Hello, Winter Conditioning Swimmers and Families!

We had a great last week, and a great ending time trials just yesterday! I’ll attach the results from yesterday’s time trials to the bottom of this note. A reminder: we will be taking a break this upcoming week, with practices starting up again on February 8th!

Week in Review:

8U and 9-12 worked on backstroke, sprints, and some race details this week. 13+ had critical speed sets and race details! Here are our quotes of the day from each day of practice this week! :

Day 1: “A trophy carries dust. Memories last forever.” – Mary Lou Retton

Day 2: “Make sure your worst enemy doesn’t live between your own two ears.” – Laird Hamilton

Day 3: “Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play.” – Mike SingletarySwimmers of the Week:

Name: Avedon Lynch

Age: 6

Favorite Stroke: “My best is FREESTYLE ! But my favorite is butterfly.”

Favorite thing about swimming: “Um my favorite thing about swimming is that I’m warm! I like games! Coach Malia never sees me when I’m sneaking underwater.”

Favorite vacation: “Let’s see… um… um… HAWAII !”

Favorite Food: “I have so much favorite food! Big fat rice [risotto]!”

“The coaches have been really impressed with Avedon this season. She is the youngest, but also one of the most diligent, hard-working, and smiley swimmers in her group. She has had huge improvement in her stroke technique, but, more importantly, she has actively brought her positive attitude to practice everyday, lifting her teammates and coaches up with her big smile! At six years old, Avedon understands better than most what makes a successful athlete-- a willingness to work hard, a true enjoyment of her sport, and a simple joy that makes it all worth doing. Always remember, Avedon, your power is in being who you are! Fast times, successful races-- all of that is a product of your excitement for the sport. Keep your chin up and don’t let anyone dim your light! I am so proud of you, and impressed by you.” -Coach Tjasa

Name: Yardenne Sternheim

Age: 13

Favorite stroke: Backstroke

Favorite thing about swimming: “Diving in!”

Favorite vacation: Palm Springs

Favorite food: Dark chocolate

“Yardenne is one of a kind. She is, of course, a talented and dedicated swimmer, but most importantly, Yardenne is a kind person. Someone who always thinks of others before herself. In her group this past season, she acted as a gentle leader-- speaking up, making jokes, manifesting excitement for her teammates before a hard set. Coach Malia and I have often remarked to each other how lucky we are to get to coach, and to know, Yardenne. I myself really look up to Yardenne; knowing her has made me a more thoughtful person. I could see her one day potentially becoming a swim coach herself! Great job, Yardenne! Keep up the great work, we are all so proud of you at GMCA and excited to continue to coach you. I’ve been waiting to give this award to you all season, nobody deserves it more!” -Coach Tjasa

Parent Reminders:

We will be taking the week of 2/1/2021- 2/6/2021 off before starting the second half of our winter season on 2/8/2021! See you all then, and enjoy the time off!

Contacts:

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of the coaches:

Coach Tjasa Kmetec [email protected]

Coach Caleb Fenner [email protected]

Coach Malia Jefferson [email protected]

Thank you, everyone!

Coaches Tjasa Kmetec, Caleb Fenner, Malia Jefferson