Letter from the Coach, January 25th, 2026

James Young

Dear Team and Families,

Thank you all for your support this past week and for another successful WFSL Dual Meet at Harrison.

Please note that the upcoming week will be shortened due to the snowstorm. The New Rochelle School District has already canceled programming for Monday, January 26, and we will be following their guidance. There will be no practice on Monday, January 26. The Weekly practice schedule will be released separate from the coaches Schedule.

Metro Swim League Championships are on Sunday, February 1st, at Mark Twain Pool in Yonkers. Swimmers are only eligible if they have attended 3 MSL meets this season. The list is on WhatsApp; if your swimmer has attended 3 MSL Meets and is not on the list, please let me know ASAP and I will research and rectify. Please commit to the meet via SportsEngine if you are able to attend. 

Recap of Last Week

Last week, we held a parent meeting to provide updates and share several important announcements with the team. Highlights included:

  • Welcoming Coach Ray Miller to our staff. Coach Miller is an experienced USA Swimming member and coach, and we are excited to have him join our program. Coach Ray will be working with us and the YMCA to implement an effective Dryland Program
  • Welcoming Coach Kevin Melchionne in a volunteer role on Fridays. Kevin is a longtime New Rochelle Y member, a fantastic swimmer, and a true student of the sport who continues to find ways to grow and give back to the team.

Improving Communication

We also discussed ways we can continue to improve communication within the program, including:

  • Formation of a parent committee
  • Bringing back coach photos and names on the bulletin boards
  • Formal introductions of new staff and coaches
  • Restarting a weekly “Letter from the Coach,” 
  • Sharing set coach schedules so families know who is coaching each group
  • Providing clearer information on policies (attendance expectations, WhatsApp guidelines, etc.)
    • WhatsApp is for quick collaborative questions between swim parents and coaches; like where and when questions or clarifications on communications
    • If your swimmer will miss a practice or a meet, it may help to privately message or email a coach
    • WhatsApp may be especially useful to reach out and organize carpooling or pre-meet or post-meet get-togethers or meals
    • I will be moderating the chat to keep it useful and maintain its utility to support the team

Thank you again for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to a great rest of the season.

Sincerely,
Your Coach