Swim Team FAQ's

The Shady Hollow Stingrays have been swimming in summer leagues for 24 years. We are now in the Capital City Summer League (CCSL) along with several other swim teams - Circle C Seals, Travis Country Sharks, Granada Hills/Western Oaks Dolphins, South Austin Area Barracudas, Hays Swim Club @ Plum Creek, Jewish Community Aquatic Association Piranhas, St. Stephens, and Courtyard Swordfish. We are a proud, friendly, competitive and community- oriented organization that is run totally by volunteers. Our stated purpose is to establish an atmosphere of friendly competition and personal satisfaction for our swimmers, while stressing individual and team accomplishments.

Here are some frequently asked questions.

1. When does swim team practice start?

Swim team practice starts on Tuesday, May 6. We practice Tuesday through Friday. During school, practice starts at 4:00 and when school is over, we go to morning practices starting at 8:00. Here are the practice times…

  May 6 - June 4 Starting June 5
Junior Rays   7:30 - 8:00 (T W Th)
6 and Under 4:00 - 4:30 8:00 - 8:30
8 and Under 4:30 - 5:15 8:30 - 9:15
10 and Under 5:15 - 6:00 9:15 - 10:00
11 to 18 6:00 - 7:00 10:00 - 11:00
13 and 18   9:00-10:00 pm (T W Th)

2. Do we need certain supplies for swim team?

Yes. Your child will need a bathing suit, goggles and towels. Our team suit is the same as last year - black with a blue swoosh. You may purchase both the suit and goggles at registration through one of our team sponsors, Lane 4, or you may buy your own at Academy. Purchasing a team swim suit is optional. A team t-shirt comes with the registration fee. Please label all items - goggles, swim suit, t-shirt, and towels.

3. What are time trials?

Time trials are a chance for new swimmers to get a seed time for the first swim meet. This time will determine what heat the swimmer will be entered in for the meet on May 24th. Only new swimmers will need a time. Returning swimmers will be placed by their best time from last season. Time trials are run by the coaches and will be conducted on May 16 and May 20. Every swimmer must be able to swim across the pool without touching the bottom in less than 1 minute. They are allowed to briefly hold the lane line. For the 6 and Under swimmers, only freestyle is timed.

4. What if my child does not swim across the pool in under one minute?

There are 2 options for you if this occurs. The first option is to get a refund of your registration money and wait until next year to join the team. The second option is to have your child practice with the Junior Rays until they can safely swim across the pool in under one minute. After the time trials, the Junior Rays will practice in lane 1 during the 6 and Under practice at 4:00. Starting June 5, the Junior Rays will practice from 7:30-8:00. Your child will be monitored by the coaches and when they can swim across the pool in less than one minute, they can immediately start swimming in meets and go to the regular practices for their age group. If you still have questions about the 1 minute rule, please talk to any board member.

5. We are going on vacation/participating in summer camps etc. during swim season. Is it OK to miss practices and meets?

Absolutely! We realize that families have lives outside of swim team. The great thing about swim team is that you can participate at your own level. There will be a sign-up book for meets and we ask that you let the coaches know if your child will not attend a meet. However, once your child experiences the thrill of a swim meet, they will not want to miss one! Swimmers are encouraged to come to at least 2 practices a week if they are planning on swimming in that week's meet. If your child is participating in camps/vacation bible school etc. and cannot come to their scheduled practice, they can come to the Junior Ray practice at 7:30-8:00 to get some swim time in.

6. How many meets do we have and where are they held?

There are 5 swim meets at neighborhood pools and then the Championship meet held at the UT Jamail Swim Center. Swim meet dates are May 24, May 31, June 7, June 14 and June 21 with Champs held on June 28. We will have 3 home meets this year - May 24, June 7 and June 21. Meets run from 8:00-1:30ish, with swimmers arriving at the pool around 7:00 to warm-up. Yes, it's early, but our home meets are fantastic - great swimming, tasty food, friendly people and a wonderful community spirit. You get to meet so many people, not only Shady Hollow folks, but other area Austinites who love swimming.

7. How can I help the swim team?

Thanks for asking! There are so many ways you can help. Remember that this team is run by volunteers and we need at least 80 volunteers to help with our home meets and about 40 for away meets. If you are unsure of where you would like to help, please talk to our Volunteer Coordinator, Jenni DeWoody, or any board member. Don't forget to talk to your friends and neighbors who participate in swim team!

8. Does the swim team have a website?

We have a fantastic website full of more information than you thought possible! Our address is: www.shadyhollowstingrays.com. Please check it out. There is contact information for the coaches and board members, schedules, links to our league-CCSL, updated information about meets and meet results, our bylaws, and loads of other information. Bookmark the site because you will be going to it frequently during the season. There is a great Rookie's Guide on the website with additional information for new stingray families or people who just want a refresher course in swim team procedures and lingo.

Go Stingrays!