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Our Team

The purpose of VAC is to develop motivated athletes who are driven to succeed in a competitive environment.  A committed staff of coaches and parent volunteers supports the growth of the team and swimmers by developing a safe, supportive, and educational environment for all athletes.

Vision : VAC aspires to develop a premiere swim club inspiring a commitment to team through a competitive and fun environment that builds on hard work and dedication both in and out of the pool.

Description: The club makes demands on parents, swimmers and the coaching staff. The demands on the parents are very important. For the parents there is a time commitment between practice and meets, a financial commitment, as well as the commitments as a volunteer (i.e. working at meets, fund-raisers, annual dinners, etc.).

For the athletes, the commitments can be very demanding. Practice demands hard work and a commitment to improve. ESSL meets are held for every swimmer. The athlete must take on responsibilities for her/himself as well as the whole team.

The coaching staff feels that the demands made by the club will help develop the athlete into a well-rounded young person. The following are some ways we believe you will help us achieve our goals:

  1. Get to know the coaches. They are always available after practice. Feel free to communicate any problems or suggestions.
  2. Understand that competition can be a thrill that our athletes will enjoy. Although it means hard work, it can be fun. It does not always mean winning. Improving in skills, times and attitudes are equally important goals.
  3. Understand the courage required when an athlete competes. When a swimmer competes, they are taking a risk. Therefore competition and risk taking require courage and develop strength and character.
  4. Remember that coaches and parents cannot compete. When this occurs, the all-important communication system can fall apart.

We believe the Viking Aquatic Club can be advantageous for the athletic swimmer, the coaching staff, and the parents of the athletes.

Coaches

Jen Hand

Head Coach

Eileen Ryan

Coach

Jenna Prodromides

Coach

Carol Colton

Coach

Dylan Gillespie

Coach

FAQs

  • What kind of swim programs do you offer?

    We are a competitive swim team so coaches teach all 4 strokes. New swimmers come to a tryout to make sure they can safely swim one lap in the pool and to see what they already know. Then they are placed in the appropriate  group based on ability.

    Fall & Spring Practice is Mon through Friday 5:30-7:30pm. Newer swimmers are in blue group and they swim from 5:30-6:30. Once they move to the next level they swim from 6:30-7:30 and then eventually the full 2 hours.

    Summer practice is Mon through Friday 7-9am. Newer swimmers are in blue group and they swim from 7-8am. Once they move to the next level they swim from 8-9am and then eventually the full 2 hours.

    Practice is 5 days a week. You can come as many day as you want but coaches suggest a minimum of 3 days a week to see the most progress.  In addition we have optional swim meets about twice a month. Those have a small fee. You pay based on the meet and entry fee per even (maybe $6-$10 per event and usually a swimmer surcharge around $10)

  • When does the season start?

    The specific dates for each season change annually, so please request more information if you would like next seasons dates or are interested in joining mid-season. The season's generally follow the Valley Central school schedule.

    Seasonal Dates

    Fall Season (Early September - Spring Break)

    First or second week of school to Spring Break (March/April)

    Spring (Late April - end of June)

    The Spring season is broken up into Session 1 (Spring-Break - End of May) and Session 2 (End of May - End of School Year in June).

    Summer (Early July - Late August)

    Swim usually begins the first full week following the 4th of July and goes until Labor Day weekend.

    We do take swimmers mid-season frequently so feel free to fill out our tryouts registration form to either attend a group tryout or schedule a private one.

  • What level of swim ability is required for swimmers to join?

    Swimmers should be able to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool) without assistance. This ensures they have a basic level of swimming proficiency to participate in our program.

  • How old does a child need to be to swim with the club?

    Our youngest swimmers typically start around 5 years old. We welcome young swimmers who are eager to learn and develop their swimming skills.

  • How much does it cost?

    These are our previous & current season's prices.

    • Payment Plans Available
    • Prices subject to change for the upcoming season (this is meant to give you a ballpark for pricing)
    • Anyone who joins mid-season will receive a pro-rated price

    Fall (Sept-Apr)
    32 weeks
    Spring (Apr-Jun)
    12 weeks
    Summer (Jul-Aug)
    8 weeks
    Blue or White Group $625 $325 $225
    Competitive $745 $375 $250
    Varsity $545 $375 $250

  • It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it at this time.

    At Viking Aquatic Swim Club, we occasionally hear: "It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it right now." We totally understand—sports can feel like a big financial commitment, especially when budgets are tight. But we believe so deeply in the value of swimming that we want to ensure every family has the opportunity to be a part of our program—regardless of financial circumstances.

    Swimming is More Than Just a Sport

    When your child joins Viking Aquatic, they’re not just learning to swim—they’re gaining lifelong skills. Swimming teaches discipline, perseverance, time management, teamwork, and goal-setting, all of which last well beyond their time in the pool. It’s also an excellent full-body workout that promotes lifelong health and fitness habits.

    Plus, there’s an incredible sense of community within our team. Your child will develop friendships and create memories that they’ll carry with them for years to come.

    The benefits of swimming extend beyond the physical:

    • Boosts self-confidence: There’s nothing like the pride a swimmer feels after achieving a personal best or mastering a new stroke.
    • Mental health benefits: Swimming helps reduce stress and anxiety, supporting mental well-being in children who may be juggling school and other activities.
    • A critical life skill: Swimming is essential for water safety, especially for families who spend time near water.

    Value for Money: Why Viking Aquatic is a Smart Investment

    We also understand the financial comparison families may make when considering local swim lessons. Let’s break it down:

    Local swim lessons often cost around $300 for a 7-week session, which usually offers just one 30-minute class per week. That comes out to about $40 a week for just half an hour of pool time.

    Now, compare that to our program: Viking Aquatic offers at least one hour of practice five days a week—and while not every swimmer needs to attend all five days, the option is there! Our program runs much longer and typically costs half as much per week (less than $20). That’s an incredible value when you consider the amount of time, practice, and personal growth your swimmer will experience.

    Making Swimming Accessible for Everyone

    We know that even with the great value we offer, finances can still be a concern. That’s why we’re committed to making sure no child misses out on swimming because of cost. We have several flexible options available:

    • Flexible Payment Plans: We’re happy to divide the total costs into smaller, more manageable monthly payments. Just let us know what works best for you, and we’ll help set up a plan that fits your budget.
    • Pay-As-You-Go: Not every family can commit to a fixed schedule of payments. That’s okay! We offer a pay-as-you-have-the-funds option, where you can contribute whenever you’re able, without the pressure of regular payments.
    • Scholarships: For families in need, we offer scholarships to help offset the cost. We believe in the transformative power of swimming, and we want to ensure that financial challenges never stand in the way of a child being part of our team.

    Our Commitment to Our Swimmers

    At Viking Aquatic, we are more than just a swim club—we’re a community, and we’re passionate about every swimmer who joins us. Our coaches are dedicated to helping each athlete reach their personal best, whether that’s mastering a new stroke or competing in meets.

    Being part of our program isn’t just about swimming laps—it’s about building confidence, discipline, friendships, and a love for the sport. And we firmly believe that every child should have access to this experience, no matter their financial situation.

    Let’s Find a Solution Together

    If the cost feels like a barrier, we encourage you to reach out. We’ll work together to find a solution that fits your family’s needs. Whether it’s adjusting payment schedules, setting up pay-as-you-go, or discussing scholarship options, we’re committed to making sure every child who wants to swim can do so.

    Remember, we’re here to help! No child should miss out on swimming because of financial need, and we’re ready to work with you to make sure that doesn’t happen.

    At Viking Aquatic Swim Club, we’re not just offering swim lessons—we’re providing a transformative experience. And we want your child to be a part of it.

    Attend our next group tryouts or schedule a private tryout mid-season! CLICK HERE FOR TRYOUTS