The Marlins Splash - Weekly Team Newsletter
The Marlin Splash
Weekly Team Newsletter | Week of May 25
Hey Marlins!
We’re so excited to be back at Granite this week and kicking off another great stretch of the season together. Thank you all for your flexibility last week while we practiced at SwimRVA—it meant a lot to see everyone make the effort and continue showing up strong.
Looking ahead, this will be the first of our weekly newsletters, where we’ll share important updates on practices, events, and upcoming swim meets so everyone stays informed and ready for the week. These will also be posted on the Swimtopia site and much of the information in these newsletters you will also find there!
Practices this week
Good news—we’re back at Granite for all age groups this week, including our 6 & Under swimmers!
Please note that this week will only include afternoon practices (Monday–Thursday). Practice groups will follow the same structure we’ll use throughout the season however times will slightly change starting next week:
- 4:15 – 5:00 PM → 11 & Over
- 5:00 – 5:30 PM → 6 & Under
- 5:30 – 6:15 PM → 7–8
- 6:15 – 7:00 PM → 9–10
We’re looking forward to getting back into a routine at our home pool and building momentum as we head toward our first meet.
Parent Social – Wednesday, May 27
We hope you’ll join us for our Parent Social this Wednesday (note: this is an updated date from the original schedule).
This is a great opportunity to connect with other swim families, ask questions, and learn more about the season ahead in a relaxed setting.
- Please bring a snack or appetizer to share
- Drinks will be provided
We’d love to see as many families there as possible—this is always a fun way to kick off the season together!
Team Gear Distribution
We’ll be handing out team t-shirts and caps during practice this week, so be sure to check in if you’re expecting items.
If you ordered a team swimsuit, those are being picked up from VA Swim Shop and will also be distributed at the pool during practice as soon as they arrive.
First Swim Meet – June 2nd
Our first meet of the season is just around the corner!
We’ll be swimming against ACAC at home here at Granite on June 2. The meet officially begins at 6:00 PM, but our team warm-ups start earlier at 4:45 PM—so please plan to arrive on time so swimmers are ready to go.
As we get ready for our first meet, a quick heads-up—ACAC is a larger team, so we’re expecting a full house! If possible, plan to arrive a little early to give yourself plenty of time to find parking and get settled before warm-ups begin.
For those new to swim meets, one of the highlights is our famous Granite Grill! We’ll have plenty of great options available for purchase, including burgers, hot dogs, chips, desserts, and drinks. It’s a fun and easy way to grab dinner at the pool and all the proceeds go to support the team!
Of course, you’re always welcome to bring a cooler with snacks or meals for your family as well—whatever works best for your crew!
MEET THEME - Get ready to bring the island vibes to the pool because it’s Luau Night for the Marlins! 🌴🐬
We want to see the team decked out in all things tropical—think bright colors, Hawaiian shirts, leis, grass skirts, flower crowns, and your best beachy accessories. The more fun and festive, the better!
Coach Matt will be sending sign-ups for the meet later this week so be on the look out!
Volunteers Make It Happen
A quick but very important note—swim meets only run smoothly with the help of our parent volunteers. Every family is expected to contribute throughout the season, and we truly appreciate your support. With several of our seniors graduating last year, we also said goodbye to some incredibly supportive and dedicated parent volunteers who played a big role in making our meets run smoothly. As we head into this season, we’re excited for the opportunity to welcome new volunteers to step in and get involved—it’s a great way to meet other families, be part of the action, and support our swimmers!
New this year, volunteer sign-ups will be handled through SwimTopia, which is also where you’ll register your swimmer for meets. This should make the process much easier and more streamlined.
There are a variety of roles available:
Some positions (like Meet Manager, Referee, Starter, and Stroke & Turn Officials) require RMAL training, so if you’re interested in one of those roles, please be sure to complete the required certification which are happening THIS WEEK! Here is the link to the RMAL site with more information - Volunteer | swimrmal.org
There are also many roles that do not require training, including timers, runners, heat winners, mite parent helpers, and helping out with the Granite Grill.
No matter how you choose to help, every role is essential to making meets a great experience for our swimmers. If you have questions regarding volunteering please don't hesitate to reach out!
We’re looking forward to a fantastic week back at Granite and an exciting season ahead. Thanks again for being such a great, supportive team community!
Go Marlins!