We're three weeks away from the start of swim practice -- May 4 for the competition team and May 22 for pre-team. Here's some team updates:

• There's still time to register for the team, but spots are filling fast. Registration closes May 1 or when an age group reaches capacity. Four-year-old spots are already full, 5-year-old spots *on pre-team* are full, and we are nearing capacity for any age swimmer on the pre-team. 
• Coach Ashley Paul, a Sotomayor High School aquatics coach, is joining our team as co-head coach along with Coach Rayburg. We're excited for her leadership!
• Our four swim meet and Champs meet dates have been confirmed. The meet start times will be announced soon. Check the full Event Calendar here.
• Our Swag Shop of Barracuda merchandise is now open. All swimmers receive a complimentary team t-shirt by completing the registration process, and the Swag Shop is the place to order additional shirt styles and other optional gear for swimmers and their supporters. Order by May 1 to receive your items during the May 12 Parent Orientation Meeting.
• Our team runs on volunteer power! Every competition team family is required to have at least one adult volunteering during each meet their swimmers attend. If you want a volunteer role that gives you an amazing view of the races as well as insight into legal vs disqualifying stroke forms, consider being a Stroke Judge Official. No experience is necessary. NISD Summer League provides a 1 hour training course. Trainings are May 5 or May 6 from 6-7 pm at the NISD Swim Center on 1604. (You only need to attend one date.) If you are interested in this role, please reply to this message. Other swim meet volunteer roles will be posted when the swim meet RSVPs open.
• We also have open positions on our Parent Booster Board including End of Season Party Coordinator and Sponsorship Coordinator. If you are able to give back through volunteer leadership in these roles or if you have a vision to make our team better in another role, we welcome you! Just reply to this email to express your interest.
• Finally, thank you to the sponsors who committed early to supporting our team: Van Ess Electric and The Eastman Agency, State Farm, both local small businesses owned by swim team families. We are still looking for additional team sponsors. Check out the sponsorship levels and benefits here.