Team Mission and Philosophy

 
The Sharks are a community-based program with something to offer swimmers of all ages and abilities.  From beginning swimmers to elite swimmers, all are welcome, all are valued.

As a matter of team philosophy, we work to develop in our swimmers. . .

passion for the sport of swimming.
a lifetime appreciation of the rewards that come from hard work, perseverance, discipline, and teamwork.
the self-esteem that comes through the accomplishment of personal objectives.

The Sharks define winning as personal improvement – beating old times and achieving personal bests.  Kids see their efforts pay off in objective terms; finishing times need no interpretation.  While winning races is nice, the philosophy of the Sharks teaches our kids that as long as they improve, they win.  It’s a healthy and inclusive view of competition that builds self-esteem through genuine accomplishment.

 
The Sharks also emphasize that swimming is a team sport and that swimmers contribute to team success.  Beyond swimming on relays where team participation is easy to understand, Sharks swimmers also learn that their efforts at practice and at meets helps the team as a whole.  Enthusiasm and support for everyone helps Sharks swimmers realize they're part of something bigger than individual performances.