Wellmark YMCA
501 Grand Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50309

Head Practice Site Coach
Bob Bredice
[email protected]

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Wellmark Assistant Coaches
Lisa Lamb, YMCA & USA
Nikki May, YMCA & USA
Greg Moyle, YMCA & USA
Jason Walsh, YMCA 
Stacie Webster, YMCA & USA
Shaylyn DeYoung, YMCA & USA
Lydia Hornung, YMCA 
 

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Joining our Team

The Ankeny/Wellmark Marlins is a great place for beginning or experienced swimmers. Our program has historically produced many State Champions in both YMCA Swimming and USA Swimming, as well as numerous successful high school and college swimmers.

Registration for the Spring/Summer 2024 season will open for returning members March 25 for new and returning members with practice opportunities starting as early as April 8. Returning members do not need to tryout. Please contact Coach Bob if you are unsure which roster group to register for.

Spring/Summer 2024 practice and meet schedules will be posted when available.

Wellmark Spring/Summer 2024 Season Evaluation Nights

Potential new members are asked to complete an evaluation before registration. During the evaluation process, your child will be expected to swim freestyle and backstroke. They will also be asked to attempt breaststroke and butterfly if they know those strokes. Swimmers will also be offered the chance to attempt diving into the pool. 

Tryout/Evaluation Sessions:​​​

Tuesday, March 5, 6:00 PM
Monday, March 18, 6:00 PM
Wednesday, March 20, 6:00 PM
Saturday, April 6, 11:00 AM

Questions? Please contact Coach Bob.

Please complete the tryout FORM before coming to your tryout session.

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Wellmark Practice Schedule 

April Start Date: Monday, April 8
May Start Date: Monday, May 6
 

*Fifth practices, in order to have long course practice, will be all practice sites combined at the Wellmark YMCA when it is available. Otherwise, Wellmark athletes have the option of attending either (not both) Walnut Creek's Friday practice or Waukee's Sunday practice. Sign-up is required for all 5th practices. Downloadable 5th practice calendar.

NO PRACTICE May 27, July 4
 

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Spring/Summer 2024 Meet Schedules

All meets are listed under the Event Registration tab.

 

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Season^* Fees
 

Due to space and time limitations, some practice sites will fill their available roster spots. Swimmers are encouraged to register early to ensure a roster spot.

A swimmer’s training season is over after their last qualified championship meet. Training fees after the season championship meet will be prorated for athletes qualified for additional competitions.

The Marlin Swim Team is NOT a monthly program. Installment billing is available as a convenience to our families only. The entire season minimum fee will be collected regardless of start date. Installment billing is not available for registrations after Tuesday, May 28, 2024. 

Refunds, partial credits, or discounts on registration and meet fees are not available for missed practices and/or meets due to vacations, absence due to temporary illness, voluntarily leaving the team early, lack of attendance, or involuntary separation due to misconduct.

Membership in the YMCA of Greater Des Moines is required for all DSMY Marlin members during their season. Athletes must be current on both their YMCA and Marlin fees to participate in meets.

*Season fees do not include YMCA memberships, USA Swimming membership, or meet fees. Multi-Swimmer Discounts are available at the Practice Site locations only when registering all family members at the same time. 10% discount for two swimmers, 15% discount for three swimmers and 20% discount for four or more swimmers in the family. (Discount does not apply to or with Travel Team swimmers.) Additionally, the YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need. Contact your practice site Welcome Center for information.            

** This is the minimum fee to participate in the Marlin swim team program. Swimmers starting after May will still pay this entire amount.

High School Participation Fees (Fall/Winter seasons only)

High school aged swimmers in grades 9-12 are eligible for a special rate schedule when they choose to participate in their high school swim team. Junior high/middle school team participants are NOT eligible.

ALL high school swim team participants must register for the season by September 1st to ensure their roster spot and maintain their eligibility for competition in USA and YMCA meets as well as DSMY Marlin team functions.

2023 High School Girls Season: August 7, 2023- November 11, 2023
2023-24 High School Boys Season: November 6, 2023- February 10, 2024

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Financial Assistance

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines offers financial assistance to families making under $50,000 annually. If you would like more information about the financial assistance program please contact the Wellmark Financial Assistance Specialist:

Phone number: 515-471-8561
Email: [email protected]

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Wellmark Booster Club

November 14th, 2022- Minutes
Monday, December 12th - Minutes
Monday, January 9th - Minutes
Monday, February 13th - Minutes
Wednesday, May 10th at 6:45-7:30 PM- Knapp Conference Room at the Wellmark YMCA.

Monday, September 12th, 2023 - Minutes

 

Important Links for Families

• Team suit, apparel and gear ordering info
• YMCA and USA Swimming - What does it all mean?
• Swim meet tips and tricks

Parking at Wellmark YMCA

Located at 5th and Grand in downtown Des Moines the Wellmark YMCA does not have a dedicated parking lot or garage. However, it is connected via the skywalk to several parking structures. Please visit our Parking at Wellmark YMCA page for more information.