HRY Dolphin Swim Team Philosophy
The goal of the Hampshire Regional YMCA Dolphins Swim Team is to promote the healthy development of spirit, mind, and body. We teach fundamental skills, encourage lifetime involvement in physical activity, and strengthen values. The YMCA Core Values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the foundation of all we do.
Swim Divisions
DOLPHINS CLUB DIVISION
A club team comprised of swimmers who are entry level to high school level.
This group will focus on offering an option to those interested in continuing their swimming careers beyond swim lessons with an emphasis on fun. Participants in the group can vary in age from 6 years old to 18 years old. Participants are required to be able to swim one length of freestyle and backstroke during a swim evaluation held by one of the coaches. Participants are expected to participate in 2 practices a week.
Stroke Ability: Swimmers have a basic understanding of all four strokes. Can swim at least 2 lengths of the pool of each stroke.
AGE GROUP DIVISION
The age group team focuses on proper stroke technique while also building an aerobic base for all participants. The goal of this group is to develop swimmers to have proper endurance, speed, and skills needed to compete in USA and YMCA meets and to transition into the Senior team. Participants are required to perform all 4 competitive strokes legally with good form and the endurance to participate during all of practice. USA registration is encouraged but not required.
– Participants in this group can vary in age between 6 years old and 18 years old depending on ability. Participants are required to attend three practices a week, although 4 practices are encouraged.
Stroke Ability: Advanced understanding of all four strokes. Adept understanding of all swim meet standards.
SENIOR DIVISION
The Senior team is designed for swimmers who are looking to achieve success at high level USA meets and in High School swimming. The expectations of this group are to build skills that would allow swimmers to continue swimming at the colligate level and compete in high level USA and YMCA meets. USA registration is mandatory. Participants age in this group can vary depending on ability. Participants should attend a minimum of five practices per week, although full participation is strongly encouraged.
Stroke Ability: Advanced understanding of all four strokes. Advanced understanding of all swim meet standards.
Welcome Jae Pinilla-O’Dea!
Swim Team Head Coach
Jae, started his coaching career in 2024 in Branford, CT. He has coached a large variety of swimmers such as age groups and seniors. From being a former assistant coach, he has also had
16 years of past competitive swimming experience within clubs, high school, and collegiate levels. When it comes to his coaching philosophy Jae strongly believes in the process over the product. He always wants athletes to focus on what they can achieve in the current moment, to progress their skills/achievements. Jae also focuses on creating strong relationships with coaches and swimmers to create a welcoming and safe environment.
Jae’s overall goal is to focus on stroke technique, speed, and endurance, but most importantly helping individuals fall in love with the sport of swimming.
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