Dear Wahoos Families,

Welcome back! As a returning Wahoos family, you are the heart and soul of this team. You know the energy of a home meet, the thrill of a personal best, and the community that makes our summers so special. And I want to be the first to tell you: the 2026 season is going to be our best one yet.

We have spent months listening, planning, and reimagining what the Wahoos can be. Our focus this year is on culture. A culture of personal growth, of team spirit, and of fun. A culture where every swimmer feels valued, every practice has a purpose, and every family feels connected.

Our motto for 2026 is simple: Swim Strong. Have Fun. Improve From Before.

Today, as a returning family, you get exclusive first access to register before anyone else. This window opens Monday, March 9 at 9AM EST and is yours and yours alone until Monday, March 16 at 9AM EST, when registration opens to the broader club membership. So please read this email carefully. There is a lot of exciting news to share.

🌟 WHAT’S NEW IN 2026 - A CULTURE OF GROWTH & FUN

This is not the same Wahoos you’ve known. We have made significant, intentional changes to elevate every aspect of the experience.

Head Coach: Sarah Dichak
Sarah is not new to the Wahoos. She has been coaching with us for several years and knows this team, this pool, and these kids. In 2026, she steps into the role of sole Head Coach, and she is ready. Sarah brings a structured, energetic, and deeply caring approach to coaching. You will be hearing a lot more from Sarah in the weeks ahead.

A More Structured Practice Program
Sarah and her team of assistant coaches will be developing a true lesson plan for every age group. Every practice has a purpose. Every drill builds on the last. And we will meet every swimmer at their current level, whether they are a year-round competitive swimmer or just getting in the pool for the first time.

Fun Fridays with Donuts
Every Friday morning practice will end with something special - a fun activity, a game, a challenge, or a surprise, all topped off with donuts. You do not want to miss Fun Fridays.

The Personal Time Rewards Program
At our designated Personal Time Rewards meet, any swimmer who achieves a new personal best will earn a reward. This is about competing against yourself and celebrating growth.

Theme Nights, Social Events & Food Trucks
We are bringing back the community events that make this team a family - theme nights, pancake breakfasts, pasta dinners, and food trucks at home meets.

An Organized, Communicative Season
We have a full communication plan in place. You will always know what is coming, what to prepare for, and how your swimmer is doing.

A Parent Information Zoom Session
Before the season begins, we will host a Parent Information Zoom where the leadership team will walk you through everything. Date to be announced soon.

💰 2026 REGISTRATION FEES

🎁 EARLY BIRD BONUS - REGISTER BY APRIL 15!

Register by Tuesday, April 15, 2026, and here is what you get:

• Guaranteed Team T-Shirt: Every swimmer registered by April 15 is guaranteed their team t-shirt. After this date, t-shirts are based on limited availability.
• Personalized Swim Cap: Each swimmer will receive a personalized swim cap with their last name. After April 15, swimmers will receive one standard latex team cap.

Here is how the personalized cap quantities work:

🏊 THE 2026 SEASON AT A GLANCE

🙋 VOLUNTEERS - WE NEED YOU, AND HERE’S HOW IT WORKS

The Wahoos cannot run without our incredible parent volunteers. This year, we are making the volunteer process more organized and fair.

Here is what you need to know:

As a registered Wahoos family, you are required to fulfill between 4 and 6 volunteer shifts across the season, covering both home and away meets, the Relay Carnival, and Time Trials. When you register, you will be asked to sign up for 4 of your shifts as part of the registration process. As a returning family, you get first pick of the best volunteer slots.

💸 VOLUNTEER BUYOUT PROGRAM (Limited Availability)

For the first time, we are offering a Volunteer Buyout Program. For $250 per family, you can opt out of your volunteer obligations for the season. We will use that money to hire responsible high school and college students from our community to fill those slots. This program is strictly limited to the first 10 families who request it, and it is first-come, first-served. Once those 10 spots are filled, no further buyouts will be available.

🤝 WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS, COMMITTEE MEMBERS & COACHES!

We have a big season ahead - and we need a big team to make it happen. If you are interested in any of the following, please reach out to me directly.

Open Volunteer Leadership Roles:

• Social Events Coordinators
• Fundraising & Sponsorship Coordinator
• DJ/Music Coordinator
• Food & Concessions Coordinator

Coaching & Clinic Opportunities:

• Are you a strong swimmer or former coach? Coach Sarah is building her team.
• Do you know any alumni or college swimmers who could do a one-day clinic?

📣 HOW TO REGISTER

Registration is now open for returning families. Here is how to get started:

1. Go to our SwimTopia site:https://wsrcwahoos.swimtopia.com/
2. Click the registration link (visible starting Monday, March 9 @ 9AM EST).
3. Complete the registration form and sign up for your 4 volunteer shifts.

Our team store is also open now! Get your gear at https://reddiset.com/collections/weddington-swim-racquet

💬 QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

• Brad Holcman (Board Liaison & Wahoos Lead)
• Jennelle Vickers (Volunteer Coordinator)
• Laurie Madonna (Merchandise)
• Laura McGarry (Communications)

Thank you for being part of the Wahoos family. We are working hard to build something special for 2026 - and we cannot wait to show you what we have planned.

The water is warm. The donuts are ready. Let's go, Wahoos! 🏊🎉

With so much excitement,

Brad Holcman