Bronze Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team

The YMCA and SPY swim team welcome dedicated swimmers who want to compete with teammates in an encouraging and supportive environment. Emphasis is placed on developing the four competitive stroke techniques, racing skills and endurance while focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, healthy competition, fitness and fun. Our coaches encourage swimmers every step of the way to improve and do their personal best. Being on the swim team is a great way to meet new friends, work out and have fun – all at the same time! Typical age range is 5-10

Session Information:

Program runs May 4-29, 2026

All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration. 

• Requirements
  • Capable of continuously swimming up to 25 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke.
  • Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
  • Ability to demonstrate components of Breaststroke and Butterfly after instruction.
  • Ability to enter the pool with a Kneeling, Compact, Stride or Shallow Dive.
• Email [email protected] to schedule your try-out!
• Questions Ryan Delong, Aquatics [email protected]

Billing Information:$85

Financial assistance and payment plans may be available upon request.

About Us:

The Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team provides swimmers a competitive experience that is in a safe and supportive environment for athletes of all ages and abilities

Gold Description:

This group maintains an emphasis on stroke technique while incorporating more aerobic endurance, dryland exercises and racing skills. We encourage and teach a lifelong love and appreciation of the sport as we introduce this group to more rigorous training, preparing them to compete at the state and national level. Practices are offered up to 6 days a week.

● Typical age range: 11-18.
● All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration.
Requirements
● Legally swim a minimum of 100 yards of Freestyle and Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
● Ability to complete an endurance set of 10×100 at an interval appropriate to the swimmers age and level.
● Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
● Ability to enter the pool with a competitive start from the diving blocks.
● The determination to work hard and strive for personal achievements based on goal setting exercises.

Session Information:

April 20-May 30, 2026

Why Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team?

• Consistent top tier team in Western PA
• Member of both the WYPSL League and USS Swimming
• Experienced and committed staff
• Quality facilities, weight room, and dryland training with certified instructors
• TEAM and Family Environment

Request a tryout today by contacting us at: [email protected]

Questions: Ryan DeLong-Aquatics Director [email protected]

Billing Information: $145 for 6 weeks

Financial assistance and payment plans may be available upon request.

Silver Sampson Family YMCA Swim Team

Silver Description:  This group builds upon the fundamental swimming skills learned in the Bronze Group. More advanced drills and training techniques are introduced progressively to improve overall coordination and efficiency in water. Swimmers are encouraged to attend practice regularly and participate in swim meets. Being on the swim team is a great way to meet new friends, work out and have fun – all at the same time!   Typical age range: 8-12.

Session Information: 

Program runs April 27-May 30, 2026

All new swimmers are required to try out for the swim team before registration. 

• Requirements
  • Legally swim a minimum of 50 yards of Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke and Butterfly.
  • Ability to listen and apply out of the pool instruction.
  • Ability to enter the pool with a competitive start from the diving blocks.
• Email [email protected] to schedule your try-out!
• Questions: Ryan DeLong-Aquatics [email protected]

Billing Information: 5 Weeks-$110

Financial assistance and payment plans may be available upon request.

Get ready for the summer swim season with our 6-week Spring Conditioning Program! This program will focus on stroke technique, turns, starts, and endurance training to build strength, speed and confidence in the water. Our expert coaching staff will break down each aspect of your swim to refine technique while also improving overall conditioning. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your skills, or boost your endurance, this program is the perfect way to dive into summer competition feeling strong and prepared!

Requirement criteria for New Members: Completion of Level 4 or equivalent swim lessons, which will also be completion of the Deep Water/Green Band swim test plus backstroke.

• 25 yards front stroke
• 25 yards back stroke
• Tread water for 1 minute

*If unsure, please email [email protected] for a swim test. 

*25/26 Team members should register for their current level*

Practice Times: Ages are approximate. Swimmers will be adjusted into the correct groups during the first week of practice. Swimmers may attend some or all practices; no minimum requirement.

• Jr. Bronze (has never swam competitively, has completed Level 4 or equivalent)
  • Mon/Wed 5:00 – 5:45pm
• Bronze (previous competitive experience, has completed Level 6 or equivalent)
  • Mon/Wed 6:00 – 6:45pm
  • Tue/Thur 6:30 – 7:15pm

• Silver/Gold (Coach Recommended; contact for evaluation)
  • Mon/Wed 6:45 – 8:15pm
  • Tue/Thur 7:15 – 8:45pm

*25/26 Team members should register for their current level*

Our summer swim team practices four days a week, focusing on building a strong foundation in endurance, technique, and skill development. We’re a fun, energetic group dedicated to improving and getting faster each season. With a supportive team environment and an emphasis on individual growth, we strive to help every swimmer reach their full potential—while enjoying every moment in the water. An active membership is required to participate in this program.

Requirement criteria for New Members: Completion of Level 4 or equivalent swim lessons, which will also be completion of the Deep Water/Green Band swim test plus backstroke.

• 25 yards front stroke
• 25 yards back stroke
• Tread water for 1 minute

*If unsure, please email [email protected] for a swim test. 

*Current team members should register for their established level*

Practice Times: Ages are approximate. Swimmers will be adjusted into the correct groups during the first week of practice. Swimmers may attend some or all practices; no minimum requirement.

• Jr. Bronze (has never swam competitively, has completed Level 4 or equivalent)
  • Mon/Wed 5:00 – 5:45pm

• Bronze (previous competitive experience, has completed Level 6, or equivalent)
  • Mon/Wed 6:00 – 6:45pm
  • Tue/Thur 6:30 – 7:15pm

• Silver/Gold (Coach Recommended; contact for evaluation)
  • Mon/Wed 6:45 – 8:15pm
  • Tue/Thur 7:15 – 8:45pm

Preseason Clinic
Practices Tuesdays 6:00–7:15pm

Designed for participants currently enrolled in the Thelma Lovette Gators Winter ’25-26 swim team and or looking to join the team during the Summer ’26 season.

Preseason will focus on endurance, technique for all strokes as well as starts and turns in order to maintain fitness following the winter swim team season and in preparation for the Summer swim season, which will begin in mid-May.

Session 1: 

Tuesday, February 24th-Tuesday, March 31st

Session 2: 

Tuesday, April 7th-Tuesday, May 12th

Cost: $72 per session

Requirements: Swimmers must be able to meet the requirements for either the Bronze or Silver squad:

Bronze swimmers must be able to:

• Swim 25-50 continuous yards of Freestyle with rotary (side) breathing, continuous arm motion and continuous kick.
• Swim 25-50 continuous yards of Backstroke with continuous arm motion and continuous kick.
• Have previous knowledge of Breaststroke and Butterfly.
• Attempt a dive from the side of the pool or off the diving block.
• Pass an endurance set (Example: 4×25’s freestyle with 1:00 minute break after each 25.)

Silver Swimmers must be able to:

• • Swim 50-100 Freestyle with continuous arm motion, kicking and rotary (side) breathing.
  • Swim 50-100 of the four competitive strokes continuously with appropriate turns and continuous arm and kicking motion.
  • Dive from the starting block.
  • Continuously perform flip turns – no open turns.
  • Perform the appropriate streamline/turn for each stroke.
  • Butterfly — Get their arms over the water and perform the butterfly kick.
  • Breaststroke — Perform the breaststroke pull and kick.
  • Backstroke — Swim on their back for the entire distance and perform a backstroke flip turn and appropriate finish.
  • Pass an endurance set (Example: 4×50’s freestyle and/or Backstroke with 1:00 minute break after each 50.)