Team Building and Team Spirit

The concept of team: why is this important? Many independent folks would prefer to “just do their own thing,” but most of them miss out on an invaluable experience: being a part of a team and identifying with the group. Football teams and basketball teams are required to wear a common uniform and depend on each other for their group’s final result in a competition. Swimming is a bit different, in that each participant performs as an individual although relays require a group effort and team scoring fosters team identity. Swimming is constantly searching for ways to bring more kids into the sport and to retain them once we get them. Recruitment and retention can be fostered through the concept of team. 

Who builds the team? How is the team built?

The making of a team starts with the coach. What he or she does to make swimmers feel like a part of the group makes all the difference in the world. Not every swimmer can win the gold medal, but all can contribute positively to the team effort. Some do this through hard work, by challenging themselves and their teammates to improve. Others are great leaders, enthusiastic cheerleaders and “good sports.” The more the coach can do to acknowledge and appreciate all positive contributors, the stronger they all identify with the team, even if they’re not the ones scoring all the points!

How does a team build spirit/loyalty/enthusiasm?

Sometimes the coach has to lead, while other times outgoing swimmers take charge themselves.  Team cheers, posters, big brothers/sisters, team parties, good luck cards and combined workouts are just a few of the ways the group works together to build team spirit. Some swimmers have to be instructed to pay attention to how their teammates are doing, while others seem to get all of this intuitively. Some kids are the enthusiastic rah-rah types, while others are more introverted.  All need to be taught the importance of a positive attitude, and what a tremendous impact it can have on other swimmers. And, the coach also needs to realize that his or her mood and attitude strongly affect the swimmers!
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2008 STREAMLINE AUATICS
SIGN-UP FORM IS AVAIALBLE

2008 STREAMLINE AUATICS
REGISTRATION FORM

Fall Sign-ups will be Saturday August 30th 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at the University of the Incarnate Word Natatorium.

CLICK HERE to download the 2008-2009 Streamline Aquatics Sign-Up Information Sheet. You can also find it under the TEAM WAIVERS tab in the navigation drop down menu listed above.


To provide the community with a swim program that will lead swimmers to the NEXT LEVEL of their potential from novice to world class.

TEAM GOALS::
To always work hard to achieve goals in the pool, class room, and in life. To maintain a wholesome social life, and to do the right thing, even when no one is looking.

COACH’S GOALS::
To lead each swimmer to their potential in and out of the pool.