The Mt. Laurel YMCA Phoenix Swim Team strives for the best and most successful experience for every swimmer and their families. We are committed to creating a safe and positive environment for our athletes. We recognize that each swimmer has different goals and aspirations, and we create a path to the achievement of those individual goals. We will encourage the development of the characteristics exemplified by being a great teammate, and we will abide by the YMCA core values: caring, honesty, respect, responsibility.
We start with the end in mind, understanding that swimming is a journey and a process that is always evolving. Our ultimate goal is to see each swimmer at their best, both technically and physically, as well as mentally. This is why our program is built on the teaching of fundamentals and a commitment to great technique. We begin with the youngest swimmers, focusing on the fundamentals of swimming and skill development. As the swimmer matures, we concentrate on the cultivation of specific advanced skills and the refinement of precise technique. Physical training is a constant, with a growing emphasis on aerobic conditioning as the swimmer matures. Importantly, mental training is also a crucial component of the journey, helping to cultivate confident, self-reliant, and resilient athletes.
Evaluation Information
MLY Phoenix swimmers compete locally, regionally, and nationally throughout the season in both YMCA Swimming and USA Swimming sanctioned meets. Swimmers aged 6 to 18 who can swim a full lap of freestyle and backstroke and have a working knowledge of breaststroke and butterfly are eligible to try out for the team.
The evaluation is free and you do not need to be a member to attend the evaluation. However, if your swimmer is told by coaching staff they are ready and do continue on, the swimmer must become a full privilege member and will be charged the price of clinic and/or team.
When: June 24, July 8, July 15 from 11 AM - 12 PM | July 3, July 17 from 3 PM - 4 PM | July 1, July 15, July 22 from 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
What to Bring: New participants should wear a one piece bathing suit and bring their own swim cap and goggles. We recommend that all swimmers also bring a water bottle.
Interested swimmers can sign up for an evaluation by contacting, Head Coach, Chris Brookover.
Swim Team General Info
There are 5 different levels of swim team. Below you will find the ages, practice times, and descriptions.
Mini
Ages: 8 & Under
Practice Times: Sunday from 9:30 AM - 11 AM | Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Description: Mini is for swimmers who can swim one full length of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Time spent in this group will focus on teaching the fundamentals of basic stroke, turn, and start techniques. Mini swimmers are expected to compete throughout the year and participate in their championship meets in February and March.
Ignite
Ages: 8-13
Practice Times: Tuesday & Thursday from 5:15 PM - 6:45 PM at Westhampton Pool | 9:30 AM - 11 AM at Mount Laurel Y
Description: The goal of Ignite is to help all swimmers progress to the Age Group or Junior level in one year or less. Ignite is not a destination group but for swimmers who want to improve and move forward. Ignite will focus on fundamental skills and aerobic endurance. Participation in Meets is expected to help evaluate and motivate the swimmer to improve.
Age Group
Ages: 9-12
Practice Times: Sunday from 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Description: This group is technically focused while also including a larger percentage of physical conditioning. Swimmers in the Age Group are expected to swim in at least three YMCA closed meets, as well as three USA Swimming Meets, to qualify for and participate at their level of Championships.
Junior
Ages: 12-14
Practice Times: Sunday from 8 AM - 9:30 AM | Monday - Thursday from 4 PM - 5:30 PM
Description: Junior swimmers will focus on technique while maintaining a proper balance of physical conditioning, as they should compete in new and longer events. Swimmers in this group are expected to swim in at least three YMCA closed meets, as well as three USA Swimming Meets, to qualify for, and swim at the highest level of championships.
Senior
Ages: 14-18
Practice Times: Sunday from 6 AM - 8 AM | Monday - Thursday from 7 PM - 9 PM | Friday at 3:30 PM - 5 PM
Description: Senior is for high school-aged swimmers. Practices will be held exclusively at the Mount Laurel YMCA. The training is designed to challenge each swimmer both physically and mentally, enabling them to be the best they aspire to be. Senior swimmers are encouraged to compete in YMCA meets, including the Bronze, Silver, and State Championships. USA Swimming Meets will also be available for this group, and participation in these meets is highly encouraged. This group is also intended to support swimmers whose goals include qualifying for the Olympic Trials, USA Senior and Junior Nationals, YMCA Nationals, and Middle Atlantic Senior Championships.