Donaldson Run Thunderbolts

The swim team consists of three groups for swimmers depending on their age, experience, and ability. The age of a swimmer is their age on June 1, 2025.

• Thundersquad Prep (TSP) swimmers are the team-in-training. They are learning the basics of swim and stroke development. They must be comfortable in the water and must be able to listen to instructions. The typical age range is 4 – 7 years old. TSP swimmers can move to TS during the season with coach approval.
• Thundersquad (TS) swimmers are the junior team. They can swim the length of the pool unassisted but are still learning strokes. These swimmers can participate in Monday night meets. The typical age range is 5 - 8 years old. TS swimmers can move to TB during the season with coach approval.
• Thunderbolt (TB) swimmers are the main team. They know freestyle and backstroke and can swim laps consistently for 30 minutes. These swimmers can participate in Monday night meets and qualify for Saturday morning meets.

On Deck policy: Please note that you are welcome to observe practice from the snack bar area or picnic table areas. Parents/caregivers are not permitted anywhere on the pool deck during practice, and we will ask you to move. Please do not approach the coaches during practice. They are there to work with the swimmers and ensure safety at all times. If you want to discuss swim-specific items with a Coach, please try to arrange it with them in advance, for after practice has ended for the day (i.e., not between groups).

Schedule

Pre-Season (while APS is still in session)

• No TSP
• TS begins May 20 (evals will determine which TB practice they will attend)
• TB begins May 12 
  • Middle and high school students (~11up): 3:30 - 4:30pm
  • Age 9-11 (elementary students): 4:30 - 5:15pm
  • Age 8 and under: 5:15 - 6pm
  • Plus optional 15 minute dryland workout after each session

Summer Season (June 19 through July 15*)

• TSP: Monday through Friday - 8:45 - 9:30am or 9:30 - 10:15am**
• TS: Monday through Friday - 8:00 - 8:45am or 10:15 - 11am**
• TB: Monday through Thursday (optional dryland as noted)
  • Age 8 and under: 7:30 - 8:30am (8:30 - 8:45am)
  • Age 9-10: 8:30 - 9:30am (8:15 - 8:30am)
  • Age 11-12: 9:30 - 10:30am (9:15 - 9:30am)
  • Age 13 and up: 10:30 - 11:15am (10:15 - 10:30am)
• TB: Friday
  • A Meet Prep Practice:
    • Age 12 and under: 8:00 - 9:00am
    • Age 13 and up: 7:30 - 8:00am
  • 10 and under Game Day: 9:00 - 10:00am (also 11 and over who do not want to participate in water polo)
  • 11 and up Game Day (water polo) 10:00 - 11:00am

*There are two practice options for TSP and TS to provide additional flexibility for families trying to make it to camps or other commitments. Please attend only one practice each day.

**Practice will continue for those swimmers competing in Divisionals and All-Stars through those events.