The Norwich YMCA Dolphins swim team returns to action on September 30 after many accolades and achievements in 2023. (Photo from Coach Diefenbacher)

NORWICH – On September 30, the Norwich Family YMCA pool will see the return of the Dolphins Swim Team for the new season. Coming off of a fantastic 2023-2024 season that saw three records fall, the first State Champion crowned in several years, and a huge amount of collective time drops, the prospects for the new season are promising.

There will be a few changes this year. Practices will be Monday through Friday with junior practice, ages seven to 10, running 4:15 to 5 p.m. The senior practice for ages 11 to 18 will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. For the junior squad, the practice time will stretch to 5:15 p.m. as the season gets longer.

Fees will be $300 for non-varsity/modified swimmers and $225 for varsity/modified swimmers. There are scholarships and payment plans available to help cover the cost of the season, which runs September through February/March.

The program is always looking to build the size of the team, which has had a long-standing tradition of excellence in Chenango County. The coaches want to emphasize that they have designed the program to suit a diverse array of skills sets, family lifestyles, and with balance in mind. Individuals that are in more than one sport or other extracurricular activity are more than welcome to join.

Practices are five days a week and are at the same time every day, so families can make the practice schedule fit their busy lifestyle. The more the swimmer is in the pool, the better they will do at competitions.

Individuals on varsity or modified swim teams are also encouraged to join.

Practices and race times achieved during the varsity or modified season are counted towards YMCA practices and State qualifying times. In fact, swimmers starting and/or extending their season with the YMCA Dolphins typically perform better during their varsity or modified season. There is also the added benefit of having extra layers of competition with District, State, and National level meets in the YMCA program.

This season will see the addition of dryland stations that the team will go through to build core stability, strength, and flexibility. Mental preparedness for racing, goal setting, and stroke fundamentals will continue to be a focus this season as well.

The team has a great potential to really strengthen the already diverse array of skill sets that they possess, all while building self-confidence, friendships, and having fun it.

- Information from the Norwich Dolphins