Hello Sharks!

Welcome to the Southdown Swim Team 2025 season! I am your head coach Nastya Jacobson. This will be my 8th season with the Sharks and I’m so pumped. My favorite time of the year is upon us and as we prepare for another amazing season, there is some information that you all as parents and swimmers must know going into our first week of practice. Please make sure to take the time to read this message thoroughly.

• To stay up to date on event information, weather cancellations and meet declarations, download the SwimTopia app. Any updates will be sent out via Swimtopia alerts. (Looking like some rain expected tomorrow)
• Swimmers are required to wear goggles and a cap if their hair falls in their face. It may take some adjustment for newer swimmers. To keep everyone safe, they must be able to see where they are going.
• If your swimmer has their own kickboard and other equipment, have them bring it to practice.
• Since we are getting a colder start to the season, this week we will begin with instruction on deck before getting in the water. If it is too cold to get in we will conduct what we call “dryland” practice where we do exercises out of the water. Below you can find a list of suggestions for early summer practices:
  • Wear a cap or even two. TYR makes a warm cap that really helps.
  • Consider a rashguard. You cannot wear them at meets, but you can during practice.
  • Some swimmers like a meal or warm drink before practice. Some insist that it makes them feel colder. Your swimmer may need to experiment.
  • Keep moving. The worst thing to do is get out and sit still beside the pool.
  • If your swimmer needs a break, have a swim parka or robe and warm footwear handy. A winter hat can be helpful too! They can wrap up and exercise on deck to warm back up.
• All sponsorships for our team this season must be turned in by today. You can email the information to [email protected]
• PM Schedule until June 14
  • Blacktip (8 & under-ish) 7:00-7:40pm
  • Mako (9-12 yo-ish) 7:40 - 8:20pm
  • Great White (13 & over-ish) 8:20 - 9:00pm

If you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out to me via email or catch a veteran parent on deck. Before or after practice is the best time to talk with me since my attention is on the pool during practice. 

We appreciate your commitment and involvement in this team over the next 8 weeks. This is going to be the greatest year yet! See you tonight :-)

-- Coach Nastya