Welcome to Rays Nation 2025!!!

Jon Mengering
Hello Rays Nation,
A few key points/details as we move into our first day of practices on Monday September 8th (please note, some Mini Rays groups will begin on Tuesday September 9th, please check the schedules carefully).

We are less than a week away from the next chapter in our YMCA Of Upper Palmetto Rays swimming journey. Last year brought remarkable achievements both in and out of the pool, with personal growth and community engagement at every level. As we look ahead to 2025-26, we could not be more excited for you to be a part of the Rays Swim Team and our community.

Practice Start Dates & Times

·       First day of practice: Monday, September 8

·       Mini Rays groups: Begin Tuesday, September 9

·       Please check schedules carefully for your group’s specific timing

YMCA Membership Requirements

To participate in Rays Swim Program, you must:

·       Be a current member in good standing with the YMCA of Upper Palmetto

·       Complete your membership before attending your first practice

·       Adhere to all posted rules, regulations, and staff instructions (including those from Rays coaches and YMCA employees)

·       Respect and care for all YMCA facilities; using these facilities is a privilege

Scan-In Procedures

For safety and accountability:

·       Scan in (athlete or parent member) every time you enter a YMCA building

·       Download the YMCA app for convenient daily scanning, or bring your keychain/key tag

Parking Guidelines

Our YMCA facilities serve many programs throughout the day. Please:

·       Park only in designated spots at the appropriate times

·       Drive carefully and patiently around YMCA buildings, keeping an eye out for pedestrians and other vehicles

Communication

Clear communication is vital to our success and helps us provide the best experience for your children. We rely heavily on emails (primarily from ymcaup.org addresses, occasionally gmail.com) for important updates. We also use Facebook and Instagram for communication. Please read all messages promptly to stay informed.

Important Emails

Head Coach Big Show [email protected]
Associate Director of Competitive Aquatics Tony Murray [email protected]
Swim Shop (Caroline Andrychowski) [email protected]
Rays Team Admin (Jen Corbi) [email protected]

Billing Admin (Caroline Andrychowski) [email protected]
***Full coaches contact information will come at a later date for group leads, site leads etc**
 
Home Page
Please visit our team home page; often, as it contains a wealth of information and links to other resources with regards to swimming, safe sport, nutrition, etc etc. The homepage can be found here and is updated regularly throughout the year. 

We are grateful and proud of the spirit, achievements, and growth reflected in our team. Thank you for being a valued part of Rays Nation—we look forward to a fantastic season together.

#RaysAsOne

Stay Frosty,
Big Show, on behalf of the Rays Coaching Staff and Leadership Team