CA’s practice groups are organized by age, experience and ability.  Within these age groups, swimmers can practice more specifically to their needs. The CA Full-Time Coaching Staff commits 100% of their time, energy, and resources to providing the most up-to-date, professional instruction in the sport of swimming. Using a variety of coaching methods, we aim to equip athletes with the knowledge and skills to set them up for a lifetime of enjoyment in the sport.

Expectations of CA Team members:

  • Come to practice and have fun working hard with your teammates
  • Regular participation in competitions
  • Parent participation in all home competitions
  • A desire to be part of a competitive program that emphasizes team and sportsmanship along with hard work

Swimmers will be evaluated each season to determine the best group for their skills.  Our coaching staff makes group placement decisions in the best interest of the swimmer and his or her long-term development. All group assignments are made at the discretion of the coaching staff.

For all CA swimmers joining or progressing through the program, our overall objective is to position the swimmer for success. Determinations are made based on a variety of factors such as Age, Attendance, Ability, Motivation, and Goals.

2024-2025 CA Team Structure

Welcome to the Explore Division! "Fundamentals"

Our theme is "Fundamentals," and within this division, we have three exciting groups: the Seekers, Bronze, and Silver Groups. Catering to our youngest team members, aged up to 12 years old, our primary goal is to set up a strong foundation of skills and techniques in a fun-filled environment that fosters ongoing engagement in the sport.

In the Explore Division, athletes and parents alike are introduced to the world of competitive meets within a warm and welcoming family atmosphere. Our focus extends beyond mere participation; we aim to instill a love for swimming while nurturing growth and development in each athlete.

As part of our program, Explore Division athletes will be guided towards IMR, IMX & IM Tough events tailored to their age groups. These events, set up by USA Swimming, promote and reward versatility in age group swimming. Athletes will have the opportunity to compete at the local, state, and regional levels, experiencing the thrill of competition and the joy of achievement.

For those in the silver group, we have an attendance expectation of attending 7 out of 10 practices every two weeks, along with participation in all Racefest meets and local invitationals. This commitment ensures both individual progress and team cohesion, fostering a sense of dedication and achievement among our athletes.

Join us in the Explore Division as we embark on an exciting journey of growth, camaraderie, and excellence in swimming!

 

Welcome to the Age Group Division "Learn to Practice"

Within this division, we offer two dynamic groups: Stay Fit and Gold. Tailored to our 11–14-year-old swimmers, our program aims to foster skill development, fitness, and a passion for swimming.

The Stay Fit group (offered at the Topspin site only) is designed for swimmers aged 11-18 seeking a program that prepares them for middle school, high school, summer league swimming, or simply offers a fun way to stay fit or cross-train for other sports. Each class incorporates elements of aerobic development, stroke technique for all strokes, turn work, and engaging aquatic games. Participants have the choice to compete in swim meets if they choose.

The Gold group sets a higher standard with an attendance expectation of 7 out of 10 practices every two weeks, along with participation in all Racefest meets and local invitationals. This commitment ensures both individual progress and team cohesion, fostering a sense of dedication and achievement among our athletes.

Building upon the fundamental skills taught in the Explore Division, Gold group swimmers embark on an advanced level of learning.

Within the Gold group:

- Athletes progress to an advanced level of learning, implementing specific skills in both practice and races.

- Establishing good habits for improved performances at meets becomes a focus.

- Continued development of performance preparation including race strategy, recovery, nutrition, and goal setting.

- Swimmers work toward IMX events for their age groups, as part of the IMX program set up by USA Swimming to promote and reward versatility in age group swimming, competing at local, state, regional, and national levels.

- Gain valuable experience in championship meet settings.

Join us in the Age Group Division as we cultivate skills, fitness, and a love for swimming, setting the stage for success both in and out of the pool!

 

Welcome to the Senior Division "Compete to Excel"

This division offers three distinct groups: Stay Fit, Senior, and High Performance. Designed for swimmers seeking various levels of commitment and advancement, our program caters to the needs and aspirations of each athlete.

The Stay Fit group (offered at the Topspin site only) is open to swimmers aged 11-18 who are looking to prepare for middle school, high school, or summer league swimming, or simply wish to keep fit or cross-train for other sports. Classes in this group focus on aerobic development, stroke technique for all strokes, turn work, and enjoyable aquatic games. Participants also have the choice to compete in swim meets if they choose.

For Senior and High Performance (HP) athletes, the focus shifts towards continuous progression in the sport and developing the skills necessary for success. Athletes in these groups learn to take ownership of their training and performance, striving towards their career goals. Key areas of focus include:

- Gaining experience in racing skills and strategy.

- Strength development to enhance performance.

- Exposure to championship meet environments.

- Comprehensive performance preparation covering nutrition, rest, recovery, and psychological aspects.

- The High-Performance Group stands out by prioritizing swimming as a pathway to college athletics, representing CA on the National level and aiming to be exemplary role models within the program.

Please note the attendance expectations for each group:

The Senior group needs attendance at 7 out of 10 practices every two weeks, along with participation in all Racefest meets and local invitationals. This commitment ensures both individual progress and team cohesion, fostering a sense of dedication and achievement among our athletes.

High Performance group is participation in all practices, meets, and CA events deemed necessary by the coaching staff. This requirement means all missed practices need to be made up in a way considered suitable by your coach. Illness, injury, and unavoidable conflicts with school do arise, but a High-Performance swimmer is expected to make up for those misses as determined by their coach.  Participation in all meets and events means just that. Family vacations, extra-curricular school events, etc.… need to be fit around the training and event schedule. Prioritizing swimming is a requirement for HP swimmers as they are expected to strive for improvement in all areas of their swimming.  Student-Athletes will also be asked to change practice times and locations to create the best training experience. Both the swimmer and the family need to be capable of handling a changing schedule.

Join us in the Senior Division as we empower athletes to excel in the pool and beyond, setting the stage for success in their swimming journey.