Hello Parents and Swimmers,

As we enter Week 8 of training, the Warm Springs Gators are preparing for our first official dual meet of the season against Treeview Swim Club on Saturday, May 16 at Warm Springs. We are excited to begin the competitive portion of our season and continue building on the momentum and progress our athletes have already shown. 

Last week, our practices continued integrating drill work, sprint work, and distance training while increasing overall intensity and focus. Our coaching staff was very pleased to see noticeable improvements in both performance and effort throughout the week and during Time Trials. Athletes who approached practice with focus, discipline, and determination showed tremendous competitive racing efforts and continued technical improvement.

We were especially happy to see many of our younger athletes cheering on teammates and demonstrating positive team spirit throughout the meet. As we move into our first official competition, we would love to continue seeing even more cheering, encouragement, and support from all athletes. Team energy and unity play a major role in building a strong and successful program. 

One of the most memorable moments from Time Trials came from one of our youngest athletes, a four-year-old swimmer competing in his very first race. Although he is still learning to swim consistently on his own and needed to stop briefly to grab the wall, he continued pushing forward until he successfully reached the other side of the pool. The entire team cheered him on every step of the way. 

That was success. 

His determination, courage, and willingness to keep going should inspire every athlete on our team to continue striving for their personal best regardless of age, ability, or obstacles. Moments like these remind us that success is not always measured by times or placements, but by effort, perseverance, and the willingness to keep improving. It was an amazing victory not only for him, but for our entire team. 

Our coaching staff also identified several technical areas we will continue improving, particularly in breaststroke. Athletes will continue working on important details such as:
• Avoiding pulling past the chest during the breaststroke pull


• Maintaining proper breaststroke timing and rhythm


• Performing only one butterfly undulation during the pullout 

As the season progresses, continuing to refine small technical details will help athletes become more efficient, consistent, and confident racers.

Congratulations to all athletes who achieved personal best times during Time Trials. Your hard work and commitment are beginning to show. Continue trusting the process and staying focused during practice — your future self will thank you for the effort you put in now. 

I am very proud of all of your performances, and I cannot wait to see what other amazing breakthroughs we witness this season — hopefully the first of many. 

We would also like to thank all of our families and athletes who attended the Gators Team Potluck on May 8. It was a wonderful evening filled with great food, positive energy, and excellent company. Events like these help strengthen our team culture and bring our Gator family together both inside and outside the pool.

As we continue through the season, athletes should remain mindful of their behavior and practice etiquette. Focus should remain on the coach, the water, and using practice time productively. Practice moves quickly, and athletes who listen carefully, think critically, and remain mentally engaged will continue developing a stronger understanding of race strategy, technique, and performance execution. 

With the school year beginning to wind down, we also want to remind athletes that consistent attendance greatly improves the likelihood of reaching both individual and team goals. Time in the water matters, and continued participation helps athletes build confidence, endurance, discipline, and technical consistency. 

As temperatures continue warming up throughout the season, hydration and recovery become increasingly important. All athletes should arrive at practice with water or a sports drink and should be fueling properly before and after workouts. We recommend athletes have a light snack approximately 15–20 minutes before practice and another snack or meal afterward to support recovery, energy levels, and overall performance. Upcoming Reminders:


• Friday, May 15 – Gator Taters


• Saturday, May 16 – Home Meet vs. Treeview Swim Club


• Thursday, May 21 – Team Picture Day


• Monday, May 25 – No Practice (Memorial Day)


• Saturday, May 30 – Meet vs. Chabot College 

We are proud of the effort, coachability, and positive energy our athletes continue to bring each day. The season is just beginning, and we are excited to continue helping our swimmers grow both individually and together as one team.

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” — Jimmy Johnson

Gators will continue improving.


Gators will support their teammates.


Gators will remain coachable.


Gators will compete together. 

Go Gators, 

Coach Ian


Head Coach, Warm Springs Gators