Holy Names Academy Swim & Dive

How do I sign up for swim meet events?

• First, you will fill out a survey during the first two weeks of the season giving the coaches your top three events, two new events and one distance event you would like to swim this year.
• Coaches will make the line-ups based on the survey and the events requested.
• Then coaches will send out the meet line-up by Tuesday before the meet and you will have 24 hours to let us know if you would like to change your event.
• Relays (regular and championship season)
  • Coaches will determine all entrants based on times, attendance, and attitude.

Should I compete if I'm a newer swimmer or diver?

• Even though SWIVE is a non-cut sport, our coaching staff will prepare every swimmer and diver to be able to compete in a meet and try a 200 or 500 freestyle. 

What do coaches expect of me on Meet Day?

• Show up on time
• Be polite to the lifeguards & pool staff, and volunteers
• Cheer on your teammates
• Stay until the end of the meet

How will coaches communicate with athletes?

• Coaches will communicate with athletes through Microsoft Teams. Athletes can also use Teams to communicate with coaches and their teammates.
• Email- you may also copy Mrs. London (athletic director)

How will coaches communicate with families (and athletes)?

• Family communications will primarily come through FinalForms and Swimtopia, once everyone is registered.
• FinalForms:
  • You are already on FinalForms (yay!). However, your athlete must be registered for Swim & Dive in FinalForms. Go to Eligibility & Registration for Holy Names Academy Athletics (holynames-sea.org)
• Swimtopia:
  • Register for SwimTopia, our swim website. To register for Swimtopia, which everyone needs to do whether you were registered last year or not, go to http://holynames.swimtopia.com. Go to the Homepage and click on Registration. Parents should also register (in addition to athletes) as this is how we sign up for swim meets and you can find current answers to most of your questions.

How do athletes get to/from practices?

• Athletes should find their own transportation to morning and afternoon practices.
• After morning practice, athletes can take Metro Bus 48 to HNA– older students will help new students the first few weeks of school to figure out the bussing.
• For afternoon practices, athletes can also take Metro Bus 48 from HNA or carpool with driving students.

How do athletes get to/from meets?

• For meets, captains will help arrange student carpools to meets. 
• If needed, early dismissal will be issued.
• Buses from HNA:
  • If we are not able to arrange a carpool for all athletes, a bus may be provided.
  • Athletes will need to sign up for the bus and are expected not to change to a carpool in the hour before leaving school. Teachers do us a favor by driving these buses and it is very disrespectful of their time.

Where is parking at Medgar Evers Pool?

• On the north side of the pool there are about 7 parking spots in the parking lot connected to Garfield High School.
• Along the west side of the pool there is street parking for about another 7 spots.
• There is another parking lot across the corner of Cherry St. and 24th by Garfield’s tennis courts that is free, and you can walk down the stairs to the entrance of Medgar Evers.
• Please be mindful in the morning- it's dark, so make sure to park safely, and try to walk as a group. In the afternoon, parking is MUCH harder. Even if you think you have time, please give yourself a little extra. It's harder to park in the Garfield lot during the afternoons.
• There are a few lots across the baseball field. If you park there, please try to walk as a group. 

I'm a parent/family of a swimmer or diver. What can I do to help?

• Thank you!!! You already do a lot to help get your athlete to where they are in this sport. Including any early morning transportation needs.
• Home swim meets are only possible with the help of parent/family volunteers. Volunteer roles are available on Swimtopia for our meets. If more parents are needed, coaches will send out an email before the meet.

How do I earn a Varsity letter in swimming or diving?

• Achieve a Post Season time standard (Metros/District or State)
• Participation in all swim meets entered- no no-shows
• Must attend 2-3 practices a week

How do I become a Team Captain?

• Information about applying for Senior and Junior team captain positions will be provided by coaches after the Championship Season.

Do you have any general non-medical food advice for athletes?

• Swimmers require a well-balanced diet that supports their high energy expenditure, muscle recovery, and growth.
• Carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for swim training.
  • Whole grains (brown rice, oats, whole wheat bread), fruits, and vegetables
• Proteins are essential for muscle repair and growth.
  • Chicken, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, tofu, and protein shakes
• Fats support long-term energy.
  • Avocados, nuts, and seeds
• Swimmers often don’t feel as thirsty because they’re in water, but dehydration still occurs. Hydrate!
  • During practice always have a water bottle to take small sips every 15-20 minutes.
  • After practice rehydrate with water or a sports drink especially after a long or hard practice.
• A small nutritious meal is necessary before morning practice, afternoon practice, or meets. Your body needs energy to be able to perform at its best. Ideas include:
  • Whole grain toast with peanut butter and banana
  • Oatmeal with berries and milk
  • Chicken sandwich with fruit
• Recovery snacks help rebuild and grow muscles (30-60 minutes after)
  • Chocolate milk
  • Smoothie with fruit, yogurt, and protein
  • Turkey sandwich with fruit