Last week was a wonderful start to the 2026 season! We saw numerous swimmers at the New Swimmer Evaluations, had beautiful weather, welcomed new assistant coaches, and had a great turnout for our practices. Thanks to the many parents who attended Thursday's Parent Kick Off Meeting! If you couldn’t attend, no worries! We’re including in this message a summary of the meeting and a look ahead for this week…with active links to access pages on the website, reference material, and other resources.

Most emails will not be this long - please take the time to review this one as it includes comprehensive important information for the season.

For those that received a copy of the Parent Reference Sheet at the meeting, it had an error in the practice time for 11 and over swimmers. Practice for 11 and over swimmers starts at 6pm.

Week Ahead

• Evening Practices continue
• Registration fees due Wednesday, June 3rd
• Fresh Fins Buddy Program sign up due Saturday, June 6th

Parent Season Kickoff Meeting Summary

Our 2026 Hammerheads Leadership Team includes:

• Corren Johnson, Swim Team Representative
• Lacey Rinehart, Operations & Volunteer Manager
• Mary Thomas, Meet Manager
• Marie Grant, Treasurer
• Jen Hooper, Communications Officer
• Chandra Haislet, Head Coach
• Rachel Bostian, Assistant Coach
• Matt Collingwood, Assistant Coach
• Denise Jackson, Assistant Coach

Communications

• The leadership team can be reached at [email protected]. This is our primary form of communication. Weekly update emails will be sent, with possible mid-week emails as needed and all updates posted on the website.
• The Hammerheads Facebook group is not managed by the Swim Team and info may not be accurate.

Registration Fees

All registration fees need to be paid by Wednesday, June 3rd.

• Checks that were previously mailed or hand delivered to the pool are being reconciled with athlete registration accounts. No action is needed from families.
• Anyone else needing to pay registration fees are requested to deliver cash or check directly to the pool Manager on Duty to expedite receipt and payment reconciliation.
• If you opted to pay by credit card and have not done so as of 5/30, we now need payment by cash or check.

Practices

Please review the practice schedule for your swimmer’s practice times and subscribe to the swim calendar. The frequency guideline is 10 and under two practices per week and 11 and older three practices per week. Practices are held if pool grounds are open.

Our coaches are excited to meet your swimmers and to support them in improving their swim technique in a fun and safe environment. Coaches may elect to move swimmers to a different age group based on their ability or maturity, and we ask that you follow their recommendations!

Meets

Our meet schedule is available on our website. The events tab is gated, so you will need to login to see events and manage sign ups.

• Use the Meet Entry button next to the meet to declare your swimmer’s attendance
  • Unless you specify otherwise, we will assume your swimmer will be at every meet. We appreciate your completion of the declarations by Wednesday each week to ensure accurate relay configurations.
  • We understand emergencies happen, so if your swimmer is unable to attend last-minute, please email us at [email protected] so that we can reseed heats as efficiently as possible!
• Use the Job Signup button to choose your volunteer commitments for that meet

Please declare your swimmer’s attendance by the Wednesday prior to the meet to allow our coaching staff time to complete entries.

Family Commitment Requirements

Our season would not be possible without you, the families of the swimmers, volunteering at the meets and events throughout the season.

• Service commitment includes: 5 points earned through completing volunteer jobs and 2 hospitality donations (at least one additional shift per invitational attended as required by the host team). Those attending invitational meets must complete at least one shift per invitational as required by the host team and this is in addition to the service 5 points.
• Follow the Cancellation & Substitution Procedures in the Parent Handbook to avoid penalties

Every volunteer job on our calendar has a point value and there are positions to choose from. Descriptions can be found in the handbook.

New Swimmer Buddy Program

The Fresh Fins Buddy Program is designed to build connection, engagement, and team spirit by pairing new swimmers (Fresh Fins) with returning Hammerhead veterans. Interested families may complete the Fresh Fins Sign Up by June 6th.

Gear

Visit the Swim Outlet Team Store to buy team suits. As a Hunting Hills Swim Team member, you get a free Swim Outlet membership special discounts and perks.

Being well prepared for meets and having spare equipment is critical. Here’s what to pack: team suit, swim caps (2), goggles (2), towels (2), something to stay warm, water bottle, sunscreen, nutritious snacks, dry clothes, non-electronic entertainment, chairs, and pop-up tent (if desired).