Wells Branch Armada

Welcome to our Summer Swim Team Newsletter! We encourage you to read through the entire newsletter carefully, as it contains important information including updates from the WBA President, Head Coach, and Volunteer Coordinator, as well as weekly reminders. You'll also find details about the first week of practice, our communication channels, the Red, White & Blue Practice Meet, and the team photo. Thank you!

by Deanna Johnson, President

Excitement is in the air! The Wells Branch Armada season is upon us, and I am thrilled to welcome everyone back to the pool. As we dive into the summer, I hope it will be filled with unforgettable moments for you and your families and that this season is just the beginning of many more to come with the Armada. 

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to both our dedicated head coaches and volunteer board members. Their tireless efforts over the past months—from coordinating with the circuit, hiring new coaches, liaising with the wonderful folks at Wells Branch MUD, and much more—have set the stage for an extraordinary season. It's their dedication to our team and our families that truly brings the spirit of the Armada to life. Additionally, a big shout out to the many families who have stepped up to support us with volunteer roles as we gear up for our first splash. Your involvement is greatly appreciated! 

As we kick off the first few weeks of practice, please bear with us through the inevitable initial chaos. It's perfectly normal, and I assure you we will all find our rhythm —parents included! For any questions directed to our head coaches, I encourage you to use the file boxes at the pool to leave notes or email them to [email protected] and [email protected]. While at the pool, our coaches are fully committed to the safety and supervision of every swimmer. They are eager to address your inquiries as promptly as they can. Thank you all for being a part of this journey. Let's make this a summer to remember!

by Maddie Wright and Jake Tolfa, Head Coaches

A few things to keep in mind as we kick off the start of our season.

• The first week will appear very chaotic…this is normal. We will spend a lot of time getting the swimmers into a lane that best fits them according to their abilities. 
• As coaches, we want the opportunity to get to know all the swimmers and for them to get to know us. Therefore, our coaches will move to different lanes some days to work with different groups. We consider this a positive because we all know that kids learn differently, and we are fortunate to have coaches with different swimming backgrounds and coaching techniques.
• May is a very busy time, and the coaches totally understand that many of you have other commitments during the week. Three practices a week are recommended, but please feel free to speak with either of us if you are concerned about this.

At the start of each session, coaches will call swimmers to the deep end of the pool for stretching. Prior to this, please use the restroom and shower and wear your goggles and cap, if applicable.

For health reasons, the MUD has asked that each swimmer shower before entering the pool, so please help us comply with that request. Shower nozzles are outside by the deep end of the pool and in each restroom.

• Please make sure your swimmer has appropriate swimwear for the first few weeks. You can review our parent orientation deck if you need a refresher on what can be worn.
• Bring water, sunblock, towels, and a well-fitting pair of goggles.
• Please remember that many swimmers haven't been in the pool for several months. It will take them a while to regain technique and stamina. Be positive and encouraging.

This week at practice, we will be getting back into the swing of things with streamline, freestyle, and backstroke techniques. We will introduce and practice diving as well.

We will learn names and determine swimming ability in the first week. The 6 and under swimmers will spend a lot of time sitting on the side of the pool while the coaches work one-on-one with them. If it is chilly, they can have a towel wrapped around them.

Please don't read too much into the lane assignments. We will be grouping the swimmers so we can work with them most effectively. They may be changing lanes throughout the season.

We are happy to answer questions and address any concerns you have. It would be best to speak with one of us before or after practice, through email or a written note in the coach’s folder, right next to the family file boxes. This will help us focus on keeping eyes and attention on all our swimmers, as safety is our first priority.

Check out our coaches and their bios on our team home page. We look forward to an awesome season and cannot wait to begin! See you at the pool!

This upcoming practice meet will be a condensed version of our usual competitions. Registration for the meet will open at 9 AM on April 30th, the second day of practice. As soon as you receive notification that registration is open, please log in to: 

1. Sign up your swimmer(s) for their events 
2. Select a volunteer role for yourself. 

We encourage all swimmers to participate in every event they can. If you’re uncertain about any event, go ahead and register—our coaches will fine-tune entries as practices continue. This is also the one swim meet of the year that ends early, typically before 11 AM. 

It’s crucial that EVERY SWIMMER REGISTERS for this practice meet. This is a unique opportunity for your swimmer to use a kickboard or even receive hands-on assistance from a coach while swimming. This experience is especially valuable for our youngest swimmers, helping them gain confidence and familiarity with the meet environment in preparation for future competitions.

TEAM PHOTO: We will take group pictures of our team, coaches, and junior coaches before the Red, White, & Blue meet starts. Please ensure your swimmer(s) wear their team shirts on this day. They will be handed out at practice the week of the meet. 

by Genevieve Bales, Volunteer Coordinator

Get ready to dive into the heart of the action with our volunteer opportunities! Each role is crucial to the smooth running of our events, and your involvement makes a significant difference. Whether you're timing races, watching the kids in one of our pits, judging, working concessions, or helping with event setup, your contributions help create a vibrant and supportive environment for all our swimmers.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further information about the available positions. Communication is key, and I'm here to ensure you feel confident and excited about your role. Together, we can make this season a fantastic experience for everyone involved! Let's make a splash and show our swimmers the incredible support they have behind them.

Please keep in mind that volunteering is essential and required for all families. Each meet operates smoothly thanks to the dedication of 90-100 volunteers, so we rely on every family to commit to at least one shift for each meet their children participate in. With a wide variety of roles available, there’s a perfect fit for everyone. If you’re unsure about which position to choose, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we’ll find a role that suits you well. Your involvement is key to our success!

Please help make this a phenomenal season for your children, and remember to pick your job assignments when you register your children for the meets. I’ll send out a Google form this week that I need EVERYONE to complete. This will help familiarize parents with the volunteer roles at each meet. 

If you have any questions or need to talk to me, please do not hesitate to text or call (210) 268-9008.

Look for information in the upcoming weeks on the delivery of our team t-shirts and caps ordered during registration. If you ordered a swimsuit through D&J during the night of the fitting, expect to hear from me or D&J Sports as soon as those are ready for pickup.

If your child is in need of a cap right away, we do have some latex and a few silicone in stock. I will bring them to practices this week. Each swimmer receives one free latex cap. There is a cost for additional latex caps or silicone caps. If you urgently need a cap and I'm not around the pool when you are, feel free to text me at 512-750-8096. I live very close by and can bring it to you at the pool.

If you have any questions about swimwear or merchandise contact Betty Jo Carreon.

There will be Board Members around the pool the first week, some wearing PINK shirts that say "Board" on the back. Feel free to ask them questions at any time. During practices, please allow the coaches to focus on the swimmers in the water.

Kiddie Pool

The kiddie pool will be open, but you MUST follow the posted WB MUD rules. It is for children 5 and under, and a parent MUST be inside the enclosed area with their child. Failure to follow the rules will result in the kiddie pool being closed during practices.

Covering Your Family Sponsorship Requirement at Austin FC Games

• The WBA is invited to sell concessions at home games for the Austin FC Soccer team by selling concessions or serving food at open-air self-checkout markets (think Target self-checkout).
• 10% of sales will be donated back to our non-profit.
• A $50 CREDIT MINIMUM will be earned toward your family's sponsorship fee per shift for each Austin FC game you, a family member, or a friend volunteer (age 18 + only).
  • You will receive a free shirt and hat to wear while serving. The WBA pays the fee for your shirt and hat, so please reuse them for each shift.
  • Free meal: Volunteers will grab lunch (typically a sandwich) upon arrival when checking in.
  • Free volunteer parking and shuttles to get to Q2 stadium.
  • Be a part of the fun Austin FC experience.

WBA Volunteers Needed for Following games (Must be 18+ years old).

Please email [email protected] if you can participate or have any questions. Your training certificates must be uploaded 10 days before any game day for Levy to confirm your eligibility.

• Weds, May 15 - 7:30 PM AFC v HDFC
• Sat, May 18 - 7:30 PM AFC v SKC
• Weds, May 29 - 7:30 PM AFC v PT
• Weds, Jun 19 - 7:30 PM AFC v LAFC
• Sun, June 30 - TIME TBD - COPA CUP Opponent TBD
• Tues, July 2 - TIME TBD - COPA CUP Opponent TBD

Must sign up and have training completed 10-days before the game. Learn more here: https://wellsbranch.swimtopia.com/Austin-FC-Volunteer

NEEDED: Austin FC Volunteer Coordinator

• Great role for someone who can't volunteer during the meets and perfect for the fans of Austin FC. You will get to coordinate and prep WBA volunteers for Austin FC home games

Job requirements:

• Be organized and a good communicator, able to access and send emails via the Gmail account provided.
• Liaison between Q2 and Wells Branch Armada to get 6-8 volunteers per meet and ensure training and schedules are complete.
• Keep a record of volunteers who have participated.

Our coordinator does not need to work all Austin FC games, but it's recommended to work at least 1 shift to understand the process of our volunteer's experience.

May is on the horizon. We are excited to introduce the Calendar Fundraiser! I plan on posting to social media and walking around the neighborhood one day in our WB attire asking for support. Once all 31 days are completed, you will have raised $496!!!

• Click the link to download your copy of the CALENDAR. Feel free to use the blank copy or upload a photo of your swimmer(s) to personalize! Most of all, have fun in the name of swim!
• If you want me to make you a photo like you see here with your payment info- email me ( [email protected] ) a photo, your payment info, and I'll send your copy! Thank you!

If you have any questions- TEXT Tricia Hughes at 512-947-8247.