As we watch these newest masters swim clubs take their first steps, let's make sure to support them. From providing advice and guidance to resources and a helping hand, these early stages of growth are essential for the future development of these clubs. We can all play an important role in helping these young teams develop into successful communities that bring together swimmers of all levels. Let's take a moment to show our appreciation for these clubs, and let them know that we are here to support them every step of the way. Together we can ensure their continued growth and success!



At the same time, it's important to remember that these young clubs are taking their baby steps. Just like a toddler learning to walk, it can be difficult and at times frustrating for them as they often stumble and fall along the way. But with our support and guidance, we can help them reach their full potential. Let's take the time to celebrate their successes and offer a helping hand when they need it. Together, we can create a thriving community of U.S. Masters swimmers that can be proud of the paths they’ve taken!

1. AC Swim Club, San Rafael - Brandon Franklin
2. Broadstone Aquatic Masters of Folsom - Mary Romero
3. DART-Solano Masters, Fairfield - Ricky Silva
4. Durham Area Swim Association, Durham - Tami Thomas
5. Eastern Madera Masters, Oakhurst - Holly Houston
6. Livermore Aqua Cowboys, Livermore - Alex Silver, Cassidy Trott
7. North Coast Club Masters, McKinleyville - Nicolas Osano
8. South Lake Tahoe Masters - Derek Beller
9. Sunnyvale Masters Swim Club - Alex Kang, Kelsey Christian
10. Silicon Valley Triathlon Club - Rick Schwartz
11. Willow Glen Masters, San Jose - Tim Watts

The future of masters swimming is in our hands. Let's make sure to provide these young clubs with all the resources and guidance they need to take their first steps with confidence. Let's make sure that we are the generation of support, encouraging them each step of the way!

With our best wishes,

Pacific Masters Swimming

Join us the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month

Ask our Exemplary Administrator to send you the zoom link (link)

If other clubs are like CRUZ (Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics), we’ve all experienced many challenging problems over the past almost-three years. Pool space has become even more of a problem than in previous years. 

We established our ‘home’ pool at UC Santa Cruz in 1988-89 and had a solid, congenial, positive, and productive relationship for 30 years which included hosting many short course and long course championships. We provided a regular source of funds to help keep the pool and overall facility in fine working order. Over the past decades, we directly donated many thousands of dollars to the university men’s and women’s swim/dive program. We worked incredibly well together, helping each other’s programs be as successful as possible.

All that changed about five years ago with a change in the administration that oversees athletics and recreation. During the past five years, CRUZ has had to continually negotiate with administration to keep our program in the water at U.C. Santa Cruz. The fallout from the pandemic has exacerbated the whole situation. The university pool closed for 14 months,  and we scrambled to use city and high school pools as much as possible. The fees charged by both these municipal facilities are so high that we lose money every workout. 

So, the issue is not so much pool space but, rather, pool access. Regarding the university, we have very talented people on our team that have been effectively communicating and negotiating with facility managers - it has taken their absolute best efforts to get the university to allow access to CRUZ. The high school district and city managers have been much easier to work with but high fees limit our access. For 2023, we hope to negotiate a new fee structure with the school district in order to break even.  

I’m very fortunate that I have a Board of Directors willing to work hard so that I don’t have to carry the whole burden; I would have given up for sure if not for them. 

I wanted to update the Pacific Masters Swimming Committee as we begin 2023. I’m sure our issues are not unique to CRUZ. 

Joel Wilson, Head Coach

Santa Cruz Masters Aquatics

Generational Coaching

Thursday, March 16

Gain insights into understanding and coaching Baby Boomers and Millennials. Different approaches, best practices for working with each generation, and strategies to bridge the generational cap. Developing trust, emotional intelligence and understanding are keys to building successful relationships between coaches and swimmers of different generations.

Essential: Get New Members for Your Club

By Carol Nip, V.P. Clubs & Coaches, Pacific Masters Swimming

Here are 101 Ways to Get Members for Your Organization. We need fresh ideas at our club to rebuild membership as 30% of USMS members do not renew each year.

It is essential to stand up for your team and demonstrate that you are determined to do whatever it takes to ensure their success. Standing up for your team takes a proactive approach, going beyond what has been committed and putting in the extra effort necessary to keep the team thriving, surviving and growing. It also means challenging ideas, providing constructive feedback and always voicing your opinion in an effort to push the team towards success. Remember, it is only through hard work and dedication that you can ensure a team's success and growth. Show your commitment by standing up for your team and doing whatever it takes to keep them on the path of progress.

By doing so, you will not only be helping the team to achieve its goals, but also demonstrating that you are a leader and masters swimming coach who is willing to go the extra mile. It will also demonstrate that you have the courage to challenge the status quo and take risks necessary for success. Ultimately, showing your commitment and dedication to the team will help keep everyone motivated and inspired as they strive towards a common goal. So stand up for your team, be determined and go beyond your commitments to ensure its success. You never know where this dedication may lead.

USMS Coaches Committee

Second Monday, Monthly, 5:00 pm (PST)

The USMS Coaches Committee is an invaluable resource for coaches in Pacific, providing the opportunity to network and learn from one another.

The zoom meetings take place on the third Monday of every month and cover a range of topics relevant to all USMS local Masters swimming committees. These include topics such as education, mentoring, peer-to-peer calls, awards, Adult Learn to Swim and Try Masters Swimming. It’s a great place to gain insight into USMS from a national level.

All coaches are welcome, regardless of experience or skill level. If you’re interested in attending the monthly USMS Coaches Committee meeting, to let us know - coaches@pacificmasters.org - as we welcome you!