Swim Team & Pre-Competitive Swim
Our coaches strive for all swimmers to achieve excellent stroke technique and peak athletic performance while maintaining a safe and fun environment at practice.
Swim Team
Tiger Sharks Swim Team
The Edwardsville YMCA Tiger Sharks Swim Team we strive to foster a passion for swimming and personal development. We invite swimmers of all ages and skill levels to join our team, where they will not only improve their swimming abilities but also grow in character.
Our Mission and Values
Our goal is to create an environment where respect, teamwork, kindness, and determination are valued and encouraged. Respect for oneself, teammates, competitors, coaches, and the facilities is fundamental to our team ethos. We teach swimmers to honor the rules of the sport, value the efforts of others, and approach every interaction with courtesy. We believe in empowering swimmers to take ownership of their development. This includes committing to practices, setting and pursuing personal goals, and contributing positively to the team environment.
edwardsville ymca tiger shark swim team (ages 7 - 18)
Get ready to make waves with the YMCA’s exciting new Swim Team!
Whether you’re a freestyle fanatic or a butterfly buff, our team is the perfect place to refine your strokes and reach new aquatic heights. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to join the YMCA’s dynamic Swim Team!
Sign up online or visit the front desk to secure your spot on the team.
Registration can take place before or after your evaluation.
Must be an Edwardsville YMCA Member to be on the team.
Registration $75 • Monthly Team Draft $90
Evaluation Dates
Tuesday OR Thursday
September 3rd • September 5th
5:00 – 6:30pm • Niebur Center
Have a few questions? Call the Edwardsville YMCA at 618-656-0436 or
email the Aquatics Department at aquatics@edwymca.com.
why choose the Ymca’s swim team?
- Comprehensive Training: Improve your technique across all four strokes (freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke & butterfly) with personalized evaluations.
- Friendly Competition: Compete locally & showcase your skills in friendly meets & tournaments.
- Team Camaraderie: Build lifelong friendships & team spirit in a supportive & encouraging environment.
who can join?
Swimmers from ages 7 – 18 & all skill levels are invited to join our team. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn or a seasoned swimmer looking to take your abilities to the next level, the YMCA’s Swim Team welcomes you. Membership to the Edwardsville YMCA is required to participate in the swim team.
how to get started?
Participation begins with a swim evaluation covering all four strokes is required before 1st practice. This helps our coaches assess your current skills.
Attend an evaluation date (above) for assessment.
- 7 & 8’s: Must Demonstrate at least 2 strokes at least 25 yards (1 length)
- 9 & up: Must Demonstrate at least 2 strokes at least 50 yards (2 lengths)
Team Structure and Expectations
Practices: Our swim team practices are designed to cater to various skill levels and age groups, ensuring personalized attention and development. Practices typically occur multiple times a week, focusing on refining techniques, building endurance, and enhancing race strategies. Swimmers can expect rigorous, yet enjoyable workouts that aim to push their limits while ensuring they enjoy the process of improvement.
Swim Meets: Swim meets are a cornerstone of our competitive experience, offering swimmers the chance to test their skills and measure their progress. Meets feature a range of events, from sprints to distance races, and include individual and relay competitions. Participation in meets provides valuable race experience, and swimmers will learn to manage pre-race nerves, handle competition, and celebrate both personal and team achievements.
What To Expect
Supportive Atmosphere: Joining the Edwardsville YMCA swim team means becoming part of a close-knit community. Teammates and coaches work together to create a supportive and motivating environment, where every swimmer is encouraged to reach their full potential.
Commitment to Excellence: Success on our swim team requires dedication. Swimmers are expected to attend practices regularly, actively participate in meets, and adhere to team guidelines. This commitment helps foster a strong work ethic and resilience, both in swimming and beyond.
Skill Enhancement: Our coaches are dedicated to helping each swimmer improve, regardless of their starting level. Expect personalized feedback, goal setting, and a focus on technique, strength, and mental preparation to enhance overall performance.
Community Engagement: Beyond the pool, our team engages in community activities and projects, all aligning with the YMCA’s mission to build a stronger, more connected community. This involvement enriches the experience of being part of the team and underscores our commitment to giving back.
PRE-COMPETITIVE SWIM (AGES 6 - 12)
Looking for a great introduction of a swim team experience? This pre-competitive swim class will be led by swim team experienced instructors, who will prepare swimmers for swim team. Emphasis is on developing & refining the mechanics of the four competitive strokes & increasing endurance.
Register Online ›