hi Poolsharks -

Here we go, heading into Week 9, our final week of the season.  

This morning at our 9-12 practice, Coach Jake passed down his 'Senior Kickboard' to Griffin Guest (age 11).  This is an annual tradition where our graduating seniors decorate a vintage Venetian kickboard to hand down to a swimmer that they see as representing all the characteristics we value in our Poolsharks (coachable, hard workers, amazing teammate).  

I cannot thank our parents enough for getting your kids to practice & meets each week, volunteering in 90 degree heat, and for all of your support of the team throughout the season.

I also want to take a moment to thank each member of our coaching staff, from our full time paid coaches, to our 12 volunteens - they each give their heart, time & energy each day to our swimmers and team.

Next, I want to thank each of the parents on our swim team committee, led by the once in a lifetime amazing lady, Becky McElroy.  

And finally, I want to thank each of our swimmers!  They show up each day, ready to work hard, listen, make friends, do their best, get on the megaphone for bad joke thursday, help put in lanelines, try 100 IM's, and make me smile every single day.  Just spend one practice with our kids and you will be reassured that the future is bright and promising.

The Olympic Trials has been exciting this week, especially with cheering on the Poolsharks own Ian Grum.  Ian placed 4th in the 400 IM earlier this week and 11th in the 200 backstroke - both outstanding swims!

This past Tuesday night was very special, celebrating our 10 graduating seniors, Owen (U of Florida), Knox (Ole Miss), CJ (Ga Tech), Aiden (Ga Tech), Jake (Ga Tech), Bridget (Auburn), Jayla (Vanderbilt), Liam (Colorado College), Greta (Northwestern), Liv (Boston University).  

Schedule for this week:

Monday: June 24th, will be our last dual meet of the season, as we host HLHK @ 5:30 with a spirit theme of ATL pro sports teams. HLHK is led by Coach Jabari - he is also the head coach of the local club team, the SEALS (info HERE).  Coach Jabari welcomed my son Isaiah to train with his team one spring when Isaiah was 8, so he could get a month of pre-season training before summer league.  Coach Jabari has been one of Isaiah's biggest supporters ever since and I am excited & thankful to host his team this Monday.

Tuesday: donut/awards and last swim practice day 

Wednesday: Divisionals @ Georgia Tech - there is NO Poolshark practice this day as all coaches will be at Divisionals. We are excited to bring 117 Poolsharks to the championship meet!  Divisionals info (warmup times, required volunteers, heat sheets will be shared with the team as soon as we receive from the league - most likely Sun or Mon).  HERE is the PSYCH sheet for Divisionals (you can find your child's name for individual events, no names by relays as these are subject to change based on teams last meet this Mon).  

Thursday: LAST DAY of Season 9:30 - 11 AM - we will have our End of Season Celebration including games, fun relays & recognize 6 Poolsharks of the Year. We will also have the burrito guys out on Thursday for families to purchase breakfast burritos one last time this season.  Please make sure to declare YES/NO HERE for this celebration (we will be doing inter age group relays and want to plan ahead).  We also need parent volunteers for everything from running games, to helping put away the starting blocks (it will be a very good workout!)

End of Season Pictures Slideshow - Coach Ashley is working to put this together for the team - please take a moment to add photos to THIS google photo album by Tuesday night please.

Update Top 11's - our kids have been working hard and improving each week throughout the season.  We will recognize the top High Point & top Most Improved from our 12 age groups, at our End of Season Celebration.

Top Times HERE

Most Improved HERE

High Point HERE

Have Fun, Race Hard, Do Your Best, Go Poolsharks!

-Beth