Thinking about swim team for your swimmer? We’re excited you’re here! The Black Marlins Swim Team offers a fun, structured, and supportive competitive environment for swimmers who are ready to grow as part of a team.

Whether your swimmer is brand new to swim team or looking for a change, this page outlines what to expect for Spring 2026 and how to get started.

Is the Black Marlins a Good Fit?

Each swimmer will need to meet the below requirements to set them up for success:

• Minis (8 & Under):

  • 1 lap of non stop rotary breathing freestyle 

  • 1 lap of backstroke

  • a strong understanding of breastroke and butterfly

• Age Group (9 & Overs):​

  • 2 laps of non stop rotary breathing freestyle 

  • 2 laps of backstroke

  • 1 lap of breastroke and butterfly

• Juniors (ages 10-13)

  • 500 freestyle, 300 backstroke and a 100 of breaststroke and butterfly

• Seniors (ages 13-18)

  • 800 freestyle, 500 backstroke and a 200 of breaststroke and butterfly

How Joining Works

The Black Marlins is a structured, year-round program, and all new swimmers must complete an evaluation before joining. As a reminder, this is a swim team which has a higher commitment level than swim lessons. 

Evaluations help us:

• Place swimmers in the most appropriate training group

• Ensure a fun and positive practice dynamic

• Set swimmers up for success from day one

Spring 2026 evaluations will take place in mid March/ early April. Please click here to schedule your evaluation. 

Practice Expectations

Due to the growing number of swimmers on the team, swimmers are able to attend practice on the specific days for which they are registered. This helps us manage lane space and keep practices running smoothly for all groups. We do not have attendance requirements!

If your family is interested in adding an additional practice day for more flexibility, please reach out to discuss availability.

What Spring Training Looks Like

Spring is considered the off-season for YMCA swimming. During this time:

• There are fewer meet offerings

• There are no required meets

Practices focus on:

• Stroke technique and skill development

• Endurance building

• Dryland training

• Fun Fridays and team engagement

This season provides swimmers with an opportunity to refine skills while maintaining a balanced schedule of sports!

USA Swimming Opportunities

USA-registered swimmers will begin transitioning into the long-course season during the spring.

Any YMCA swimmer who is interested in trying out this opportunity is welcome to do so. There will be at least one YMCA meet available for swimmers who would like to continue participating in Y-level competition while exploring long-course training.

Tentative Spring Schedule

If you’re interested in joining for Spring 2026:

1. Please feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions by emailing Coach Kayla at [email protected] We recommend reaching out sooner rather than later as team space fills quickly. 

2. Sign up your swimmer for an evaluation by clicking here. 

Submitting the interest form lets us know you’re interested and ensures your swimmer is considered once evaluations open. Submission of this form does not guarantee placement.