Senior Group

This is a highly competitive training group designed to prepare swimmers for state and national levels of competition. The emphasis will be on physical and emotional preparation for competition and training. This group will focus on issues such as - advanced stroke mechanics, training of specific energy systems, perfecting race strategies, proper nutrition, individual goal setting, and understanding the importance of proper mental preparation. Training will include dryland strength and conditioning program.

Requirements to enter the Senior Group
To be considered for placement into the Senior group swimmers must have a history of consistent dedication and commitment to swimming. Swimmers will be expected to train at a level designed to prepare them for success on the High School State and YMCA National level and above.

Practice Attendance
Swimmers are required to attend practices and dry-land workouts offered. Athletes who fail to meet this requirement, evaluated over each month, will be moved to a group better fitting their commitment level.

Meet Attendance
Swimmers are expected to attend all meets prescribed by the group coach including the highest-level championship meet that the swimmer qualifies for during both the short and long course seasons. Focus meets for this group during the short course season are the USA Mako Holiday Classic, High School Championships, YMCA “AA” Championships, and Short-Course YMCA Nationals. Focus meets for this group during the long course season are the team SWYSL Long Course Championships, and YMCA Long Course National Championships.

Goals of the Senior Group
The primary goal of the Senior group is to prepare swimmers physically and emotionally to move onto their next level of swimming. When swimmers graduate from high school they should be able to complete all of the following:

  • Achieve YMCA National qualifying standards
  • Display the highest possible commitment to practice attendance
  • Display a commitment to attending all meets prescribed by the coaching staff
  • Display a commitment to attending all dry-land sessions offered
  • Display a commitment to balance academics with swimming, striving for excellence in both
  • Display the YMCA’s 4 core character values and show a willingness to work together as a group in reaching the highest level of swimming possible
  • To be prepared for success in collegiate swimming
  • Display an advanced understanding of nutrition and psychology in order to develop the best possible environment for success