Dear Gator Families,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Swim Team Kick-Off Meeting! We are excited to welcome new and returning families for another fantastic season. Please review the following important updates and reminders:

Sponsorship Opportunities – Urgent Need!

Sponsorships help fund team equipment, meet supplies, and coaching support. See attachment for sponsorship letter.

• $500 Matching Gift! Help us maximize this opportunity!
• Swimmers who bring in $200+ in sponsorships will receive a special gift.
• Sponsor logos must be submitted by May 5 to Robyn Lee or Melissa Threatt to be included on team shirts.
• Please consider reaching out to local businesses or family connections. Every dollar helps!

Registration is OPEN – Sign Up Now!

• $110 for the first swimmer per family
• $100 for each additional swimmer
• Micro Gators registration opens mid–late May
• Deadline to receive a FREE team shirt: May 5
• All families are encouraged to register ASAP to help with planning.

Team Suits & Swim Caps – Order by April 26!

• New team suits are available for order at Alpine Ski Center (Orchard Park Rd.)
• Deadline to order: April 26 (approximately $50 + $5 for logo heat press)
• First 50 swimmers to register receive a FREE swim cap!

Welcome & Introductions

• Welcome to our new families!
• Meet the Team Leadership:
  • Andrea Hudspeth – Continuing as Board President
  • Tony Threatt – New Board Member & Gator Parent

About Our League – SAIL (Swim Association Invitational League)

• 31 teams across divisions
• Gold Division Teams:
  • WGRA (Wellington Green)
  • Poinsettia
  • Canebrake Crocs
  • Hollingsworth Hammerheads / Weatherstone
  • Heritage Lakes
• Swim Meets: Thursdays from mid-May through early July

Practice Schedule (Starting May 6)

• After-school practices follow the evening schedule.
• Thursday evening practices continue until meets begin (May 22).
• Morning (Mon–Thurs):
  • 8:30–9:30 AM (10 & under)
  • 9:30–10:30 AM (11 & up)
• Evening (Mon–Wed):
  • 5:00–5:45 PM (Micro Gators – Mon & Wed only)
  • 6:00–6:45 PM (10 & under)
  • 6:45–7:30 PM (11 & up)

Meet Schedule (2025) – Start Time: 5:30 or 6 PM (TBD)

• May 22 – PST/HST (Home Meet)
• May 29 – @ PST/HST
• June 5 – Canebrake Crocs (Home Meet)
• June 12 – @ Heritage Lakes/HST
• June 19 – @ Poinsettia/HL
• June 27–28 – Gold Divisionals @ Canebrake Crocs
• July 12–13 – Championships & Classics @ Westside Aquatic Center

Meet Your Coaches!

• Head Coach: Hannah Watts
  • State Champion & High School Qualifier (Hillcrest 5A)
  • 10+ years swimming experience
  • 4 years coaching & teaching experience
  • Lifeguard (7 years)
• Assistant Coach: Alyssa Bonarrigo
  • Lifelong WGRA swimmer
  • Jennifer Stevens Award Winner
  • Dedicated, reliable, and hard-working
  • Student at Appalachian State University

Volunteer Needs!

• All families are expected to volunteer during meets.
• Meet Volunteers Needed:
  • New Clear Deck Policy – Only volunteers with stickers allowed on deck.
  • Timers, officials, and clerks needed (training available!).
  • New Timing System – Over a $1,000 investment; please help us find sponsors!
• Volunteer Coordinator Needed! Robyn Lee needs extra hands at check-in.
• C&C Needs: Need a tent & more volunteers for hospitality.

Facility & Equipment Updates

• April 26 @ 9 AM – Pool Cleaning Day (Help needed!)
• Week of May 12 – Deck setup & furniture cleaning.
• May 22 – Extra help needed after our first home meet to prep for pool opening.
• Ongoing facility updates – Fixing benches, organizing storage, re-strapping pool chairs.

SAIL Policies & Team Culture

• No alcohol at SAIL events.
• New photo rule: No pictures behind starting swimmers (including relay starts).
• Meet Exception Requests – Must be hand-delivered by May SAIL meeting.
• No KT tape allowed during meets.
• Sportsmanship Matters!
  • Zero team drama policy – support your teammates!
  • Coaches will reinforce a positive team environment.

Upcoming Events & Fun Stuff!

• Team Spirit Nights & Bonding Events (Chick-fil-A, more details soon!)

Thank you for being part of the Wellington Green Gators! Let’s make this an awesome season.

See you at the pool!
Robyn Lee & Burton Lee
WGRA Swim Team Leadership