Stingray families,

The Shady Hollow HOA let us know that the pump needs replacement at the pool.  The good news is that it should be fixed very soon, but we are not certain it will be swim-ready by this Saturday in time for the kickoff party.  We still feel it's important for families and kids to get together, so we're making some changes.  Bear with us on this long-ish email as it has important notes.  

NEW KICKOFF PARTY DETAILS

The kickoff party will still be held on Saturday, April 25th.  It'll be from 1:00p to 3:00p.  It will be at the Shady Hollow Community Center, at 3303 Doe Run, 78748.  

Party Details:

• We will still have fun for the kids.  We're looking at getting water slides and having a foam party, so bring clothes that can get wet and a towel.
• We will still hold a kickoff meeting, a new parent orientation, and do stroke and turn training (in that order) in side the community center.  The swimmers do not need to attend any of this.  This is just for the adults.  We'll plan to start these at 110-120 to give people time to show. 
• It's a come and go event.  As soon as you're done having fun or attending the relevant meetings, you're all set!
• We'll still be having pizza and cupcakes!

Swimsuits, T-Shirts, and Merch

We will be handing out the previously ordered swimsuits, the team shirts for the kids, and will be selling team shirts to adults at this event.  It's still a great idea to get your gear at this event!  

Kickoff Speech (110-130)

This year will be just for parents, so it'll be short and sweet.  There isn't enough space for all parents and kids in the CC.  We'll cover volunteering, a change that we're expecting to make with practices, and some expectation-setting. 

New Parent Orientation (130-200)

New Parents!  This is your chance to get acclimated with a neighborhood swim team.  We will go over volunteering, registering kids for swimming, tips, and other tricks so you are not overwhelmed for the first practice and first meet.

Stroke and Turn Training (roughly 2p-3p)

Stroke and turn is the one volunteer spot that requires some initial training, which is good for two years.  If you are thinking that this position is a good fit, please plan to attend. 

• Please fill out this form so we know you're coming:  2026 CCSL Stroke & Turn Judge Training Sign-Up form
• Those who do the training will get an official Stingray Stroke and Turn T-shirt!  All the other teams will be jealous when you wear it.  It will be ready by the Fun Meet.
• If you need to do the S/T training, but are unavailable on Saturday, there are still a few other options to sign up for training at the other teams' pools.  You can see the schedule here.  Do remember to use the above sign up form to sign up for training at another location as well so we know to expect you. 

Volunteer Spots for Kickoff

Please review your registration for this event.  We will be in need of a few other volunteers and some other positions that were needed at the pool won't be needed at the CC.  Be on the lookout for changes on this.  

Final Tryouts

We can still hold a tryout if we previously knew that you were coming.  Michael Bribiesca has been handling these registrations.  Email him with any questions about this.  Otherwise, our team is full - for both HOA and non-HOA swimmers.  Rather than doing the tryout on Saturday, we will have to do it at your swimmers' first practice.  We expect the pool to be ready by Tuesday and if so, we can do it then!

That's enough info for now.  Even though this event won't be at our pool, we will still have a great time and get out the needed information.  We look forward to seeing everyone!  GO STINGRAYS!!

Mike Broccolo

Stingray Board