Hello Cruisers!

Registration:

Registration for the 2023 season will open at 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 26th. I’ll be sending additional details about the season next week, including key dates and our practice schedule. Several updates will also be made to our team website before registration goes live, so please check there for additional information too.

Fundraising:

Recently, we held a Superbowl Squares fundraiser in which many of you participated. Your efforts raised $480 – an incredible start towards our fundraising goal this season! We have sponsorship opportunities, spirit nights and lots of other fun activities planned.

But why do we need to raise money? Don’t my registration fees cover my swim team expenses? Yes, your registration fees help cover certain things like GRAL’s registration fees, a portion of coaches’ salaries, and meet supply costs. However, we need extra funds to continue to offer spirit activities, purchase and maintain our equipment, celebrate your swimmers at the end of the season, and boost what we offer our coaches so that we can hire and retain quality coaching staff.

As we continue to successfully fundraise year after year, we ensure that the fun traditions of being a Colonies Cruiser will withstand the test of time and your kids will have a fun and worthwhile summer swim experience. Attached is our sponsorship program flyer for 2023. If you or your company are interested in being a sponsor, please let us know. If you have ideas for the team, please let us know. Teamwork makes the dreamwork!

Coaches:

Most importantly, I’m so excited to announce our Head Coach, Aaron Moore, and two Assistant Coaches, Lizzie McCullough and Charlie Bixler!!

Aaron Moore is a rising sophomore at the University of South Carolina who swam for 15 years for Southampton Recreation Association, NOVA and SwimRVA. He was the Assistant Coach and Assistant Head Coach at Willow Oaks Country Club for the past, few years, and has been coaching in various capacities since the age of 13. Coach Aaron has worked with swimmers of all ages, having also coached the Adult Learn to Swim program.

Coach Lizzie joins us again for another season with the Colonies! She is a rising senior at Deep Run High School and has been on the Colonies Swim Team since she was four years old. She currently swims for her high school varsity swim team and also year-round at the YMCA.

Coach Charlie is a rising junior at Virginia Tech. He is a Godwin graduate, swam for Hermitage Country Club for 13 years and did winter swim at the YMCA.

We are excited to have these great coaches leading our Cruisers this season. They are incredibly important to the success of our team, and we are thrilled to have them on board. We are still recruiting for a Lead Assistant Coach. Details are on our team site if you know of anyone interested in applying.

Be on the lookout for additional information in the coming week!

Go Cruisers!