Welcome to MSA!
This section of our website is designed specifically for families who are new to our club or considering joining. Whether you're exploring or already taking your first steps into the world of competitive swimming, we’re excited to have you here.
The information below aims to help you understand what it means to have a child involved in swimming and what it looks like to be an engaged and supportive swim parent. Think of this as a valuable reference as you begin your journey. That said, your most essential resources will always be our experienced parents and coaching staff—never hesitate to reach out with questions. Contact information for our coaches is also available on this page for your convenience.
A great place to start is with our New Parent PowerPoint Presentation, which is updated annually. Each fall, we also host a New Parent Meeting where our Head Coach and Board Members share essential information and hold a Q&A session.
Additionally, we encourage you to explore the resources provided below. Another helpful step is visiting the main MSA website. While the site contains plenty of useful information, here are three key areas to pay attention to:
- Team Structure – Understand how our training groups are organized.
- Practice Schedules – Find out when each group typically practices during the school year.
- Program Costs – Get clarity on the financial commitment for each training group.
We hope this information gives you a solid foundation and helps you feel confident as you consider joining the MSA family. Don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions—we look forward to supporting you and your swimmer!
A Quarter-Century of Excellence: The Legacy of Madison Swimming Association
The Madison Swimming Association (MSA) was founded in 1997 with the opening of the Dublin Pool. At the helm was inaugural coach Mike Gunner, who also led the Bob Jones High School swim team. By his side was Assistant Coach Pam von Jouanne, whose dedication would shape the future of MSA for decades to come.
In 2007, Coach Mike passed the torch to Coach Pam, who served as Head Coach for nearly 20 years. Under her leadership, MSA flourished. The program produced dozens of college-bound swimmers—26 of whom went on to swim at 21 different universities, many on athletic scholarships.
A crowning moment came during the 2018 Alabama State High School Championships. In the Women’s 400 Freestyle Relay, all three podium spots were taken by local teams—Bob Jones, James Clemens, and Westminster Christian Academy—and 11 of the 12 girls on those podiums were MSA athletes. It was a powerful testament to the program's impact on local swimming.
MSA’s reach extended to the national stage as well. In 2012, Andrey Tretyakov became the program’s first U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier in the 100 Butterfly. MSA swimmers continued to make waves at the Trials in the years that followed:
- 2016: Jenny von Jouanne – 100 Backstroke
- 2021: Eboni McCarty – 50 Freestyle
- 2021: Andrew Shea – 50 and 100 Freestyle
For three straight Olympic cycles, MSA had both swimmers and coaches on-deck at one of the sport's most elite competitions.
But MSA’s success story isn't limited to the older age groups. The program has developed nationally ranked swimmers in the 11–12 and 13–14 divisions, including Jewel Krings, George Wong, Samantha Chan, and Andrey Tretyakov.
Perhaps most impressive is MSA's dominance in the youngest age group. The team’s 8 & Unders have captured 16 Region 3 Championship trophies in the last 15 years—10 for the Girls and 6 for the Boys. To put that into perspective: the other 25 teams in the region combined have won just 14 trophies in that span.
This extraordinary track record is a reflection of MSA’s outstanding coaching staff, who bring more than 90 years of combined coaching experience to every age group, every practice, and every meet. As our new generation of coaches continues to build on this tradition, the future looks as bright as the past.
With a legacy built on passion, performance, and community, MSA is poised for another quarter-century of success—and beyond.
MSA Competition
MSA is a proud member of the Southeastern Swimming Local Swim Committee (LSC), the governing body for USA Swimming in our region. As a competitive swim team, we participate in a wide array of USA Swimming meets, catering to all skill levels—from novice to national competitors. Our swimmers have the opportunity to compete at local, regional, and national events, offering a comprehensive experience that fosters growth and success at every stage.
In addition to attending external meets, MSA hosts 3-5 swim meets each year, offering our athletes valuable competition. At each meet, swimmers are matched with others of similar age and ability, ensuring a fair and challenging race environment.
The MSA coaching staff carefully selects meets that align with each swimmer’s development and long-term goals, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow, challenge themselves, and reach new heights. We strongly encourage all swimmers to participate in meets, as they are an integral part of the competitive experience, contributing significantly to both individual progress and team success.
What Swimming Can Do for Your Child
- Confidence Building
- Problem Solving Skills
- Healthy Lifestyle Habits
- Sportsmanship
- Coordination
- Create Resilient Individuals
- Whole-Body Fitness
- Learning Team Building
- Time Management
- Technique Development
- Making New Friends
- Improved Focus
- Sense of Accomplishment
- Self-Discipline
- Goal Setting
Facilities
MSA offers year-round practices at Dublin Memorial Park, located at 8324 Madison Pike, Madison, AL 35758. Managed by the City of Madison Parks and Recreation Department, this facility provides an ideal environment for our swimmers. Practice times are available on our website, though please note that the schedule is subject to change.
Who Runs MSA?
MSA is a dynamic, non-profit, parent-owned organization led by a passionate Board of Directors. The board serves as the foundation of the association, collaborating closely with the coaching staff to ensure MSA continues to provide an exceptional swimming experience. At the helm, the Head Coach leads with vision, overseeing daily operations and motivating the entire coaching team to reach new heights.
Member involvement is the cornerstone of our success. Parents and members play a vital role in shaping the future of the association by actively participating in committees and volunteering, contributing to the growth and excellence of MSA.
Do MSA Swimmers Participate in Other Sports and Activities?
At MSA, we believe that participating in a variety of sports and activities during a child’s early years is crucial for their overall development, both as individuals and athletes. To support this, we offer a flexible schedule for our introductory groups, allowing swimmers to engage in other activities while remaining actively involved with the team. We are committed to helping our swimmers achieve a balanced lifestyle, enabling them to enjoy a well-rounded experience while staying dedicated to MSA.
Do I Need to Be an Advanced Swimmer to Join?
No, you do not need to be an advanced swimmer to join. Elite swimmers are the result of the dedicated coaching staff and the structured, consistent training they receive. MSA has a proud legacy as a leader in competitive swimming, not just in North Alabama, but across the state. This legacy has been built by swimmers who began at the novice level and, through perseverance and the guidance of our program, advanced to elite levels. The foundation for this success starts with the development of stroke technique in MSA's introductory groups, which equips swimmers with the essential skills needed for progression into more advanced levels of training.
How Do I Determine if MSA Is Right for Me?
Step 1: Explore Our Website
Start by browsing our website. Here, you'll find comprehensive information about the club’s history, current activities, and future plans. You can also review our fee structure, practice schedules, meet schedules, news updates, and more.
Step 2: Connect with an MSA Parent
Next, reach out to an MSA parent! Our current members are invaluable resources and can provide firsthand insights into the program. They can share their experiences and answer any questions you may have.
Step 3: Contact Our President or Head Coach
Finally, contact our President or Head Coach. They would be happy to walk you through the program and address any specific questions or concerns.
Group Placement
At MSA, we strive to offer a supportive and engaging environment for every swimmer. If you're interested in joining our swim team, we’d love to have you! Please contact our President, Sherri Lynn, at [email protected] to schedule an evaluation appointment. We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!
