Competitive Swim Team Programs
Waterloo Swimming (WLOO) is a USA Swimming Team. We take a technique first approach to swim practices. While achieving efficient swim strokes, we develop the swimmers aerobic and speed capacity. Swimmers are placed into swim practice groups based on skill / ability then age. Each practice group is designed to achieve the individual swimmer’s goals while targeting the same end of season championship meet. Our motto is Attendance + Effort = Success.
Our swim coaches are USA Swimming certified and American Swim Coaches Association members. They are always looking to learn from the latest techniques and technology while continued being-grounded in our core program. Each coach strives to create a fun yet challenging environment for our swimmers…and, we not only hold each coach accountable to results, but also the swimmers to give effort at every practice.
Waterloo trains swimmers to be able to race. At the center is training a swimmer’s legs and aerobic system to sustain throughout the race. Each practice includes warm-up, a hard kick set, and one to two main sets – depending on the group and time in the training cycle. Approximately once a month, we run a test set with each group to understand what progress each swimmer is making towards their goals – either kicking or swimming. Drills and technique work are integrated into the workouts.
Swimmers in the younger groups will periodically do exercises out of the water during their practice time to increase overall conditioning. As the swimmers move into the Silver 1 and JV groups, we then offer scheduled dryland workouts. These exercises are designed to increase flexibility / mobility as well as strength and overall conditioning. Early on swimmers use body-weight and simple tools in dryland. Later as maturation has started, we integrate more tools into the swimmers dryland program.
Beginning with the Silver 2 group and through the Elite group, coaches sit down with each swimmer to evaluate their goals for the next season…while looking back on the previous season of what worked (or didn’t). Parents are welcome to attend this session with the swimmer and coach.
Swim attendance. Beginning in Bronze 2 through Elite, each group has A) an attendance goal and B) a minimal attendance # in order to stay in that group. For our age group developmental groups the group goal is 50% and minimal # is 25% for upper level goals with a goal of 75% the minimal # is 38% attendance during each season to stay in the group (see Swim Team Policies and below for details).
Swim meet participation is required (see Swim Team Policies and below). Meets are a chance to see progress and race against others. A “season” is defined as Short Course Yards (typically September through March) and Long Course Meters (typically April through August).
Move ups between groups tend to occur at the end of short course (SCY) and long course (LCM) seasons. Coaches will review all aspects of move up timing, including test sets, leadership in the lane and group, mental, physical and emotional readiness. Attendance and practice (dryland included) effort will also be considered as variables.
For more information about our Swim Fitness programs please visit our Swim Fitness page.
| Group | Description | Minimum Entry Requirments | Expectations | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze 1 | Bronze 1 is for swimmers elementary school ages 6 - 10. This group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers will learn key drills and technique for all the four competitive strokes in addition to turns, racing starts, and practice basics. Bronze 1 swimmers have the goal of achieving B cuts and attending B Champs. | You must be legal in all four strokes, know how to do legal turns, and a legal start to qualify for Bronze 1. | Bronze 1 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one swim meet each season and are encouraged to attend 3 practices each week. | $170 |
| Bronze 2 | Designed for elementary school age-group swimmers ages 6 - 10. The focus is to continue the development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers are improving with B and BB time standards. Success of each individual swimmer is based on an increased commitment level in attendance and practice effort. Introduction to goal setting and race strategies. 10 and under swimmers have the goal of achieving BB cuts and having a full program of events at STX Champs. | Must have a 10&U B cut to quailify | Bronze 2 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two (2) swim meets each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $195 |
| Silver 1 | Silver 1 is for elementary school swimmers ages 8-11 with USA swimming experience. The focus of Silver 1 is to continue to develop stroke mechanics while introducing a broader aerobic base. Swimmers are training to become highly developed swimmers, developing more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition, goal setting & dedication. Silver 1 also introduces swimmers to the fundamentals of dryland through our team Synergy dryland app. 10 and under Silver 1 swimmers have the goal of achieving a full program of STAGS cuts and attending TAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. Swimmers need a BB cut for their age group during championship season (February and July). | Silver 1 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of three (3) swim meets each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $220 |
| Silver 2 | Silver 2 is for swimmers ages 11 - 12. These swimmers will continue to fine tune strokes, turns, and starts with an increased emphasis on training. The purpose of the group is to gain more knowledge of the sport, learn to take ownership of their swimming and enjoy the process even when workouts get difficult. Swimmers goals of acheiving a full program of STAGS cuts as well as competing at TAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. Must be turning 11 and have a full program (4 or more) BB cuts for the 11-12 age group. One 10&Under TAGS cuts is also accpetable for 10 year olds turning 11. | These swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $230 |
| Gold 1 | Gold 1 is for swimmers ages 12-14. The focus of G1 is to continue to build on technique and endurance. Swimmers are training to develop more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition as an athlete and goal setting. The dryland portion emphasizes increasing strength while balancing flexibility through our team Synergy dryland app. These swimmers have USA swimming experience with year round swimming and have BB cuts. G1 swimmers have the goal of acheiving a full program of BB cuts for STX Champs as well as competiting at STAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. Athletes need at least one BB cut. | G1 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two (2) swim meet each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $230 |
| Gold 2 | Gold 2 is composed of 13-14 yr old swimmers that have STAGS cuts. Swimmers in this group are expected to make a strong commitment with respect to attendance and training efforts. These swimmers are striving to maximize their age group abilities, while readying themselves for Sectional cuts. Gold swimmers have the goal of achieving a full program of A cuts for STAGS, and achieving TAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. Must be turning 13 and have a STAGS cut. One 11-12 TAGS cuts is also acceptable for 12 year olds turning 13. | These swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $240 |
| Junior 1 | JR1 is for middle school swimmers ages 11-14. The JR1 group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers are working on the fundamentals of all four strokes and building an endurance base. They will practice stroke drills, starts and turns and interval training. They will also have the opportunity to do dryland through our team Synergy app that will help with building strength and flexibility. JR1 swimmers have the goal of achieving B cuts and attending B Champs. | You must be legal in all four strokes, know how to do legal turns, and a legal start to qualify for JR1. | JR1 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one swim meet per season with the goals of racing all strokes and distances. Attendance goal is 50%. Goals are to achieve legal times in all four 50s of stroke, plus the 100 FR and 100 IM (SCY). | $200 |
| Junior 2 | JR 2 is designed for middle school swimmers ages 11-14. The focus of this team is to continue the swimmer's development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. The success of each swimmer will be dependent on their increased commitment in both attendance and effort in practice. Swimmers in JR2 will be introduced to goal setting and race strategies. JR2 swimmers have the goal of acheiving BB cuts and having a full program of events at B Champs and attend STX champs. | Swimmers need a B cut for their age group during championship season (February and July). | JR2 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two swim meets each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 50%+ attendance. Race goals include all of JR1 events plus 100 BK, 100 BR, 200 FR, and 200 IM. | $220 |
| Senior Prep | SR Prep is for high school swimmers ages 15+. This group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers are working on the fundamentals of all four strokes and building an endurance base. They will practice stroke drills, starts and turns and interval training. They will also have the opportunity to do dryland through our team Synergy app that will help with building strength and flexibility. SR Prep swimmers have the goal of achieving B and BB cuts. | You must be legal in all four strokes, know how to do legal turns, and a legal start to qualify for SR Prep. | SR Prep swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two swim meets per season with the goals of racing all strokes and distances. Attendance goal is 50%. | $200 |
| Senior 1 | Senior 1 is composed of high school swimmers who are focused on fine tuning stroke mechanics and race strategies as well as increasing aerobic capacity and gaining strength. Nutrition, goal setting and advanced swimming techniques assist these swimmers in achieving their goals. These swimmers are working towards swimming and scoring at SR Champs as well as their high school championships. | Swimmers need a BB cut for their age group during championship season (February and July). | SR1 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two swim meets per season and the championship meet(s) they qualify for. Attendance goal is 50%+ with a minimum 25% to stay in the group. | $230 |
| Senior 2 | Senior 2 is composed of high school age swimmers who have shown a high level of commitment at the age group level, have competed and scored at STAGS/TAGS, and are now working towards Sectional cuts and moving to Elite. Training will include high-intensity aerobic work as well as race-specific workouts. Out of water focus includes athlete ownership, nutrition, and goal setting. | Swimmers need an A cut for their age group during championship season (February and July). | SR2 swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one meet per month and SR Champs/Sectionals attendance is mandatory. Senior 2 attendance goal is 75%+ with a minimal 50% to stay in the group. | $240 |
| Elite | Elite is composed of swimmers at the highest ability level. These swimmers have Sectionals and National cuts. They train 2+ hours each day, maximizing mental and physical skills. Dryland training, goal setting and race strategies are emphasized. Continued focus on endurance, speed, perfection of stroke technique and commitment to all aspects of swimming are expected at this level. | By invitation | These swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one (1) swim meet each month and the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $270 |
| Collegiate | The Collegiate group is composed of college aged athletes. This group was designed for these swimmers to train together if they are not able to attend their school in person and live in the greater Austin area. | By invitation | $100 |
| Group | Description | Minimum Entry Requirements | Expectations | Monthly Dues |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze 1 Bridge | Bronze 1 Bridge is for swimmers ages 6 - 12y, currently enrolled in an Intermediate lesson. Like Bronze 1, this group introduces swimmers to year round swimming with key drills and technique for all the four competitive strokes in addition to turns, racing starts, and practice basics. Bronze 1 Bridge swimmers have the goal of mastering 4 legal strokes and are encouraged to participate in swim meets. | You must be currently enrolled in Intermediate level lessons to qualify for Bronze 1 Bridge. | Bronze 1 Bridge swimmers are encouraged to attend their scheduled Bronze 1 practice each week and participate in swim meets. | $10/Bronze 1 practice enrolled (typically $40 a month, unless 5 practices in a month, in which case $50 would be the charge) |
| Bronze | Bronze is designed for age-group swimmers ages 6- 12. This group introduces swimmers to year round swimming. Swimmers will learn key drills and technique for all the four competitive strokes in addition to turns, racing starts, and practice basics. Swimmers new to USA swimming have the goal of achieving B cuts and attending B Champs. More experienced Bronze swimmers will continue to focus on the development of stroke mechanics and competitive rules with an increased emphasis on interval training and aerobic swimming. These swimmers are improving with B and BB time standards. Success of each individual swimmer is based on an increased commitment level in attendance and practice effort.10 and under swimmers have the goal of achieving BB cuts and having a full program of events at STX Champs. 11-12 year olds have the goal of acheiving B cuts and having a full program of events at B Champs. | You must be legal in all four strokes, know how to do legal turns, and a legal start to qualify for Bronze. | Bronze swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of two (2) swim meets each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $195 |
| Silver | Silver is for swimmers ages 9-12 with USA swimming experience. The focus of Silver is to continue to develop stroke mechanics while introducing a broader aerobic base. Swimmers are training to become highly developed swimmers, developing more advanced race strategies, learning about nutrition, goal setting & dedication. The purpose of the group is to gain more knowledge of the sport, learn to take ownership of their swimming and enjoy the process even when workouts get difficult. Silver also introduces swimmers to the fundamentals of dryland through our team Synergy dryland app. 10 and under Silver swimmers have the goal of achieving a full program of STAGS cuts and attending TAGS. 11-12 year olds have the goal of achieving a full program at STX champs and attending STAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. 10 and under swimmers need multiple BB cuts. 11-12 swimmers need multiple B cuts. | Silver swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of three (3) swim meets each season plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $220 |
| Gold | Gold is composed of of 11-14 yr old swimmers. Swimmers in this group are expected to make a strong commitment with respect to attendance and training efforts. These swimmers are striving to maximize their age group abilities. 11&12 year old Gold swimmer have the goal of achieving a full program of A cuts for STAGS, and acheving TAGS. 13&14 year olds have the goal of achieving a full program of BB cuts and attending STAGS and TAGS. | Must have previous USA swimming experience. 11&12 year old swimmers need multiple A cuts. 13&14 year old swimmers need multiple BB cuts. | These swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of one (1) swim meet each month plus the Championship Meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 75%+ attendance. | $230 |
| Senior | Senior is composed of 13 and over swimmers who are focused on fine tuning stroke mechanics and race strategies as well as increasing aerobic capacity and gaining strength. Nutrition, owenership of their sport, goal setting and advanced swimming techniques assist these swimmers in achieving their goals. These swimmers are working towards swimming and scoring at their championship meets. | You must be legal in all four strokes, know how to do legal turns, and a legal start off the block to qualify. | Senior swimmers are expected to attend a minimum of three (3) swim meets each season and the championship meet(s) they qualify for and maintain 50%+ attendance. | $220 |
If you have questions about your practice time please email us at info@waterlooswimming.com or stop by the front desk.