Pre-Team (aka Mini Dolphins)
Can you hear those cheers for our littlest Dolphins?
The "Mini Dolphins" is a developmental swimming group of the Tilden Woods Swim Team (TWST) for young children usually between 5 - 8 years old who are comfortable in the water but are not quite ready to practice with the main swim team. Pre-Teamers are an important part of the Tilden Woods Swim Team. In this group, children learn the basic fundamentals of swimming technique, a love for swimming, and being part of a team.
The Mini Dolphins are the future of the TWST and are considered members of the team. They are eligible to participate in all swim team activities, including Friday Activities with the coaches, pep rallies, talent show, pasta dinner, team banquet, etc. Older members of the team look back fondly on their Pre-Team days and truly enjoy helping the coaches with the Mini Dolphins.
In 1972, Catherine Ellett and the TWST started the tradition of a “Mini Meet” for 5, 6, and 7 year old kids. That first year saw 41 swimmers participate with each swimmer getting a ribbon. Today, the event, named the Celine Silver Mini Meet in memory of a former TW swimmer, Celine Silver, and her father Paul, hosts 6 MCSL swim teams and has 28 events for kids 8 and under. It's one of the highlights of the summer!
Goals:
- Improve swimming skills and endurance
- Have fun and make new friends
- Participate in the Mini Meet
- Graduate to the main team
Qualifications: To join the Pre-Team, a child must be able to put his/her face in the water, blow bubbles and swim comfortably with or without a kickboard across the diving well. Coaches will screen Pre-Teamers on Tuesday, May 27th. Please speak with reps if your swimmer will miss this session.
Practices: 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm, M, T, W*, Th, Fri
*Due to B Meets, there will be no practices on Wednesdays, beginning on June 11, 2025.
The Pre-Team is not intended to take the place of swimming lessons. We encourage all Pre-Teamers who need additional help to schedule lessons with any of our fantastic Tilden Woods coaches. Coaches who provide swim lessons will have their information posted on the swim team bulletin board. You may also speak directly with the specific coach after practice to make arrangements. Team Reps are always available to help you connect with coaches offering swim lessons for pre-teamers.
