SwimTopia

July 4: The Annual Piranha-Thon! 8:00 – 10:00am. Each year, the Piranha Nation takes a day to give back to our community by swimming for donations to a local charity.

  • This is an optional, all-family event that is geared toward fun & fitness along with community support.
  • We select a meaningful (to our team) charity to support each year (and are still deciding).
  • It’s simple: Show up, swim a few laps or a lot, that’s all! (Parents & caregivers too.)
  • A donation of any amount (online, cash, or check) is required to participate. Ask friends, family, and neighbors for a flat or fee-per-lap donation.
  • Additional details about online donations to come.

July 5: Pep Rally: Winter Holiday in July @ 6pm. Information to come.

July 6: Senior Day A Meet #4 vs. Arlington Forest Gators @ MHC: 8am warmups. Update your swimmer & volunteer availability please and thanks! Information to come.

UPCOMING EXTRA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Note that all sign-up times in SwimTopia are approximate or placeholders. Much of this work can be done in advance, on your own time.

SENIOR DAY: Saturday, July 6, during the A meet We need 1-2 volunteers to help coordinate the Seniors and their families for their senior day celebration near the end of the meet (before the relays). No experience necessary!

LOLLIPOP MEET: Sweetest meet of the year! Got an 8 and under or LP? Help us make it fun! The social committee would love your help.

SWIM PROM: Sunday, July 14, 6–9pm.This is a social event for swimmers age 13+up, location TBD. Our social committee would love extra hands!

DIVISIONAL FAIRIES: NLT Friday, July 19

  • Item purchase and prep for delivery to all Divisionals swimmers.
  • Our social committee is working on this but are happy for help!

END OF SEASON BANQUET: Saturday, July 20, 6–9pm, MHC pavilion.

  • Social committee can always use more hands!
  • Contact a rep if you’re interested in helping, and for more info. Slots available for on SwimTopia!!

REMINDERS

Pool use before 11amwhen the pool opens: Kids are NOT ALLOWED in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. No kids or adults in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. This includes lap swimming for adults and swim lessons. No exceptions. There are no lifeguards and we could be significantly fined by the county. Kids 6 and under can swim in the baby pool ONLY with direct parent supervision.

If your swimmer will be attending afternoon practices:

  • Signups must be made in advance via SwimTopia to indicate attendance. Practices will be held only if one or more swimmer signs up.
  • Please don’t no-show. If you are not coming to the afternoon practice you signed up for, please update your sign-up as soon as you know.
  • This is not an additional practice. If your swimmer was already at morning practice we will send them home 😊

Post-Event Clean-Up: Whether it's an A Meet, a B Meet, a Pep Rally, or a team breakfast and whether you stay till the end or leave as your swimmer is finished, PLEASE REMEMBER:

    • How we leave our team area is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
    • Clean up is our responsibility and not that of the lifeguards. This goes for all swim team events. Please be respectful.

So, SO *SO* much going on the next few weeks. We are endlessly grateful, dear citizens of this Piranha Nation, for your volunteer help thus far, and to come. We depend on YOU to make the season run smoothly – many, MANY, *MANY* thanks!!

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Weeks 4 & 5

WEEK 4: June 17 – 22

Practice:

Morning Practices (preferred)

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we assigned to groups last week. If you weren’t at practice please come at 10:00 your first day and we will assign you!)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Afternoon Practices (optional alternative if you cannot make morning practice)

  • Tuesday-Thursday: All ages EXCEPT LPs. 5:00-6:00pm
  • Sign-up on Swimtopia and update there if you cannot come. Please do not just no-show
  • No coaches in the water at these practices, so plan accordingly based on your swimmer(s) skill level.
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B Meet

  • June 17: B Meet #2 vs. Riverside Gardens @ MHC: 6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 4:45. Warmups @ 5:00. Set up volunteers arrive 4:30 (if possible) Other volunteers arrive NLT 5:30 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).
    • Lucky you - still a few volunteer slots left! Thanks to those who have already signed up. We still need: B Shift Clerk of Course, lots and lots of concession workers, 2 data table people, B Shift Marshal, B Shift ribbon table, Runners (1 A shift, 2 B shift), 2 B Shift Team Parents, and 1 B shift timer. Sign up HERE! Did we mention we need lots of help at concessions???
    • Swimmers: NOTE that although SwimTopia indicates meet entries are closed, this is just for data management. Undeclared/un-entered swimmers may absolutely still swim! Let a rep know, or just arrive & coaches can write you in.
    • Suggested pack list: team suit, or green or black suit; team cap (NO caps with other team logos allowed); 2 towels; healthy snacks & lots of water; sunscreen, optional hat/sunglasses; card games or travel activities; spirit wear & green accessories.
    • Once the meet begins, swimmers must stick to the team area so they don't miss an event or slow the meet down. This is a safety issue. Parents if your kid comes to find you, make sure they told a coach where they are and then return them to the team area ASAP. Oh hey, this one’s important so we’ll say it again: Swimmers, stick to the team area! Let a coach know if you leave!
    • Swimmers can leave the meet when they are finished swimming. HOWEVER, let a coach know you are leaving before you go.
    • Leave cell phones/electronics/valuables at home, or keep them secured inside your bags. We cannot be responsible for any valuables in the team area.
    • Concessions will be open! Please visit and eat. Please be sure that your swimmers save candy or soda for AFTER they finish swimming. Please also be sure to send your swimmer back to the team area to eat.
    • One more note about the team area: Parents must NOT be in the team area. We have a volunteer slot for a “team parent” if you want to help out! Otherwise please keep your kids in and yourself out!
    • Safety note: Photos and videos are NOT ALLOWED behind the start (so behind the timers or at the far end of the pool in the 25m events). Please move to the side to take photos and videos. It’s a better view anyway!
  • June 18: Team Picture Day 7:00 am Brush your teeth and comb your hair! Flyer from the photographer is attached and posted at the pool. We will need a few parents to assist the photographer. She typically offers a discount so sign up early on Swimtopia to help! Please send your swimmer in their team suit if they have one. If they do not have one please send them in a green or black suit. The photographer will take individual/sibling photos and a group photo. Please have your swimmer EAT or bring a snack and drink water. No practice after photos but we don’t want anyone passing out from hunger or dehydration during the photo!

Photos

  • Speaking of photos: Our own Karen Lant has been taking professional grade photos at our meets for several years now. You have probably seen her taking photos at time trials, the B meet, and the A meet. You can see her photos HERE. Please feel free to download photos of your children! If you do not want your child’s photos shared there, please let us know. (Please note that it may be impossible to remove them from group shots).
  • Related! Karen also creates our incredible slide shows that are the highlight of every Swim Banquet! If you have (high resolution please!) photos that you have taken that you would like to submit for the slideshow, please submit them here. No promises as there are always far more photos than time, but Karen makes an effort to include as many different faces as she can!

Pep Rally

  • June 21: Pep Rally: Disney, 6-8pm.
  • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
  • Last Name A-H (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
  • Last Name I-O (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
  • Last Name P-Z (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
  • Dress as your favorite Disney character! Come eat, play games, participate in the costume contest, and bond with the team! Everyone (including LPs) welcome! This is not just for A meet swimmers!
  • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.

A Meet

  • June 22: A Meet #2 vs. Lakeview Marlins @ MHC: Swimmers arrive 7:45 for MHC warmups at 8am, setup volunteers at 7am, other volunteers NLT 8am. We need a LOT of help for this meet.One key position we need is an ANNOUNCER. None of our regulars are available. So if you’ve been wanting to try, this is your moment! There is a script and we can help you, but we need someone!! Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Watch your email! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.

WEEK 5: June 24 – June 29

June 24: B Meet #3 vs. Little Hunting Park @ LHP: 6pm. Information to come.

June 26: Divisional Relay Carnival @ Sully Station: 6pm. Selected swimmers only. Please mark availability ASAP. This is a fun FAST meet. If your kids qualify we promise you want them to swim! Info to come. Yes it is in Centreville. We are sorry. Plan accordingly.

June 28: Pep Rally: Red Carpet! Dress as the celebrity of your choice: 6pm. Info to come.

June 29: A Meet #3 vs. Sully Station Supersonic Transporters @ MHC: 8am warmups Info to come (but yay it’s a home meet and we don’t have to drive to Centreville twice in one week!).

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Weeks 3 & 4

Happy Sunday, Piranha Nation!!

Congrats on an excellent Time Trials meet! Results and our first ladder are attached! On the results you will see some swimmers with a DQ. Please don’t be discouraged! It is very, very, early in the season and everyone is rusty. Our beloved coaches were watching and taking notes (and will check DQ slips) so they can work with swimmers on specific issues. Most are super easy to fix! That said, we had fun, and we hope swimmers & their families did too 🙂 Lots of info to cover for this week and next, but a couple important things first!

  • Starting with the B meet tomorrow, and for the remainder of the season referees will start enforcing some important rules at meets:
  • Swimmers may not wear athletic tape while they are swimming. If you have questions let us know.
    • Swimmers may not wear caps with logos from other teams. We know that we haven’t gotten this year’s caps out yet (coming this week!). If your swimmer has to wear a cap from another team please turn it inside out.
    • Swimmers may not wear suits that tie, zip, etc.
    • Swimmers generally may not wear shirts (including rash guards) while racing. This applies to boys and girls. If you have a modesty concern, or otherwise, please let us know and we can talk about how to handle that with the NVSL.
    • All of the above are part of the USA Swimming and NVSL rules. We would never want a swimmer to have a great race only to be DQed for a gear violation. We also don’t want swimmers to be shaken or embarrassed by having to change at a meet!
  • WE NEED MORE HELP!! Our concessions team needs more help! We have added extra slots for the B meet tomorrow, but we need people to grill, to take orders, and to take money. This will make the process faster and much more efficient for everyone. We also need more hands to help clean up at concessions. We were there a solid 2 hours after the meet yesterday. Many hands make light work and we need some of yours!
  • On Saturday June 22, we are in need of someone to run the computer at the home A meet. You do not need formal training. But both of our experienced data people are unavailable and we need help! We will teach you what to do. It would be extremely helpful if you can come to the B meet tomorrow and the A meet next Saturday to learn from our experts.
  • Okay now the fun stuff. Please keep reading!

WEEK 3: June 10 – June 15

Practice:

AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES continue Tuesday – Wednesday, same schedule (no practice Monday due to B meet.)

  • 13+up: 4:00 – 5:00pm
  • 9–12: 5:00 – 6:00pm
  • 8+under: 5:45 – 6:30pm
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Morning Practices and LPs start Thursday June 13

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we will assign to groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B MEET

  • June 10: B Meet #1 vs Hollin Meadows @ MHC: 6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 4:45. Warmups @ 5:00. Set up volunteers arrive 4:30 (if possible) Other volunteers arrive NLT 5:30 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).
    • SO MANY volunteer slots left! We know it is hard on Mondays (especially with school still in session) Thanks to those who have already signed up. We still need: 1 Stroke and Turn judge for B shift (must be NVSL trained last year or this year), 1 Marshal for B shift, Assistant Clerk of Course for both shifts, LOTS MORE Concessions help (like lots), 2 more people for Data (no experience necessary), 2 more runners for B shift (more runners=faster meet, no actual running necessary), and at least 2 more people to help with set up. Sign up HERE!
    • Swimmers: NOTE that although SwimTopia might indicate meet entries are closed, this is just for data management. Undeclared/un-entered swimmers may absolutely still swim! Let a rep know, or just arrive & coaches can write you in.
    • Suggested pack list: team suit, or green or black suit; team cap (NO caps with other team logos allowed); 2 towels; healthy snacks & lots of water; sunscreen, optional hat/sunglasses; card games or travel activities; spirit wear & green accessories.
    • Once the meet begins, swimmers must stick to the team area so they don't miss an event or slow the meet down. This is a safety issue. Parents if your kid comes to find you, make sure they told a coach where they are and then return them to the team area ASAP. Oh hey, this one’s important so we’ll say it again: Swimmers, stick to the team area! Let a coach know if you leave!
    • Swimmers can leave the meet when they are finished swimming. HOWEVER, please let a coach know you are leaving before you go.
    • Leave cell phones/electronics/valuables at home, or keep them secured inside your bags. We cannot be responsible for any valuables in the team area.
    • Concessions will be open! Please visit and eat. Please be sure that your swimmers save candy or soda for AFTER they finish swimming. Please also be sure to send your swimmer back to the team area to eat.
    • One more note about the team area: Parents must NOT be in the team area unless they have signed up on the volunteer slot for a “team parent” if you want to help out! Otherwise please keep your kids in and yourself out! (It is a crowd control and safety issue).
    • Safety note: Photos and videos are NOT ALLOWED behind the start (so behind the timers or at the far end of the pool in the 25m events). Please move to the side to take photos and videos. It’s a better view anyway!

Pep Rally

  • June 14: Pep Rally: Wild West!, 6-8pm.
  • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
  • Last Name A-H (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
  • Last Name I-O (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
  • Last Name P-Z (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
  • Dress in your finest western wear! Come eat, play games, participate in the costume contest, and bond with the team! Everyone (including LPs) welcome! This is not just for A meet swimmers!
  • We will also be decorating cars for the caravan to the A meet!
  • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.
  • Clean up!! Please be sure that your swimmers clean up after themselves and that you do as well. It is not the lifeguards’ job to clean up after us. If you don’t clean up we will not be able to continue to have these fun events!

A Meet

  • June 15: A Meet #1 vs. Villa Gorillas @ Villa Aquatic: Caravan from MHC exact time tbd but around 7:00am. Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Please mark availability now and no later than Tuesday. Watch your email on Thursday for a notice of whether/what your swimmer may be swimming! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.

WEEK 4: June 17 – June 22

Practice:

Morning Practices

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we will assign to groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Afternoon Practices

  • Tuesday-Thursday: All ages EXCEPT LPs. 5:00-6:00pm
  • Sign-up on Swimtopia and update there if you cannot come. Please do not just no-show
  • No coaches in the water at these practices, so plan accordingly based on your swimmer(s) skill level.
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B MEET

  • June 17 -B Meet #2 vs Riverside Gardens @MHC: 5pm warmups. Information to come. Mark availability HERE.
    • Wear green and white and come ready to cheer and help.
    • Warm-ups at 5:00pm, meet starts at 6:00pm
    • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY and select swimmer events as soon as possible! Same link, different meet, super easy. This is the single most significant thing you can do to support reps & coaches – thanks in advance! 😊
    • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. Basically, ditto. Meets don’t happen without volunteers.
    • Not sure what to bring or what your swimmer needs? Check Meets 101 on SwimTopia! Lots of great info there.
  • June 18- Team Pictures! Brush your teeth and comb your hair! We will need a few parents to assist the photographer. She typically offers a discount so sign up early on Swimtopia to help! No practice after photos.
  • June 21 - Pep Rally: Disney! @ 6pm. Potluck. Information to come.
  • June 22 - A Meet #2 vs. Lakeview @ MHC: 8am warmups. Select swimmers only. Please mark availability now! Details next week.

REMINDERS AND YOUR TO-DO LIST! Lucky you, we make it easy. All you have to do is…

  • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY if you haven’t already. Help us out and click here now to mark swimmer availability for future meets. No answer = not available = not swimming. (For A meets and relays. B meets can just show up!)
  • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. Like what you did at Time Trials? Awesome, do it again! Want to try a different volunteer post? Also awesome – check out descriptions right here.
  • Pool use before 11am when the pool opens: Kids are NOT ALLOWED in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. No kids or adults in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. This includes lap swimming for adults. No exceptions. There are no lifeguards and we could be significantly fined by the county. Kids 6 and under can swim in the baby pool ONLY with direct parent supervision.
  • Get familiar with the SwimTopia website! Chances are, answers and clarifications can be found there—swim meets 101, volunteer job descriptions, pep rally descriptions, full season calendar, team handbook. Don’t see it there? Let us know – we’re always revising.

This is important so we will say it again: Post-Event Clean-Up: Whether it's an A Meet, a B Meet, a Pep Rally, or a team breakfast and whether you stay till the end or leave as your swimmer is finished, PLEASE REMEMBER:

  • How we leave our team area/the pavilion is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
  • Clean up is our responsibility and not that of the lifeguards. This goes for all swim team events. Please be respectful.

We’re loving the chance to get to know new families and reconnect with returning swimmers. Thanks for making it fun so far! 

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      WEEK 2: June 3 – June 9

      AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES continue Monday – Friday, same schedule:

        • 13+up: 4:00 – 5:00pm
        • 9–12: 5:00 – 6:00pm
        • 8+under: 5:45 – 6:30pm
        • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

        Wednesday June 5, 7:00pm: Little Piranha parent meeting on the back deck. You’ve got questions! We’ve got answers! If you have a LP, we will see you there.

        Thursday June 6, 5:45pm: Little Piranha evaluations during 8 and under practice. This is for swimmers who have not already been evaluated. If you brought your swimmer to the evaluations at GW Rec Center and received a placement email from us you do not need to have them evaluated again!

        Friday June 7, 6:30pm: PEP RALLY: Break out the costuming and accessories and WEAR GREEN because it’s the GREEN OUT Piranha Pep Rally night!! Open to all swimmers and families (LPs too!), so Piranha up and show us your green.

        • 6:30-8:00 at MHC (immediately after practice for 8 and unders)
        • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
        • Last Name A-H (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
        • Last Name I-O (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
        • Last Name P-Z (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
        • Dress in your finest Piranha gear! Come learn (or recall) all our team cheers and bond with the team! LPs welcome!
        • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.
        • Saturday June 8: TIME TRIALS @ MHC: The first official meet of the season, but without the involvement of another team – it’s a low-pressure event with a big function. This is where swimmers get an official time for each event they are legal to swim, which coaches use to seed meets. We still need LOTS of volunteers. So please sign up. We promise it’s more fun than you think!

          • Set-up volunteers arrive: 7:00 am
          • Swimmers arrive: 7:45am for warm ups at 8:00am
          • All other volunteers: no later than 8:00am
          • Bring: suit, goggles, cap (bring 2 if you have them!), towel,
          • We will be selling concessions so be sure to stop by. Remember that your swimmer should avoid soda or candy before swimming. Stick to light, easy to digest food before swimming.
          • Sport Fair will be back starting at approximately 7:30 with team suits and other gear for sale.
          • We will also have extra MHC silicone caps for sale ($10 each) and previous season t-shirts for sale ($5 each) at concessions.
        • REMINDERS

          • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY and select swimmer events as soon as possible! Like, right after you read this email😊. Help us out and click here now to mark availability. Not sure what your swimmer should swim? Don't worry. Coaches will approve strokes so kids aren't overwhelmed.
          • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. As with dual meets, Time Trials requires full official and volunteer staffing, including concessions. Please note that for Time Trials, we need to cover everything ourselves! That means double the volunteers of a normal dual meet. If you just got trained in a new job, this is a great opportunity to try it out. So please help.
          • Pro tip: You can mark swimmer and volunteer availability for the entire season in one sitting, which reps & coaches love.
          • Team suits: Sport Fair will be at MHC during time trials (~7:30-8:45) with team suits and practice suits plus gear like goggles for sale.
          • Team t-shirts: We expect that team t-shirts will arrive early this week and will let you know when they are ready for pickup.
          • Post-Event Clean-Up: Whether it's an A Meet, a B Meet, a Pep Rally, or a team breakfast and whether you stay till the end or leave as your swimmer is finished, PLEASE REMEMBER:
            • How we leave our team area is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
            • Clean up is our responsibility and not that of the lifeguards. This goes for all swim team events. Please be respectful.
          • Watch for the week 3-week 4 email which will include time trial results and our first ladder of the season!

          WEEK 3: June 10 – June 15

          Practice:

          AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES continue Tuesday – Wednesday, same schedule (no practice Monday due to B meet.)

          Morning Practices and LPs start Thursday June 13

          • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
          • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
          • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30am
          • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30am OR 10:30-11:00am (we will assign to groups – please come for 10:00am for the first practice)
          • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

          B MEET

          Monday, June 10: B MEET #1: MHC vs. HOLLIN MEADOWs (at MHC)

          • Wear green and white and come ready to cheer or help.
          • Warm-ups at 5:00pm, meet starts at 6:00pm
          • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY and select swimmer events as soon as possible! Same link, different meet, super easy. This is the single most significant thing you can do to support reps & coaches – thanks in advance! 😊
          • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. Basically, ditto. Meets don’t happen without volunteers. This is a home meet so we need your help in more spots!
          • Not sure what to bring or what your swimmer needs? Check Meets 101 on SwimTopia! Lots of great info there. Can’t find it? Ask a veteran parent or a team rep. We love to help!

          Friday June 14: PEP RALLY: Details to come next week!

          Saturday June 15: A MEET #1 MHC vs. Villa Gorillas (at Villa Aquatic). Select swimmers only. Please mark availability now! Details next week.

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Weeks #1 and 2

THIS WEEK ON THE

MANSION HOUSE SWIM TEAM

2024 SWIM SCHEDULE

Week #1

May 27 - 3-5pm Meet the Coaches and purchase team swimsuits and gear (Sport Fair will be at the pool with suits, goggles, and fins for sale)

5pm – Parent Meeting on back deck (behind the tetherball)

May 28 - After School Practices Begin: Tuesday-Friday

13&Up: 4-5pm

9-12yo:5-6pm

8&Under: 5:45-6:30pm

May 28-30 – Gear swap (free!) and vintage t-shirt sale ($5 each cash only) – during practices 4:30-6:30 (approx.)

June 1 – Officials training: NVSLU Fairfax County Government Center 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035. The NVSL will be holding a whole slew of officials training clinics. If you are willing and available, you can get trained as an on-deck official, data coordinator, etc. All details are available at https://www.mynvsl.com/.

Week #2 -

June 3-7 - After School Practices Continue: Monday-Friday

13&Up: 4-5pm

9-12yo:5-6pm

8&Under: 5:45-6:30pm

June 7 – Green Out Pep Rally: @ 6:30pm

June 8 - Time Trials @ Mansion House at 8:30am

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Parent Meeting on Monday!

Happy Memorial Day weekend! Reminder that Sport Fair will be at MHC from 3-5 pm on Monday selling suits and gear. Coaches will be available to say hi and chat starting at 4pm. The parent meeting will be at 5pm on the back deck. Please check your email for the first weekly update this weekend! Here we goooooo!

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Officials Training Information

2024 NVSL Clinic Schedule (Note that training is required a minimum of every 2 years for Ref, Starter, and Stroke and Turn. Other trainings (Hytek, Chief Timer, Table Admin might be helpful and are encouraged but are NOT required!)

ALL CLINICS START ON TIME, RAIN OR SHINE. NO COST FOR THE CLINICS AND NO REGISTRATION FOR THE IN-PERSON CLINICS IS NECESSARY. IF YOU ARRIVE MORE THAN 10 MINUTES LATE FOR A CERTIFICATION CLINIC OR DEPART BEFORE ITS CONCLUSION, YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE CREDIT FOR ATTENDING. 

New Referee, Referee/Starter, New Starter, and Stroke & Turn Clinics are 2 hours in length. 

Please check mynvsl.com for any changes in schedule 

Sat, May 18th - 8-10AM 

• New Referee* @ Village West – new location

• New Starter* @ Great Falls 

*New Referee and New Starter clinics are only for those new to the position and cannot be used to recertify. 

Sun, May 19th - 8-10AM 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ High Point Pool 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Hayfield Farm 

Weds, May 22nd - 7-9PM 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ Rolling Valley 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ Stratford 

Saturday, June 1st – 8AM-1PM 

NVSLU @ Fairfax County Govt Center 12000 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035. 

**We will have volunteers in the lobby to direct you to the correct rooms for your clinics. 

• NEW Referee Only* @ 8AM 

• NEW Starter Only* @ 8AM 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ 8AM 

• Stroke and Turn (New and Recert) @ 10:30AM 

• Chief Timer Clinic @ 8:30AM 

• Hy-Tek @ 8AM 

• Table Admin @ 10:30AM 

*New Referee and New Starter clinics are only for those new to the position and cannot be used to recertify. 

Wednesday, June 5th - 7PM 

• Referee/Starter Recertification (Virtual)** 

Sun, Jun 9 

S&T Clinics 8-10AM • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Little Hunting Park 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Kings Ridge 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Sully Station II 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Wakefield Chapel Tuesday, June 11th - 7PM 

• Stroke and Turn Recertification (Virtual)** Wednesday, June 12th - 7PM 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn @ Sully Station 

**Virtual recertification clinics are for officials who have been certified in the position for a minimum of 5 years. 

Registration links will be sent to Team Reps and posted on MyNVSL.com by May 1st. Please contact [email protected] with questions.

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Volunteers Needed!

Hello Piranha families!! 

Summer swim is RIGHT around the corner (we can't believe it either) and as always we need YOU! We have some key volunteer positions that are currently vacant or have limited volunteers. None of these jobs require experience and only a few require formal training, but ALL of them are necessary to have a fun and safe summer. Please see below for jobs we need someone to step up for ASAP (responsibilities won't start until the season does, but your swim reps will sleep better):

Concessions manager

This is a MUST FILL job. Our former concessions manager no longer has swimmers on the team. If we don't fill this one there will be nothing but bagged chips and Gatorade at the meets (no, really. We can't be team reps and concessions managers). We have a number of people willing to help and work the stand at meets, but we need someone willing to take charge of planning and purchasing food for home meets. This can be one or two people who are willing to split the job and work independently with a budget provided by the swim reps. You do NOT need to spend your own money in this job.

Assistant Chief Timer

Our previous assistant chief timer is now a swim rep so we need to fill her spot! This job is lots of fun and we will train you! Previous experience as a timer is helpful but not 100% necessary. Our Chief Timer will work with you so that meets are covered so neither one of you has to be chief or assistant chief at every meet.

Stroke and Turn

Our numbers of qualified S&T judges seem to dwindle every year as swimmers (and their parents) age out. The more qualified judges we have, the less we have to ask them to volunteer. See PDF in the post below or www.mynvsl.com for training dates. Qualified previously? Great! Please remember you need to requalify every 2 years. Can't remember when you last went? Ask! We know!

Starter

Similar to S&T, our starters tend to have older kids who age out so we always need more! The more qualified people we have the fewer meets they will have to work. See PDF in the post below or www.mynvsl.com for training dates. Qualified previously? Great! Please remember you need to requalify every 2 years. Can't remember when you last went? Ask! We know!

Thanks in advance. We can't run meets without you!

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Register NOW for Summer Swim 2024!

It’s time Piranha People!! Registration for the MHC Swim Team 2024 season is OPEN! Register your swimmers HERE no later than 11:59 pm on April 30 to save $25 and get a personalized cap. Please use the discount code EARLY to save $25. (Good until 11:59 pm April 30, 2024.) (Any swimmers registered after April 30 will get a non-personalized cap while supplies last.) Registration for MHC Swim Team is on our SwimTopia site NOT the main MHC site.

Please note that you must be MHC members (or lessors) in good standing in order to register your child(ren) for swim team. This is an NVSL requirement and cannot be waived.

FAQs:

Age: swimmers must be between the ages of 4 and 18 as of June 1, 2024. (PLEASE NOTE: swim team is not a learn-to-swim program. If you have a young swimmer/little piranha we will conduct an evaluation to be sure they can be safe in the water. Evaluations will be held Sunday, May 19 during Polar Piranha Practice (details to come).)

Practice: After-school practices begin on 5/28/24 (see times on SwimTopia website); Morning practices begin on 6/13/24. (Start dates and times for LPs are TBD. Likely to begin on 6/13/24 in the morning.)

Cost: Please note that these are the costs as of 5/1/24. Register HERE before that (with code EARLY entered at checkout) to get $25 off your first swimmer!

First swimmer: $205

Second swimmer: $105

Third swimmer: $80

Fourth (and subsequent) swimmer: $55

Family maximum: $450

Summer’s coming. Can’t wait to see you on deck! Eat ’em up Piranhas!

Questions? Contact the Mansion House Swim Reps at

[email protected]

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NEW! MHC Spring Tune Up!

New this Spring! Do you want to get your swimmer(s) back into the pool a little sooner to get ready for summer? Hoping to get legal in a new stroke or just back in the swing of it? Join us at GW Rec Center on Sunday evenings from 7pm-8pm, April 7-May 19 (no swim on May 12). Click HERE to register. Only 15 spots available so register now and get a head start on your summer season!

***NOTE: Current Polar Piranhas DO NOT need to reregister

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Save the Date!

NVSLU Officials Training will be on Saturday June 1 from 8am-1pm (sessions will generally be only 1 hour each. You won't need to be there the whole day!). More information about exact sessions and times to come.

We especially need more starters and stroke and turn judges. Please consider getting certified! We cannot run meets without officials! 

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We're Hiring! APPLICATIONS CLOSED

***Applications are closed. Junior Coaches for the Summer 2024 Season will be announced soon!

Calling all junior coaches! MHC Swim Team is hiring for the 2024 Summer Swim Season! We are seeking applicants for Junior Coaches for the 2024 season. Send your application to [email protected]. Applications are due NO LATER THAN 11:59 pm March 17, 2024. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this deadline.

REQUIREMENTS:

Age 15+ by 5/28/24

Lifeguard Certified by 5/28/24 (if you are registered for a class this Spring, please include date of class in your application)

Member of the Swim Team by 5/28/24.

Check your email for application forms. Didn't get one? Email us!

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Begin Summer 2024

Hey there! Any posts below here are from a PREVIOUS SEASON and are out of date! Please look above or to the right for up to date information. Thanks!

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Calling Junior Coach Applicants!

MHC Swim Team is accepting applications for Junior Coaches for our Winter Swim Program! Applicants must be 15 years old or older prior to the first practice on September 10, 2023. Applications are due NO LATER THAN 11:59 pm on September 3, 2023. Please send applications electronically to [email protected].

Practices will be on Sunday evenings from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the GW Rec Center. Junior coaches should expect to be in the water with swimmers at each practice. Practices run each Sunday starting on September 10, 2023 until May 19, 2023. (no practice on the following dates: 11/26, 12/24, 12/31, 2/11, 3/31, and 5/12). Coaches will likely not work every Sunday.

Swimmers who are currently 14 and hoping to coach next summer season are HIGHLY encouraged to volunteer as helpers for our youngest swimmers to gain experience. We expect many applicants for Junior Coach next summer and will be prioritizing experience and demonstrated effort to gain experience. Similarly, 15-year-olds who plan to apply next year are highly encouraged to apply to coach for the winter. (*Please note that a lifeguard certification is not required for junior coaches for winter swim but WILL be required for junior coaches next summer). Experience is key to successful coaching!

Questions? Have a 14-year-old who wants to volunteer? Let us know!

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Polar Piranha Registration is Open!

Polar Piranha registration for the 2023-24 winter season is open! Polar Piranhas will meet from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the GW Rec Center starting on September 10, 2023. (We know this is not everyone's first choice of time, but it is what we were assigned). Registration will remain open until we reach 50 swimmers and then we will move to a waitlist. We will begin accepting coach applications in about a week and a half. If you have an older swimmer (15+) who is interested, please encourage them to apply. We will also consider volunteer coaching spots for swimmers who are currently 14 but will be 15 by next summer and are hoping to get some coaching experience. Information about no swim dates to come. Questions? You know where to find us!

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CONGRATULATIONS Individual All-Stars!

Congratulations to the four swimmers who are heading to Individual All Stars this Saturday, July 29:

  • Norah Dominski: 10&under IM and 9-10 Breaststroke
  • Lally Mikulski: 13-14 IM and 13-14 Breaststroke
  • David Ungureanu: 13-14 Freestyle
  • Stassi Pinedo: 8&under Breaststroke

We are so proud of your accomplishments! Go HOUSE!

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Week 8

WEEK 8

  • July 17: Fort Hunt IM Invitational, 5:00, Hayfield Farm Swim Club.
    • Select swimmers see targeted email
  • July 18: Fun Day and Pancake Breakfast
    • Send your swimmer with their favorite pancake topping, we supply the rest! 
    • As always, volunteers needed and welcome! 
  • July 18: Last day of practice for non-Divisionals swimmers 
  • July 19: Last day for photos for swim banquet slide show.
  • July 19: Applications for NCAP partial scholarships due.
  • July 19-20: Divisionals notifications.
  • July 22: Divisionals!! Truro Homes Association Pool, 4146 Elizabeth Lane, Annandale, 8:00 – 3:00.
  • July 22: Swim Team Banquet and Awards, 6:00 – 10:00. 
    • Bring or wear swimsuit & towel — the pool will be open for night swimming after the conclusion of the slide show.


NOTE that there are no afternoon practices this week
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Weeks 7 & 8

WEEK 7: July 10 – July 16

  • July 10: our last B meet @ Waynewood
    • 1027 Dalebrook Drive, Alexandria 22308
    • Swimmers and volunteersarrive NLT 5:10.
    • Event order: IM, Butterfly, Free, Back, Breast. 
  • July 11: Ice Cream Social! Team breakfast after each age-group practice.
    • Swim Team will supply vanilla ice cream.
    • Swimmers, plan to bring a favorite topping 
  • July 11 & 13: Optional afternoon practice, 5:00pm. 
  • July 12: All-Star Relay Carnival, Hamlet 
    • All-star relay swimmers - CONGRATS! David Ungureanu, Barnaby Lant, Jim VanZandt, Jack Dominski, and Ryan Carrado - we are so proud! 
  • July 13: Lollipop Invitational Mini Meet, 8&under and Little Piranhas, 9:00 am.
    • The meet will be staffed by swimmers ages 9+up. Official uniform (blue shorts/skirt, white top) encouraged! 
    • Arrive: 8:30, ALL AGE GROUPS (13+ should come at their regular practice time of 7:30 and plan to stay and help with the meet).
  • July 14: Pep Rally: DECADES!! @ 6pm.
    • 13-18 50s; 11-12 00s; 9-10 80s; 8 and under 70s; LPs 90s; Coaches 60s
    • A-I (last name): Side dish
    • J-P: Dessert
    • Q-Z: Main
  • July 15: Final A Meet @ Holmes Run, 9:00. .
  • July 16: Swim Team Prom, ages 13+ only (Swimmers must be swimming as a 13-14 or 15-18 this summer to attend), 6:00 – 9:00
    • Theme: TROPICAL. 
    • Attire: Semi-formal or thrift-store chic. Accessories: Swimsuit & towel. 

WEEK 8: July 17 – July 23

  • July 17: Fort Hunt IM Invitational @ Hayfield Farm, 5:00. Select swimmers.
  • July 18: Fun Day and Pancake Breakfast, after age-group practices. Volunteers: bring your griddle and cook up some hot cakes for hungry kids! Swimmers: You provide the toppings. Details to come!
  • July 18: Last day of practice for non Divisionals swimmers. Divisionals swimmers meet with Coaches to choose strokes.
  • July 19-21 Divisionals swimmers' practice. Practice continues for those swimmers who have qualified for Divisionals. Regular age group practice times.
  • July 22: Divisionals @ Truro, 8:00 – 3:00 (approx). Select swimmers only
  • July 22: End of Season Awards Banquet @ MHC, 6:00 – 9:00.
    • All swimmers, siblings, and families welcome!
    • A kid-friendly buffet dinner & dessert will be provided.
    • Please RSVP via SwimTopia and indicate number of attendees, so we can accurately estimate food.
    • Join us for awards, camaraderie, and the legendary MHC Swim Slide Show! We promise to give you the happy cries.
    • Have photos to include? Yes please! See weekly email for shared Google Drive link
    • Attire: Beachy casual / picnic chic / sundress & birks

UPDATES and REMINDERS

  • Post-Meet Clean-Up: How we leave our team area is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS AND SPECTATORS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
  • PiranhaThon: Congratulations and THANK YOU, Piranha Nation, for raising $1,800 for the Tourette Association of America to help fund research and awareness campaigns.
  • Team Photos: If you had photos taken of your swimmer and have not received an email from Briar Creek Photography, reach out to [email protected].
  • Mark SWIMMER and VOLUNTEER availability as always, thanks!
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Weeks 6 & 7

Week 6: July 3 - July 9

  • July 3: B Meet vs. Highland Park @ MHC
    • Swimmers arrive 4:30
    • Set-up volunteers at 4:30; all other A shift workers 5:00; B shift workers 7:15
    • Little Piranha Kickboard Races! Swimmers arrive NLT 5:15, races start 5:40
  • July 4: The Annual PiranhaThon! 9:00 –11:00.
    • This is an optional, all-family event that is geared toward fun & fitness along with charitable support.
    • See PiranhaThon email or talk to a rep for details and more information.
    • A donation of any amount (online preferred; cash or check accepted) is required to participate.
  • July 4: Mansion House Family Celebration, 12:00 – 4:00. Live music, obstacle course, food & ice cream trucks, beer and hot dogs, belly flop contest, and more.
  • July 5 & 6: Optional/make-up Afternoon Practice, 5:00 – 6:00.
  • July 7: Pep Rally: TROPICAL!!@ 6pm. Potluck by last name:
    • A - I: Dessert
    • J - P: Main dish
    • Q - Z: Side dish
  • July 8: A Meet vs. Waynewood @ MHC, 9am.
    • Senior recognition day!

WEEK 7: July 10 – July 16

  • July 10: B Meet @ Waynewood.
  • July 11: Ice Cream for Breakfast! Team supplies the ice cream, you bring your favorite toppings!
  • July 11 & 13: Optional/make-up Afternoon Practice, 5:00 – 6:00.
  • July 12: NVSL All-Star Relay Carnival.
  • July 13: Lollipop Meet, 9:00.
  • July 13: Last Day for Little Piranhas!
  • July 14: Pep Rally: DECADES! @ 6pm.
  • July 15: A Meet @ Holmes Run Acres, 9am.
  • July 16: Swim Prom, 6:00. Ages 13+ exclusively. Detailed info for eligible swimmers to come via targeted email.
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Weeks 5 & 6

WEEK 5: June 26 – July 2

  • Monday, June 26: B Meet vs. Hayfield @ MHC, including LP kickboard races
    • Swimmers & volunteers arrive 4:45
    • Set-up crew arrive 4:00
    • LPs arrive 5:20, races at 5:40
  • Tuesday, June 27: Bagels team breakfast & Penny Dive after each age group practice
  • Tuesday/Thursday, June 27/29: Optional/Make-up afternoon practice: 5:00-6:00.
  • Wednesday, June 28: Divisional Relay Carnival @ Fox Hunt
    • Swimmers & volunteers arrive 5:00
    • Bring chairs/mats + bug spray for swimmers
  • Thursday, June 29: Team Picture day
    • All swimmers arrive @ 7:00
    • No practice after; stay for optional mini clinics on starts, turns, finishes
  • Friday, June 30: DISNEY Pep Rally, 6:00
    • Last names A – I: main dish
    • Last names J – R: side dish
    • Last names S – Z: dessert
  • Saturday, July 1: A Meet vs. Truro Homes @ MHC

WEEK 6: July 3 – July 9

  • Monday, July 3: B Meet vs. Highland Park @ MHC: 6pm. Info to come.
    • Little Piranhas: It’s time for KICKBOARD RACES! Held before the meet start. More info to come.
  • Monday, July 3: B Meet vs. Highland Park @ MHC including LP kickboard races
  • Tuesday, July 4: Piranhathon charitable fundraiser Info to come
  • Thursday, July 6: Optional/Make-up afternoon practice: 5:00-6:00.
  • Friday, July 7: TROPICAL Pep Rally
  • Saturday, July 8: A Meet vs. Waynewood @ MHC

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Weeks 4 & 5

WEEK 4: June 19 – 25

MORNING PRACTICES and LITTLE PIRANHAS begin:

  • 13+up: 7:30 –9:00
  • 9–12: 8:45 –10:00
  • 8+under: 9:45 – 10:45
  • Little Piranhas: 10:45 –11:30

June 19:B Meet #2 @ Riverside Gardens: 8633 Buckboard Dr.

  • 6pm. Warm-ups: 5:25. Swimmers and Volunteers arrive no later than 5:10

June 20-Team Breakfast #1 (donuts) & Penny Dive after each age group practice

  • Feel free to bring fruit or juice/sports drink to share per age group

June 20 and 22: Potomac Marlins Technique Clinic, 11:00: for swimmers ages 9&up

June 20, 22: Optional/Make-up afternoon practice, 5:00-6:00. For swimmers who are in 8 and under practice groups and up. No LPs please!

June 21: Fort Hunt Sportsman Relay Carnival: 6pm, Stratford Landing pool, 2300 Brinitzer Way

  • Swimmers & volunteers arrive 5:00. Warm-ups 5:20
  • Carpool if you can! This is a big event with multiple teams attending, and street parking is the plan.

June 23: Pep Rally: PIRATES, aaaargh!! Potluck as usual

  • 6pm. All swimmers & families encouraged to attend and dress up.
  • Last names A-I: Side dish
  • Last names J-P: Dessert
  • Last names: Q-Z: Main dish

June 24: A Meet #2 @ Fox Hunt: 9am. Info to come


WEEK 5: June 26 – July 1

June 26: B Meet #3 vs. Hayfield Farm @ MHC: 6pm

  • Little Piranhas: It’s time for KICKBOARD RACES! Held before the meet start. More info to come.

June 28: Divisional Relay Carnivals: 4pm. Selected swimmers only. Please mark availability ASAP. 

June 29: Team Picture Day! 7am-8am. Team suits preferred! 

June 30: Pep Rally #3: D I S N E Y: 6pm

July 1: A Meet #3 vs. Truro @ MHC: 9am

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Picture Day 2023 is June 29!

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Weeks 3 & 4

Keep checking here for schedule, updates, and upcoming events, and remember to click the Schedule table above to mark swimmer and volunteer availability for the coming weeks.


WEEK 3 (June 12–18):

June 12, 6:30: B Meet #1 @ Hollin Meadows

  • Warm-ups 5:40
  • Volunteers 5:50
  • Address: 2500 Woodlawn Trail, Alex VA 22306

After school practices continue T–F (no LPs till June 19)

  • 13 & up: 4:00 – 5:00
  • 9 – 12: 5:00 – 6:00
  • 8 & under: 5:45 – 6:30

June 16, 6:30: the SUPERHERO Pep Rally!! (Villains too!)

  • June 17, 8:00: A Meet #1 @ MHC vs Great Falls
    • Warm-ups 8:00; Volunteers 8:00 (set up 7:30)
    • Mark swimmer & volunteer availability and check email or SwimTopia for details

WEEK 4 (June 19–25):

MORNING PRACTICES and LITTLE PIRANHAS begin 6/19:

  • 13+up: 7:30 – 9:00
  • 9–12: 8:45 –10:00
  • 8+under: 9:45 – 10:45
  • Little Piranhas: 10:45 –11:30

June 19 - B Meet #2 @ Riverside Gardens: 6pm

June 20 - Team Breakfast. Details to come. Volunteers needed!

June 21 - Fort Hunt Sportsmen Relays @ SRA: 5pm

June 23 - Pep Rally: Pirates, Aaargh! @ 6pm (potluck)

June 24 - A Meet #2 @ Fox Hunt: 9am (we will caravan from MHC. Check email for details for invited swimmers)`

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Practice CANCELLED Wednesday, June 7

WIth a heavy heart, we announce that
PRACTICE IS CANCELLED
due to potentially unsafe air quality conditions.

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Weeks 2 & 3

Keep checking here for schedule, updates, and upcoming events and remember to click the Schedule tab above to mark your swimmer and volunteer availability for the weeks to come! 


WEEK 2 (June 5–11):

After school practices continue M–F (no LPs till June 19)
13 & up: 4:00 – 5:00
9 – 12: 5:00 – 6:00
8 & under: 5:45 – 6:30

June 6, 5:45: Little Piranhas make-up evaluations (for those who missed previous evals)
June 6, 7:00: LPs parent info meeting
June 7 thru June 9: T-shirt and cap distribution @ practice
June 9, 6:00: the great big GREEN Pep Rally!! Don’t be shy – you know you want to dress up!
June 10, 8:30: Time Trials @MHC. Marker swimmer & volunteer availability and check email or SwimTopia for details. Team suits for sale from Sport Fair beginning at 9:30


WEEK 3 (June 12–18):

After school practices continue T–F (no Monday practice)
June 12, 5:00 pm warm-ups/6:30 start: B Meet #1, MHC @ Hollin Meadows (away)
June 16, 6:00: SUPERHEROES Pep Rally
June 17, 8:00: A Meet # 1, Great Falls @ MHC (home)


Questions? Click around this website awhile. Can’t find an answer here? Chat with reps or send us an email ([email protected]).


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More Officials Training Dates

Did you miss the first weekend of officials training? Still need to get certified or re-certified? There are still chances to do so! See below or click HERE for more info. You will need to click through the link on the NVSL site for "list of dates/locations" within the post on training. (Also don't forget that we have LOTS of volunteer opportunities that do not require certification. Including data and concessions!!) Thanks in advance for supporting your kids by helping out!

REMEMBER! If you were last certified in 2021 or earlier you MUST get recertified to work an A meet. (For Referee, Starter, and S&T. Referee must have up to date certs in ALL THREE).  Thank you to those of you who have already been to training, but we need more!

Hytek Virtual Clinics (learn to do data! No certification required, but class is helpful. Link to register is on NVSL site. Preregistration is required.)

June 2 6pm-9pm

June 9 6pm-9pm

Go to the NVSL site here to preregister for one of these clinics. Clinics are not required for data but are helpful!

Sunday, June 4th - 8:30-10:30AM 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Fox Mill Woods 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Holmes Run 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Overlee 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Sully Station II 

Wednesday, June 7th - 7PM 

• Referee/Starter Recertification (Virtual)** (Note that virtual is only an option if you have already been certified for a minimum of 5 years)

Sunday, June 11th - 8:30-10:30AM 

• New Referee @ Overlee 

• New Starter @ Stratford 

• Ref/Starter Recertification @ Greenbriar Tuesday, June 13th - 7PM 

• Stroke and Turn Recertification (Virtual)** (Note that virtual is only an option if you have already been certified for a minimum of 5 years)

Wednesday, June 14th - 7PM 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn @ Vienna Woods 

• New/Recertification Stroke and Turn @ Village West 

**Virtual recertification clinics are for officials who have been certified in the position for a minimum of 5 years. 

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Weeks 1 & 2

Piranha Nation, here we GO!

Check here weekly for schedule, updates, and upcoming events. And don't forget to visit the signup calendar under the Schedule tab to mark your swimmer and volunteer availability for the weeks to come!

WEEK 1:

  • May 30 thru June 2: After school practices
    • 13 & up: 4:00 - 5:00
    • 9 - 12: 5:00 - 6:00
    • 8 & under: 5:45 - 6:30
    • Little Piranhas: No practice until June 19
  • May 30 thru June 1: Gear swap, 4:00 - 6:00

WEEK 2:

  • June 5 thru June 9: After school practices continue, same schedule
  • June 10, 8:00 am: Time trials (swimmers in 8 & under age groups and above)
    • Plan to be there (unless your swimmer is a Little Piranha) - this is an important benchmark for all swimmers
    • Sport Fair: Team suits and other equipment for sale beginning at 9:30

Questions? Ask your friendly neighborhood swim reps at practice, or via email at [email protected].

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Almost Time!!

Summer swim is almost here! Less than two weeks until Meet the Coaches (5/29 3-5 pm) and the start of the season. We are so excited and hope you are too!

Reminders for this week (Please read all the way down!):
  • Spirit wear sale closes on FRIDAY MAY 19!! This is a hard deadline so we can take delivery early in the season. Order HERE today!
  • Officials Training starts THIS SATURDAY May 20. We always need more trained officials. Click HERE for information about dates for New Referee, New Starter, New Stroke and Turn and Recertification dates for all of the above. There are also clinics available in June. See the NVSL site linked above for details. Please contact us if you are curious about becoming an official, we really need more volunteers this summer! (Not sure if you need to recertify? Email us and we can tell you!)
  • Want to sit in the shade and help with the data? We promise it isn't as difficult or intimidating as it seems! We really need more people to learn how to enter data during meets. Training is available in person THIS SATURDAY May 20 and virtually within the next few weeks. Can't attend training, but want to help? Training is not required (but it is helpful). Click HERE for more info.
  • We also desperately need a co-chair for concessions! This is a great opportunity to volunteer and split responsibility with 1-2 friends. Our concessions team is retiring after this season and is unavailable for some home meets this season. Please help! Email us at [email protected] if you are willing or just have questions.
  • Little Piranhas Evaluations will be held this Sunday, May 21, at 6pm at the George Washington RecCenter pool. Note that this is different from previous years - the change will allow parents to plan ahead according to where their young swimmers are placed.
  • Finally, if you haven't registered yet, registration is still open!! Click HERE and tell your friends! See you on deck!
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Registration still open!

Registration for summer swim 2023 is still open! Registered swimmers will get non-personalized caps while supplies last. Don't forget that you must be a shareholder or leaseholder in good standing in order to register for the team. Got questions? Email us at [email protected]

Can't wait to see you on deck!

P.S. If you already registered, thanks and see you soon!

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Need new MHC spirit wear? Of course you do!

Check out our NEW MHC spirit wear site HERE! Among other items, we are featuring pajama pants in both adult AND YOUTH sizes! Items from this site will be produced all at once for delivery in mid-June. Order now through May 19. The site will close on May 19 so that we can get the spirit wear before NVSL meets begin. (*Please note that items remain available year-round through our SwimOutlet site, but any orders placed there are separate and would ship to you directly)

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Wanna be a Coach?

Calling all coaches! MHC Swim Team is hiring for the 2023 Summer Swim Season! We are still seeking applications for a Little Piranha Coach (must be 16+ by 5/29/23 and lifeguard certified), and an Assistant Head Coach. Adults and teenagers are eligible for the jobs so reach out if you are interested!

Applicants are welcome to apply for multiple positions. Check your email for application forms. Didn't get one? Email us!

The Little Piranha Coach and Assistant Head Coach do not need to be members if they are over 18 years of age, but preference may be given to members. Come spend your summer at the pool! We can’t wait to work with you!

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Register Now for Summer Swim 2023!

It’s time Piranha People!! Registration for the MHC Swim Team 2023 season is OPEN! Register your swimmers no later than 11:59 pm on April 30 to save $25 and get a personalized cap for each swimmer. Please use the discount code EARLY to save $25. (Good until 11:59 pm April 30, 2023.) (Any swimmers registered after April 30 will get a non-personalized cap while supplies last.) Registration for MHC Swim Team is here on our SwimTopia site NOT the main MHC site.

Please note that you must be a MHC Shareholder (or lessor/renters) in good standing in order to register your child(ren) for swim team. This is an NVSL requirement and cannot be waived.

FAQs:

Age: swimmers must be between the ages of 4 and 18 as of June 1, 2023. (PLEASE NOTE: swim team is not a learn-to-swim program. If you have a young swimmer/little piranha we will conduct an evaluation to be sure they can be safe in the water. Evaluations will be held Sunday, May 21 during Polar Piranha Practice (details to come).)

Practice: After-school practices begin on 5/30/23 (see times on SwimTopia website); Morning practices begin on 6/19/23.

Cost: Please note that these are the costs as of 5/1/23. Register before that (with code EARLY entered at checkout) to get $25 off your first swimmer!

First swimmer: $205

Second swimmer: $105

Third swimmer: $80

Fourth (and subsequent) swimmer: $55

Family maximum: $450

NEW THIS SEASON: Mentor families! Are you new and have lots of questions? Check yes to having a mentor family! Have you been here forever and have lots of knowledge to share? Check yes to BEING a mentor family!

RETURNING THIS SEASON: Our beloved Coach Joel and Potluck Pep Rallies! Get excited y’all!!

Summer’s coming. Can’t wait to see you on deck! Eat ’em up Piranhas!

Questions? Contact the Mansion House Swim Reps at

[email protected]

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Coming Soon!

Watch this space! Coming in the next few weeks we will have:

Applications for Junior Coaches (will be due no later than 11:59 pm 3/31/23 no exceptions!!)

Applications for our NEW position Little Piranhas Assistant Coach (open to those ages 16+; MUST have lifeguard cert and meet other requirements)

Registration for Summer Swim 2023 Opening in March!!

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Training Dates!

Mark your calendars!

NVSL U clinics will be held on May 20, 2023. These are clinics for volunteer jobs that require certification (Referee, Starter, Stroke & Turn). Exact locations and times are tbd. Interested but not sure if you need to be certified? Reach out with questions to [email protected]

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Polar Piranha Update

Please note that we currently have a waitlist for Polar Piranhas! If you are interested in adding your children to the waitlist, please send us an email with their names and ages. We will contact you if space opens up!

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2022 Champs T-shirts!

ICYMI we have MHC 2022 Champs t-shirts for sale! Commemorate our AMAZING summer with t-shirts for the whole family. Shirts come in youth and adult sizes. Check out the shirt here:

Front                                       Back

https://cdn.inksoft.com/UserArt/16943/shirtart_att.net/5796ae73-476b-46ec-9062-d15bf0069e11/MansionHouse_Summer22_Champs_Front.png                  https://cdn.inksoft.com/UserArt/16943/shirtart_att.net/6b77de74-d486-4383-9321-fa8fe88b5d8e/MansionHouse_Summer22_Champs_Back_thumb.png

Sale closes on Aug 31, so don't wait too long! You can either have the shirts shipped directly to you or select "pick up". Team Reps will pick up the bulk order once it comes in (likely about 2 weeks after the sale closes) and we will send another message with times for pick up at MHC.

Questions? You know where to find us. Happy back to school season!

P4L,

Emily, Jeannine, and Jennifer

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WINTER SWIM REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

POLAR PIRANHAS WINTER CONDITIONING

  • What: A once-weekly practice to keep your swimmer's skills alive and feed their love of swim. No meets, no volunteering (!!), just swimming.
  • When: Sundays 6:00pm-7:00pm.
  • Where: The GW Rec Center.
  • Coached by: Our very own Coach Joel + a rotating cohort of Mansion House junior coaches.
  • Starting: Practices begin Sunday September 11 and run almost every Sunday through May 21, 2023.
  • Cost: $395 for the first swimmer per family, $295 for the second swimmer, $245 each for any additional swimmers. (This breaks down to less than $12 a session, which is a steal.)
  • Registration: Open NOW - don't wait! Register here.
  • Size: Space is limited and capped at 50 swimmers (to avoid overcrowding lanes).
  • Membership: Priority will be given to MHC members until September 1. After September 1 we will open registration to non-pool members.
  • Bring: Swimmers need a competition style suit (one piece for girls, ideally jammers for boys but do your best), towel, 2 pairs of goggles, fins, and their own kickboard. EVERY WEEK. We cannot borrow gear from the rec center.
  • Need new gear? Shop here and support the team! Mansion House Club Piranhas - SwimOutlet.com
  • No swim dates: 11/27, 12/25, 1/1, 4/9. We also typically take off for Super Bowl Sunday and Mother's Day.

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Congratulations to our Individual All Stars!

Congratulations and best of luck to our swimmers participating in the Individual All Star meet at Orange Hunt! Marco Perez, Patrick Donovan, Harper Dresch, Parker Canfield, Addy Gillespie, Lally Mikulski, and Molly Lussier we are so proud of you! Have a great meet!!

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Shlesinger Scholarship applications DUE FRIDAY

Calling all aspiring club swimmers! Turn in an application by the end of Friday, 7/15, for a chance at the prestigious Jim Shlesinger Scholarship, which funds one swimmer for a full year of NCAP club swimming

Pro tip: Check your emails for the application & details. 

Applications can be turned in by hand to reps at the Grammys Pep Rally, or simple emailed to [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from your swimmer!

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Picture Day, Thursday 7/14

MHC PICTURE DAY - Thursday July 14 @ 7:30am

Please arrive before 7:30 to get lined up for photos. Wear Mansion House suit if you have one. If you do not have one, please wear a green or black suit. If you do not have that please wear your team tshirt. We need volunteers - please arrive at 7:15am if you are available to help!

Below please find the information provided to us from the photography company Briar Creek Photo - http://www.briarcreekphoto.com/

Mansion House Piranhas ~ 2022 Picture Day

Briar Creek Photography looks forward to returning for your team and individual/sibling photos on Thursday morning July 14.

**7:30 am Dive individuals also on swim team, followed by more dive individuals and Dive Team photo by Photographer #1

**7:30 am Swim individuals/siblings by Photographer #2

**8:00 am Coaches line up Swim Team in height order for team photo followed by remaining individual/siblings photos by two photographers

**9:30 am Tennis team photo, followed by tennis individuals/siblings

You will receive a link to your child’s private gallery of images (individual and/or team photo) within 3 days of our session at your pool. Please add [email protected] to your address book so that our email does not go to your spam folder.

All orders will be placed on-line and mailed to home.

If you place an order for a Package on the opening day of sales, follow the instructions on the Pop-Up to receive one Free Laminated Bag Tag .

One more reminder - Wednesday afternoon swim team practice has been canceled for this week.

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CONGRATULATIONS ALL-STAR RELAY SWIMMERS!

Mansion House Swim Team is SO VERY PROUD to recognize the three relay teams that have qualified for All Star Relays. They will be competing Wednesday, July 13. If you see them, please congratulate them on this fantastic accomplishment!

9-10 Girls Medley Relay:

  • Parker Canfield
  • Norah Dominski
  • Rachel McDonald
  • Harper Dresch

11-12 Girls Freestyle Relay:

  • Remington Hall
  • Sofia Silvester
  • Sarah Pegher
  • Addy Gillespie

13-14 Boys Freestyle Relay:

  • David Ungureanu
  • Oliver Raak
  • Jack Dominski
  • Ryan Carrado
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Week 5: Schedule & Updates

WEEK 5: June 27 – July 3

  • MORNING PRACTICES, same schedule:
    • 13+up: 7:30 –9:00
    • 9–12: 8:45 –10:00
    • 8+under: 9:45 – 10:45
    • Little Piranhas: 10:45 –11:30
  • June 27: B Meet @ Hayfield Farm: 7820 Hayfield Road, Alexandria VA 22305. Arrive @ Hayfield team area: 5:00. Volunteers arrive 5:00. Warm-ups: 5:20. Kickboard races 5:45.
  • June 28: Relay Fun Day & Team Breakfast.
    • 13+up swimmers: Practice at the usual time, then plan to stay till 10:45 if possible.
    • All swimmers ages 12 and younger: Please arrive by 8:45 if possible, stay till 10:45 if you can. If you can’t make it till your regular practice time, we’ll fit you in then!
  • June 28: Potomac Marlins FREE Swim Clinic #2: 11:00. For swimmers ages 9+up. Focus: Breakouts & finishes.
  • June 30: Nation’s Capital (NCAP) FREE Swim Clinic #1: 11:00. For swimmers ages 9+up. Focus: Relays, starts, finishes, dives.
  • July 1: Pep Rally: A M E R I C A N A !! 6pm.
  • July 2: A Meet vs. Shouse Village @ Mansion House: 8am. Selected swimmers.

WEEK 6: July 4 – July 10

  • July 4: Annual Piranha-Thon! 9:00 – 11:00.
  • July 6: Divisional Relay Carnival @ Fox Mill Estates: 5:30.
  • July 8: Pep Rally: DISNEY!!: 6pm.
  • July 9: A Meet @ Rolling Valley: 8am. 
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Week 4: Schedule & Updates

WEEK 4: June 20 – June 26

  • MORNING PRACTICES, same schedule:
    • 13+up: 7:30 –9:00
    • 9–12: 8:45 –10:00
    • 8+under: 9:45 – 10:45
    • Little Piranhas: 10:45 –11:30
  • June 20: B Meet vs. Riverside Gardens @ MHC: 6pm. Warm-ups: 4:45. Volunteers arrive 5:00. 
  • June 21: Team Breakfast & Penny Dive after each age group practice. 
  • June 22: Fort Hunt Sportsman Relay Carnival: 6pm, Stratford Landing pool, 2300 Brinitzer Way. Warm-up times and volunteer times TBD. 
  • June 24: Pep Rally: SUPERHEROES!! 6pm. All swimmers! Come get amped up for Saturday’s A meet and show us how YOU superhero. 
  • June 25: A Meet @ Brookfield: 8am. 

WEEK 5: June 27 – July 2

  • June 27: B Meet vs. Hayfield Farm @ MHC: 6pm. 
  • June 28: The second Potomac Marlins Clinic: 11am. For swimmers ages 9&up. 
  • July 1: Pep Rally: A M E R I C A N A @ 6pm. 
  • July 2: A Meet vs. Shouse Village @ MHC: 8am. 
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Time Trials and B Meet FAQs

Calling all Undeclared Swimmers: Please set availability by NOON Thursday, 6/9, thanks :-)

TIME TRIALS: Saturday

SWIMMERS

  • Arrival Time for Swimmers: 7:45 am.
  • Events Start: 8:30 am.
  • Projected Finish Time: Between 11:30 and 12:00 (hopefully). If they NOTIFY A COACH, swimmers may leave after their last event.
  • Events: All swimmers ages 11+ will swim all events: Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly. Swimmers 10+under will swim as assigned by coaches. No IMS or relays will be held.
  • Team Area: Swimmers should stay in the team area! All coaches will be there to help get swimmers in place. Please encourage your kids to stay in the team area until they are finished swimming for the day (except for snacks & bathroom etc.). Parents: please stay out of the team area as much as possible to reduce crowding & simplify team management
  • Bring: 2 pair of goggles, 1–2 towels, extra dry clothes, healthy snacks (there will be concessions for sale also), full water bottle, swim cap (x2), sunscreen. Recommended: hat, sunglasses.
  • Phones & electronics: None of these in the team area. If a swimmer needs to text/call for a ride etc. after the meet, keep all phones etc. in their bag while in the team area.  Remember, this is a WET event.
  • Label: ALL clothes and gear with your last name.

PARENTS/FAMILIES

  • Set-up: Come early! 7:00 or 7:15/ 
  • Uniform: On-deck volunteers (timers, stroke and turn, clerks of course, marshall, runners, starter, ref) please wear white shirt/tee/tank and navy shorts/skort. No logos or graphics except for NVSL official logo. Hat and sunglasses recommended
  • Still need: Concessions!! Timers!! No training required, both are perfect for parents new to swim team or with younger kids. Sign up here.
  • New to the team? Check the website for meet tips under Parent Resources and Meets.
  • Swimmer attendance: Please indicate right here if your swimmer is coming or not so we can print event cards. LPs are not expected to participate in Time Trials or the B Meet, but please help us out by noting that they won’t come.
  • Deadline: Please sign up for Time Trials by NOON on Thursday. Adjustments can be made if needed.

B Meet: Monday
Hollin Meadows @ MHC (home)

  • Arrival Time for Swimmers: 4:45 @ MHC.
  • Meet Starts: 6:00.
  • Set-Up: 4:15.
  • See above regarding team area. Even more important when another team is here! Help the coaches keep track of your kid by enforcing that kids should stay in the team area or tell a coach when they are leaving.
  • See above for what to bring and what not to bring.
  • Still need lots of volunteers! Please help – sign up here! B meet signups are by first shift and second shift. Have questions? Just ask!
  • Mark your swimmers as available or not – you guessed it, here!! Don’t know how? Ask! We can help!
  • At practice on Friday, the kids and coaches will choose what they will swim on Monday so please try to come to Friday practice!
  • You can leave when your child is finished swimming but LET A COACH KNOW you are leaving so we aren’t panicking when your child is gone!
  • Please park in the farther spots and leave the close by spots for our guests.

Friday Pep Rally

Calling ALL swimmers & families: Come dressed in your best Piranha/Green Gear! Get crazy - wigs, body paint, costumes, props, tattoos - anything goes! Start time 6pm. Bring a picnic dinner and come bond with the team. Learn those legendary team cheers and get psyched for Time Trials - Go House!!

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Week 2: Schedule and Updates

WEEK 2: June 5 – June 12

  • AFTERNOON PRACTICES continue Monday – Friday, same schedule:|
    13+up: 4:00 – 5:00
    9–12: 5:00 – 6:00
    8+under: 5:45 – 6:30
  • June 6 and 7, 5:45: LITTLE PIRANHAS ASSESSMENTS: Bring your little one with goggles, a towel, and ready to swim!.
  • Friday June 10, 6:00: PEP RALLY: Piranha night, babyyyyyy!! Open to all swimmers and families, so Piranha up and show us your green.
  • Saturday June 11, 8:30: TIME TRIALS: This is where swimmers get an official time for each event they are legal to swim, which coaches use to seed meets. Mark SWIMMER availability and VOLUNTEER availability ASAP

WEEK 3: June 13 – June 19

  • MORNING PRACTICES begin 6/13:
    13+up: 7:30 –9:00
    9–12: 8:45 –10:00
    8+under: 9:45 – 10:45
    Little Piranhas: 10:45 –11:30
  • Monday June 13, 6:00: HOME B MEET vs. HOLLIN MEADOWS: You guessed it, mark swimmer & volunteer availability!
  • Wednesday June 14: POTOMAC MARLINS FREE CLINIC: 11:00am. Open to swimmers 9+up. Details to come.
  • Friday June 17, 6:00: PEP RALLY: Colors Theme: Details to come.
  • Saturday June 18, 8:00: AWAY A MEET @ FOX MILL ESTATES: You guessed it, mark swimmer & volunteer availability!
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Week 1: Schedule & updates

WEEK ONE PRACTICE SCHEDULE

Tues - Friday, May 31 - June 3:

  • 13+up: 4:00 - 5:00
  • 9-12: 5:00 - 6:00
  • 8&under: 5:45 - 6:30

REMINDERS & NEWS

  • Registration fees due ASAP
  • Set your swimmer's availability: sign in to SwimTopia, then under the Schedule tab, click Sign-Up Calendar -> Meet Entry
  • Select your volunteer shifts: under the Schedule tab, click Sign-Up Calendar -> Job Signup
  • If you've got 'em, bring 'em: Please have swimmers (of all ages) bring fins and kickboards to practice to help streamline time & equipment management
  • Order your team spirit gear soon for early season arrival: Shop Piranha gear here!
  • Have fun and be awesome!!
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Season Kick-Off coming May 30!

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NVSL Meet Officials Clinic Schedule

The NVSL is happy to announce the 2022 Officials Clinic Schedule. Most clinics will be in person this year. You do not need to pre-register for the in-person clinics

In order to attend the virtual recertification clinics, you must be certified in the position for a minimum of 5 years and registration is required. To register: Virtual Officials Clinic Registration. Please note that we are working on confirming locations for the Hy-Tek, table workers, clerk of course, chief timer and announcer clinics. More details to follow.

Wednesday, May 25th - 7PM

  • Referee/Starter Recertification @ Overlee
  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinics @ Sideburn Run

Saturday, June 4th (NVSLU @ Fairfax County Government Center)

  • Referee/Starter Recertification (8AM)
  • New Starter (10AM)
  • New Referee (10AM)

Wednesday, June 8th - 7PM (VIRTUAL)

  • Stroke and Turn Recertification
  • Referee/Starter Recertification

Sunday, June 12th - 9:30AM

  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Brookfield
  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Hunt Valley
  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinic @ Holmes Run

Sunday, June 12th 9:30AM

  • New Referee @ Long Branch
  • New Starter @ Long Branch

Tuesday, June 14th (VIRTUAL)

  • Referee/Starter Recertification (7PM)

Wednesday, June 15th – 7PM

  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinics @ Stratford
  • New/Recertification Stroke and Turn Clinics @ Vienna Woods
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Register by MAY 15 to skip the late fee

Registration Alert
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_____________________________________________________________________

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Spirit Wear Store is OPEN

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Personalized caps: Register now!

Does your swimmer want a swim cap personalized with their last name this season? Register by APRIL 30 to make it happen! All swimmers are guaranteed a team cap, but the cut-off for personalized caps is SOON. 

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Registration for Summer 2022 is OPEN!

Registration for Summer Swim 2022 is now OPEN! Register by April 29 to get personalized swim caps for this season. A late fee will apply for registrations after May 15. 

Please note! You must be a member (or lessor) of MHC in good standing in order to register your child(ren) for swim team. This is an NVSL rule and cannot be waived.

Cost of Registration

$175 for first swimmer

$70 for second swimmer

$55 for third swimmer

$30 for each subsequent swimmer

Questions? Email us at [email protected]

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Piranha Gear Swap!

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Summer tune up programs!

Piranha families! Are your swimmers looking for a swim tune up before summer? We’ve got you covered! Two of our local club teams (and MHC swim team sponsors) are running summer tune up programs. 

Click the links below for details and how to sign up! 

Potomac Marlins summer tune up programs: https://www.teamunify.com/team/pvpm/page/news/321634/potomac-marlins-summer-prep-programs 

NCAP summer league tune up (with Coach Joel!) https://www.teamunify.com/pvjandm/__doc__/TGIFF2022-%20final.pdf

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Sponsorships are open for 2022!

Interested in being a sponsor for the Piranhas this season? Check out our newly updated sponsorship tab for information!

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Winter Swim 2021

Mansion Swim Team,

Practices are held on Sunday evenings(7 to 8 pm) at the George Washington Rec Center from September 12th, 2020 to May 22nd, 2021.

The following is the list of days we will NOT be practicing on Sundays - Please let us know if you have any questions.

10/31/2021 Halloween
11/28/2021 Thanksgiving Weekend
12/26/2021 Christmas Weekend
1/2/2022 New Years Weekend
2/13/2022 Super Bowl Sunday
4/17/2022 Easter Sunday
5/8/2022 Mothers Day
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Weeks 3 & 4

Happy Sunday, Piranha Nation!!

Congrats on an excellent Time Trials meet! Results and our first ladder are attached! On the results you will see some swimmers with a DQ. Please don’t be discouraged! It is very, very, early in the season and everyone is rusty. Our beloved coaches were watching and taking notes (and will check DQ slips) so they can work with swimmers on specific issues. Most are super easy to fix! That said, we had fun, and we hope swimmers & their families did too 🙂 Lots of info to cover for this week and next, but a couple important things first!

  • Starting with the B meet tomorrow, and for the remainder of the season referees will start enforcing some important rules at meets:
  • Swimmers may not wear athletic tape while they are swimming. If you have questions let us know.
    • Swimmers may not wear caps with logos from other teams. We know that we haven’t gotten this year’s caps out yet (coming this week!). If your swimmer has to wear a cap from another team please turn it inside out.
    • Swimmers may not wear suits that tie, zip, etc.
    • Swimmers generally may not wear shirts (including rash guards) while racing. This applies to boys and girls. If you have a modesty concern, or otherwise, please let us know and we can talk about how to handle that with the NVSL.
    • All of the above are part of the USA Swimming and NVSL rules. We would never want a swimmer to have a great race only to be DQed for a gear violation. We also don’t want swimmers to be shaken or embarrassed by having to change at a meet!
  • WE NEED MORE HELP!! Our concessions team needs more help! We have added extra slots for the B meet tomorrow, but we need people to grill, to take orders, and to take money. This will make the process faster and much more efficient for everyone. We also need more hands to help clean up at concessions. We were there a solid 2 hours after the meet yesterday. Many hands make light work and we need some of yours!
  • On Saturday June 22, we are in need of someone to run the computer at the home A meet. You do not need formal training. But both of our experienced data people are unavailable and we need help! We will teach you what to do. It would be extremely helpful if you can come to the B meet tomorrow and the A meet next Saturday to learn from our experts.
  • Okay now the fun stuff. Please keep reading!

WEEK 3: June 10 – June 15

Practice:

AFTER SCHOOL PRACTICES continue Tuesday – Wednesday, same schedule (no practice Monday due to B meet.)

  • 13+up: 4:00 – 5:00pm
  • 9–12: 5:00 – 6:00pm
  • 8+under: 5:45 – 6:30pm
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Morning Practices and LPs start Thursday June 13

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we will assign to groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B MEET

  • June 10: B Meet #1 vs Hollin Meadows @ MHC: 6:00pm. Swimmers arrive NLT 4:45. Warmups @ 5:00. Set up volunteers arrive 4:30 (if possible) Other volunteers arrive NLT 5:30 (first shift) or 6:45 (second shift).
    • SO MANY volunteer slots left! We know it is hard on Mondays (especially with school still in session) Thanks to those who have already signed up. We still need: 1 Stroke and Turn judge for B shift (must be NVSL trained last year or this year), 1 Marshal for B shift, Assistant Clerk of Course for both shifts, LOTS MORE Concessions help (like lots), 2 more people for Data (no experience necessary), 2 more runners for B shift (more runners=faster meet, no actual running necessary), and at least 2 more people to help with set up. Sign up HERE!
    • Swimmers: NOTE that although SwimTopia might indicate meet entries are closed, this is just for data management. Undeclared/un-entered swimmers may absolutely still swim! Let a rep know, or just arrive & coaches can write you in.
    • Suggested pack list: team suit, or green or black suit; team cap (NO caps with other team logos allowed); 2 towels; healthy snacks & lots of water; sunscreen, optional hat/sunglasses; card games or travel activities; spirit wear & green accessories.
    • Once the meet begins, swimmers must stick to the team area so they don't miss an event or slow the meet down. This is a safety issue. Parents if your kid comes to find you, make sure they told a coach where they are and then return them to the team area ASAP. Oh hey, this one’s important so we’ll say it again: Swimmers, stick to the team area! Let a coach know if you leave!
    • Swimmers can leave the meet when they are finished swimming. HOWEVER, please let a coach know you are leaving before you go.
    • Leave cell phones/electronics/valuables at home, or keep them secured inside your bags. We cannot be responsible for any valuables in the team area.
    • Concessions will be open! Please visit and eat. Please be sure that your swimmers save candy or soda for AFTER they finish swimming. Please also be sure to send your swimmer back to the team area to eat.
    • One more note about the team area: Parents must NOT be in the team area unless they have signed up on the volunteer slot for a “team parent” if you want to help out! Otherwise please keep your kids in and yourself out! (It is a crowd control and safety issue).
    • Safety note: Photos and videos are NOT ALLOWED behind the start (so behind the timers or at the far end of the pool in the 25m events). Please move to the side to take photos and videos. It’s a better view anyway!

Pep Rally

  • June 14: Pep Rally: Wild West!, 6-8pm.
  • Pot Luck Dinner! Bring a dish to share. Bring water or Gatorade for your swimmer(s). Please no soda.
  • Last Name A-H (Side – veggies, fruit, etc)
  • Last Name I-O (Dessert – cookies, brownies, etc)
  • Last Name P-Z (Main – meat, pasta, etc)
  • Dress in your finest western wear! Come eat, play games, participate in the costume contest, and bond with the team! Everyone (including LPs) welcome! This is not just for A meet swimmers!
  • We will also be decorating cars for the caravan to the A meet!
  • Please note that this is NOT a drop off event for swimmers 10 and under. Stick around and meet/mingle with other parents. It makes swim team way more fun.
  • Clean up!! Please be sure that your swimmers clean up after themselves and that you do as well. It is not the lifeguards’ job to clean up after us. If you don’t clean up we will not be able to continue to have these fun events!

A Meet

  • June 15: A Meet #1 vs. Villa Gorillas @ Villa Aquatic: Caravan from MHC exact time tbd but around 7:00am. Selected swimmers only; more information to come as to who is swimming and what you need to know. Please mark availability now and no later than Tuesday. Watch your email on Thursday for a notice of whether/what your swimmer may be swimming! If your swimmer cannot attend (no matter their age group or level, excluding Little Piranhas), please mark that in SwimTopia TODAY.

WEEK 4: June 17 – June 22

Practice:

Morning Practices

  • 13+: 7:30am-9:00am
  • 9-12: 8:45-10:00am
  • 8 and under: 9:45-10:30
  • Little Piranhas: 10:00-10:30 OR 10:30-11:00 (we will assign to groups)
  • Please remember that 8 and under and Little Piranha swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

Afternoon Practices

  • Tuesday-Thursday: All ages EXCEPT LPs. 5:00-6:00pm
  • Sign-up on Swimtopia and update there if you cannot come. Please do not just no-show
  • No coaches in the water at these practices, so plan accordingly based on your swimmer(s) skill level.
  • Please remember that 8 and under swimmers may not be dropped off for practice without a caregiver. Older siblings must be 13+ to qualify as a supervisor for younger siblings. This is for your swimmer(s) safety. For older swimmer(s) please use your judgment about whether you should drop off or stay.

B MEET

  • June 17 -B Meet #2 vs Riverside Gardens @MHC: 5pm warmups. Information to come. Mark availability HERE.
    • Wear green and white and come ready to cheer and help.
    • Warm-ups at 5:00pm, meet starts at 6:00pm
    • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY and select swimmer events as soon as possible! Same link, different meet, super easy. This is the single most significant thing you can do to support reps & coaches – thanks in advance! 😊
    • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. Basically, ditto. Meets don’t happen without volunteers.
    • Not sure what to bring or what your swimmer needs? Check Meets 101 on SwimTopia! Lots of great info there.
  • June 18- Team Pictures! Brush your teeth and comb your hair! We will need a few parents to assist the photographer. She typically offers a discount so sign up early on Swimtopia to help! No practice after photos.
  • June 21 - Pep Rally: Disney! @ 6pm. Potluck. Information to come.
  • June 22 - A Meet #2 vs. Lakeview @ MHC: 8am warmups. Select swimmers only. Please mark availability now! Details next week.

REMINDERS AND YOUR TO-DO LIST! Lucky you, we make it easy. All you have to do is…

  • MARK SWIMMER AVAILABILITY if you haven’t already. Help us out and click here now to mark swimmer availability for future meets. No answer = not available = not swimming. (For A meets and relays. B meets can just show up!)
  • MARK VOLUNTEER AVAILABILITY while you’re there. Like what you did at Time Trials? Awesome, do it again! Want to try a different volunteer post? Also awesome – check out descriptions right here.
  • Pool use before 11am when the pool opens: Kids are NOT ALLOWED in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. No kids or adults in the main pool outside of practice until the pool opens at 11am. This includes lap swimming for adults. No exceptions. There are no lifeguards and we could be significantly fined by the county. Kids 6 and under can swim in the baby pool ONLY with direct parent supervision.
  • Get familiar with the SwimTopia website! Chances are, answers and clarifications can be found there—swim meets 101, volunteer job descriptions, pep rally descriptions, full season calendar, team handbook. Don’t see it there? Let us know – we’re always revising.

This is important so we will say it again: Post-Event Clean-Up: Whether it's an A Meet, a B Meet, a Pep Rally, or a team breakfast and whether you stay till the end or leave as your swimmer is finished, PLEASE REMEMBER:

  • How we leave our team area/the pavilion is a direct reflection of who we are. ALL SWIMMERS should leave their immediate areas free of trash and looking orderly.
  • Clean up is our responsibility and not that of the lifeguards. This goes for all swim team events. Please be respectful.

We’re loving the chance to get to know new families and reconnect with returning swimmers. Thanks for making it fun so far! 

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NVSL           Mansion House Club       USA Swimming


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