2026 Coaches

Head Coach Kate Johnson

Assistant Head Coach Ed Von Iderstein

Senior Coach Jule Howard

Junior Coaches Eve Dykstra, Emery Kaplan, Mary Elizabeth Stroupe, Caleb Gyorfi, Micah Gyorfi

Swim Team Registration

Opens April 1, 2026 | Closes May 8, 2026

Current members of Sardis Forest Swim Club are invited to register swimmers, ages 5-18, of all commitment levels, to join our Summer League Swim Team. First practice is May 7 and the Awards Ceremony is June 28 – seven weeks of fun, skill building, and friendly competition!

Practice Guidelines & Schedule

Attendance is not required at every practice, but we recommend swimmers attend as many practices as possible to increase skills and confidence in the water, and to demonstrate commitment and team spirit.

• Swimmers should be in their swimsuits and have goggles and a towel at the start of practice
• Everyone not participating in practice must stay in the pavilion and off the pool deck
• Children not attending practice must be supervised by an adult
• Friday evening practices are Fun Friday! Check the team website and Instagram for themes

Volunteer Sign Ups

Sign up early to get the best slots for your schedule

Volunteers are essential to our swim team’s success. For your swimmer to be eligible to participate in meets, each family is asked to sign up for 4 volunteer slots during the season.

• Sign up May 11-22, 2026
• Volunteer job descriptions can be found on the Volunteer Positions page
• Volunteer training during the Mock Meet on May 28, 2026
• Have questions? Text Laurin Finnison, Volunteer Coordinator (704.534.1794)

Swim Meet Schedule

Greater Charlotte Swim League (GCSL), Red Division

Meet Attendance Declaration

Swimmer RSVPs determine the swim meet heat sheets – please RSVP timely

• RSVP at least 3 days prior to each meet: Attending / Not Attending
• Use the green MEET ENTRY button next to the team calendar in the SwimTopia app
• Swimmers not marked as “Attending” will not be placed in a relay
• Swimmers with no recorded RSVP will only be placed in individual events
• Send last minute changes to Coach Kate

Swim Meet Tips

RSVP in SwimTopia (see above); send last minute changes to Coach Kate

• Allow plenty of time for traffic and parking
• Swimmers should be in their team swimsuit
• Swimmers should have their swim cap, goggles, towel
• Bring snacks, drinks, chair, sunblock, sharpie
• Check in with Coach Kate on arrival
• If volunteering, check in with Laurin Finnison on arrival
• Watch events and cheer on your swimmer

Shrimper Assistance

Shrimpers must be 5 by May 31, 2026 to be on the swim team

• GCSL bylaws only allow Shrimper assistance for the first 2 meets of the year
• After Meet 2, all Shrimpers will be evaluated to determine participation in the next meet
• Swimmers must be able to swim without assistance for at least half of the pool
• Swimmers must be able to jump/dive (in-water starts are allowed) into the pool
• Helpers can be in the water to provide encouragement and physical support as needed
• Shrimpers should continue to come to practice even if they aren’t eligible for the next meet
• With practice and fun pool time, most Shrimpers can swim independently by the last meet

Communication

• Weekly emails are sent on Sundays with info and reminders for the coming week
• Coach Kate sends heatsheets on the day of each meet
• Send last minute RSVP changes to Coach Kate
• Weather and other alerts are posted on SwimTopia and sent via email
• Questions? Email the SFST Committee or check out our team website and Instagram feed.

Wave Cafe Donations

• Every family is asked to donate at least one requested item
• Donations accepted during swim practice through May 21, 2026
• Concessions are served to swimmers at team events and sold at home meets

Donation Sign Up

Team Swimsuits

This year’s team suit is the same as last year: Sporti Light Wave-Black/Blue

• Our team suit can be ordered through SwimOutlet
• If you do not purchase a team suit, swimmers should wear solid black or blue at meets
• Swimmers can practice in any suit and use goggles of their choice
• Suits should be snug-fitting – figure out sizing during the Kick Off on April 26, 2026

Team Merch

2026 is a “cap year” – swimmers will be provided with team T-shirts in 2027

• All SFST swimmers will receive a team swim cap with their 2026 registration
• T-shirts, hats, pajama pants, and hoodies are available in our team store: order here through May 10
• Merch questions? Email Lindsey Fischbach, Treasurer