Being a Swim Team Parent

Parent Information

  • Support Your Child: Keep things positive—confidence grows with encouragement! The main goal of summer swim team is to have fun.
     
  • Be a Parent, Not a Coach: Please stay off the pool deck during practice unless there's an emergency. Coaches need swimmers’ full attention and must focus on the group as a whole.
     
  • Be On Time: Warm-up is a vital part of every practice session and helps prevent injuries.
     
  • Anticipate Cooler Mornings: Early in the season, mornings can be chilly. If your swimmer struggles with cold water, it may be best to delay participation until conditions improve. Coaches are unable to focus on individual swimmers who are crying or refusing to participate—please stay nearby just in case.
     
  • Volunteering: A successful season depends on you! Each family must volunteer at least twice, including during championships. Families who do not fulfill this commitment will be billed $100.
     
  • Dues: $25 per swimmer, billed through ACAC.
     
  • Fun Fridays: Held after Friday morning practices—these team-bonding activities are a highlight for many swimmers!
     

 

 

Questions

If you have questions for coaches, please wait until after practice so they can give swimmers their full attention.

New to swimming? Other team parents are a great resource—don’t hesitate to ask for help!

 

 

Coaching Staff

  • Natalie DiTullio
     
  • Ross Herman
     
  • Millie Slifer
     
  • Henry Howard
     
  • Callie Ritter
     
  • Dave Ritter
     
  • Carol Shannon
     
  • Will Cortes
     

All communication between swimmers and coaches must include a parent or guardian.

 

 

Communication

 

 

Equipment & Gear

Swimmers must bring the following to every practice:

  • Swim Goggles: One comfortable pair for practice, and a snug pair for races.
     
  • Swimsuit
     
  • Water Bottle
     
  • Swim Fins: Finis Long Floating Fins only (not scuba flippers).

 

Meet Info

  • JV Meets: Tuesday mornings, 8:15 AM–11:00 AM
     
  • Varsity Meets: Wednesday evenings, 4:45 PM–8:30 PM

(Meets last about 3 hours, including warm-up.)
 

JV and Varsity teams will be determined within the first two weeks of practice.

 

 

Important Dates & Requirements

  • Meet Sign-Ups: Log into TeamUnify → Click Events → Select Yes or No by the deadline.
     
  • Picture Day: June 27th at 8am.
     
  • IM and DISTANCE time trials: June 23 and June 26
     
  • Suits: Available at Toad Hollow Athletics (Paoli) or online at SwimOutlet.
     
  • Banquet: July 20 at 5pm.
     
  • Volunteering: Each family must sign up for at least 2 volunteer jobs at regular meets and championships.