Wells Branch Armada

The summer season is in full swing, and the Wells Branch Armada continues to grow stronger with each meet, practice, and team event. From early morning swims to evening cheers, your dedication and enthusiasm have truly defined our team spirit this year.

In this issue, we also take a moment to honor the memory of Coach Aubrey Knapper, a beloved coach and mentor who made a lasting impact on our community.

We're highlighting some of the most exciting moments of the season so far and gearing up for even more ahead! Be sure to mark your calendars for two special events: our Swim-A-Thon Fundraiser on June 3 and the 3rd Annual Armada Meat Raffle on June 26, both are great opportunities to support the team and connect with the community.

You'll also find important reminders from our coaching staff about suit requirements, updates on volunteer opportunities, highlights from the Cedar Park Typhoons meet, and an exciting way to support the team through the Austin FC partnership.

Thank you for being part of what makes the Armada so special. Let's keep the momentum going as we head into the heart of our season!

by Genevieve Bales, President

Thank you, Armada families, for your dedication and enthusiasm! Your commitment to practices and swim meets has made a strong impact, and we are proud of the effort shown by every swimmer. We encourage all swimmers who are ready to compete to sign up for upcoming meets. When we show up together, we are a powerful force, let’s continue building momentum together!

🛍️ Swim Shop Update

We’re excited to announce that new items have just arrived in the Armada Swim Shop! Be sure to check out the latest gear to stay sharp and show your team spirit on deck.

We’re thrilled to announce one of the most exciting and meaningful events of the season — the 2025 Armada Swim-A-Thon!

📅 Date: Tuesday, June 3
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Willow Bend Pool

This fun-filled evening brings the whole team together as swimmers of all ages swim as many laps as they can to raise funds for the Armada. It’s all about team spirit, determination, and celebration!

🌟 Why Join In?

• All funds support team equipment, pool time, and swimmer development
• Prizes and recognition for top lap swimmers and fundraisers
• Music, cheers, and high energy fun for everyone

👉 How Do We Fundraise or Contribute?

• The easiest way to raise money from friends and family is by joining our fundraiser on the Raise365 app! Download the app and join with Team Code 46545775.
• But you can also donate the old-fashioned way: pledge a lump sum donation or challenge your swimmer by pledging a certain amount per lap (or asking friends and family to pledge).
• If you’re not using the app, you can submit your families’ fundraising contribution via Venmo (@wbaswim) (Business not People)  or by leaving a check payable to Wells Branch Armada in the Treasurer folder at the pool.
• REMINDER: All families are expected to raise/contribute a minimum of $100 as specified in the Team Handbook.
• Alternatively, families can fulfill their fundraising obligation by volunteering at two (2) Austin FC soccer games with Wells Branch Armada.

Start spreading the word and gathering sponsors. Let’s make a splash for the Armada! 🏊

Swim-A-Thon	Swim-A-Thon Lap Sheet

Join us for an exciting evening at the 3rd Annual Armada Meat Raffle, one of our team’s most popular fundraising events!

📍 Hanover's Draught Haus, 108 E Main St, Pflugerville, TX 78660
🕕 June 26th 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

How It Works:
🎟️ Purchase $2 raffle tickets (good for multiple rounds)
🥩 Each round features a variety of meats - from ground beef and chicken drumsticks to steaks and pork ribs
🏆 If your ticket is drawn, you get to choose from the remaining items in that round
🔥 We'll finish the night with a Super-Deluxe Drawing: $5 tickets for a chance to win premium cuts like bacon-wrapped filets and a whole brisket!

Come for the fun, stay for the prizes, and maybe take home dinner too!

Questions? Please contact our Meat Director - Aaron Bartlet.

by Maddie Wright, Head Coach

Swimmers, what a great turn out for our very first away meet. I hope each of you enjoyed the experience of getting to travel and put your skills to the test in a new pool. I saw some significant time drops, and was told each swimmer had an unmatched excitement brought to this meet.

Coach Jake reported that some of the skills both him and the others noted need some extra attention this week:

• Breaststroke and breaststroke pullouts
• Turns (flip turns and open turns)
• Sprinting (What is race pace)
• Freestyle technique
• Breathing technique

Everyone continue to push themselves at practice and challenge yourselves with new events. Let’s get ready and excited to swim against the Cedar Park Typhons this weekend.

Next meet spirit theme: Cowboy! 🤠

Before your swimmer hits the pool deck, make sure their suit meets USA Swimming and Northwest Swim Circuit guidelines!

✅ Allowed:
Only one swimsuit (textile material only - no rubber or plastic)
Boys: suits cannot go above the navel or below the knees
Girls: suits cannot cover the neck, extend past shoulders, or go below the knees
Swimmers may wear one or two caps

🚫 Not Allowed:
Tech suits (especially for 12 & Under) - check for QR codes or green check marks on the back of the suit; these are automatic disqualifiers and will result in swims being marked Exhibition
Suits with bonded or taped seams (no visible threads = likely a tech suit)
Anything aiding performance (fins, armbands, etc.)

⚠️ Important Note: Some suits with marketing names like "tech" (e.g., Speedo Aquablade) are still legal as long as they don't have a QR code or bonded seams. If you're unsure, ask your coach!
🔗 Visit our Swimsuit Requirements FAQ for more details

Let's keep it fair, safe, and fun for everyone!

by Juli Thatcher, Volunteer Coordinator

Thank you to everyone who volunteered in at our third meet! Your help made it a success.

We still have open slots for this Saturday’s meet, please sign up ASAP so we can ensure a smooth and timely event.

🗓️ Mark Your Calendars

Volunteer signups for our fifth meet go live on Tuesday at 12:00 PM (Noon). Set a reminder and grab your favorite job early!

If something urgent comes up (illness, emergency), please notify Juli Thatcher immediately so we can adjust accordingly.

Volunteers Needed for the 2025 Armada Swim-A-Thon! 🏊

We are looking forward to an exciting evening at the Armada Swim-A-Thon on Tuesday, June 3 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM at Willow Bend Pool and we need your help to make it a success!

👥 Volunteer spots are now open on SwimTopia!
We are looking for support in the following areas:

• ✅ Check-in Table
• 🍪 Dessert Table
• 🍕 Pizza Server
• 🔧 Event Set-up (5:00 – 6:00 PM)
• 🧹 Event Tear-down (8:30 – 9:00 PM)

This is a fun and relaxed event, and volunteering is a great way to be part of the excitement while supporting our swimmers. Whether you can help at the start, during, or after the event, we would love to have you join us.

📲 Sign up for a spot today!

Thank you for being part of what makes Armada such a strong and spirited swim family! 🐠

by DJ Loberg, Meet Director

Our 4th official meet and our 2nd Away Meet! DJ is out of town this week, so Ben Williams (512-351-1095) and Patrick Ricci (512-925-4525) will be tag teaming as the acting WB Armada Meet Directors for this meet. Please reach out to them for anything related to this meet.

📍 Key Details:

• Location: Cedar Park Typhoons - Milburn Pool 1901 Sun Chase Boulevard, Cedar Park, TX
• Arrival Time: 5:30 AM – Be on time and check in right away
• Typhoons Warm-ups: 5:40–6:10 AM
• WBA Warm-ups: 6:10–6:40 AM
• Meet Start: 7:00 AM
• Events: Swimmers may compete in up to 3 individual events
• Spirit Theme: Cowboy 🤠

📝 If your swimmer cannot attend or needs to scratch, please text (Ben Williams (512-351-1095) and/or Patrick Ricci (512-925-4525)) and/or the coaches ASAP!

Directions: Leverage Google Maps or other maps/direction apps/tools for best results!

🏊 Important Pool Info:

• Due to fire code, they must limit the number of spectators inside the pool fence at any given time. 
• Spectators should enjoy their swimmer’s race, and then leave the fenced in area to ensure that all families are able to view their swimmer’s races. No chairs or permanent seating (blankets, etc,) are allowed within the pool area.
• Swimmers should be informed to stay off of the playground equipment, sand volleyball pit in the park area, and out of the kiddie pool.

🚘 Parking Reminders:

• Parking is available in the Milburn Park lot. Please park only in paved spots, not in grassy areas or in fire lanes.
• Limited parking is available on both sides of Sun Chase Blvd North of the pool entrance. Red curbs in Sun Chase is a no parking zone. You will be ticketed. 
• Check signage carefully to avoid fire hydrants, mailboxes, and other no parking zones. Please avoid parking in the lots of nearby businesses, as they have been known to tow. Please do not move parking cones from parking spaces.

Fun Festivities Info:

The Cedar Park Typhoons Photo Booth Coordinator creates a themed photo tent each week and sets up in the Typhoons tent area. We would like to invite your swimmers to stop by the photo booth and snap some photos! Bring your families and friends (and even coaches)! 

Meet Volunteer Meeting Info:

• 6:15 - Runner Meeting - at the non start end of the pool
• 6:30 meeting times (so all will be prepared to start meet by 7:00)
  • Judges Meeting - under the slide, on the left side of the pool
  • Timers Meeting - under the awning, at the entrance of the pool
  • Ready Bench Meeting - Ready Bench area
• Ribbons Table - under the awning, next to the computer table

Pool and Pit Layout:

by Summer Smith, Armada FC Coordinator

Support the team AND earn credit toward your WBA sponsorship!

How it Works:

• Volunteer at Austin FC home games
• Earn $50+ per shift toward your sponsorship fee
• Credit can be earned by you, a family member, or a friend (age 18+)
• Multiple shifts = more credit

Volunteer Perks:

• Free WBA volunteer shirt and hat
• Free lunch at check-in
• Free parking and shuttle to Q2 Stadium
• Enjoy the electric game-day atmosphere!

📢 Get signed up and start volunteering at the next game!

Austin FC 2025 Home Schedule:

📋 Important:

• Must be 18+ years old
• Training certificates must be uploaded 10 days before game day
• Learn more or sign up here: https://wellsbranch.swimtopia.com/Austin-FC-Volunteer

Congratulations to all swimmers who earned top finishes at our second meet on May 31, 2025!

Way to go, Armada relay teams! These swimmers helped lead their teams to first-place finishes in the Medley and/or Freestyle Relays this past Saturday.

Each week, we recognize the swimmers who made the biggest splash by improving their times the most in each age group and category. These Fast Fishies worked hard and it showed in the pool—great job!

Top Time Drops – Cedar Park Typhoons Meet

* Swimmer repeated Fast Fishy

We’re thrilled to celebrate some incredible swims that have etched their way into the Armada record books! Breaking a club record is no small feat, it takes dedication, grit, and serious speed. Please join us in congratulating the following swimmers who broke an Armada Swim Team record at our most recent meet:

🏆 Lucas McGuire - Boys 11-12 50 Butterfly - 40.34 Old: 41.78 set by D'Zion Booker-Thompson in 2025

🏆 D'Zion Booker-Thompson - Boys 11-12 50 Butterfly - 38.17 Old: 41.78 set by D'Zion Booker-Thompson in 2025

These swimmers crushed it at our last meet, improving their personal bests in three separate events, an impressive display of hard work, focus, and determination!

🎉 Please join us in congratulating this meet’s Triple Drop Swimmers:

We are proud to announce the swimmers who have achieved this weekend the time standards required to qualify for the 2025 Northwest Swim Circuit (NWSC) Invitational!
Please join us in congratulating our Armada qualifiers:

View the complete list of Armada swimmers who qualified for the 2025 NWSC Invitational at:
https://wellsbranch.swimtopia.com/2025-invitationals

Our swimming community is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of longtime Texas Gold Coach Aubrey Knapper. For more than 30 years, Aubrey devoted himself to coaching and mentoring young swimmers across the Austin area, including many current and former Armada athletes who trained with Texas Gold year-round. He was also one of the early coaches of the Armada, playing a meaningful role in shaping the foundation of our team.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Coach Aubrey’s family, friends, and the countless swimmers whose lives were enriched by his guidance and care.

Friends of Coach Aubrey have organized a fundraiser to support his family with memorial and funeral expenses. To contribute, please visit the GoFundMe page.