Team Santa Monica Newsletter - January 2021

Jan 30

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD PRESIDENT

Happy New Year! Or at least I am cautiously hopeful that it will be. We knew the Covid situation would get worse before it gets better, and while it’s clear that we’ve not seen the worst of it yet, I do believe that 2021 will be the year that our collective situation changes for the better. I am hopeful for those days. In the meantime, we can be grateful that we are one of the only teams that has been in the water consistently for months. We are the ONLY team that has Pre-Competitive and Age Group Swimmers in the water with a regular schedule, and we are the ONLY team that is not in a position to furlough our Coaches. What an incredible source of pride for TSM!!

I want to take a moment to sing the praises of our coaches, who continue to work night and day to bring us the best possible swimming program, despite the numerous and extreme challenges forced upon them. I want to also acknowledge that the leadership of Coach Mohammad and the rest of the coaching staff has not only kept our swimmers in the water, but it has also provided a safe and stable place for our children during a time of so much instability. I invite us all to say thank you to our coaches more often!

As you know, TSM is parent-owned and requires the volunteerism of parents to keep us running. In this light, I ask you to join me in thanking outgoing Board member, Rufus Williams, for his years of service to the team. In addition to helping with many team-related tasks over the years, Rufus started the GetWET program, which aims to teach water safety to school children in our community. He also helped to launch the Alumni Newsletter. Thank you, Rufus, for all you’ve done to help this team!

Upcoming Events:

We keep hoping that we’ll get the permission and sanctioning needed to hold another intra-squad meet. Cross your fingers that it will be soon.

Prizes: If your swimmer raises $150+, they get a custom red practice cap! More $$, more prizes!

MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD COACH

Back in June of 2020 during our Annual Meeting, we discussed that our goal during this pandemic is to strive and get better, and not just find ways to survive! That was the mindset that our coaches had adopted since March of 2020 and that mindset has allowed us to be one of the more successful teams in Southern California over the last year.

We have been able to add amazing coaches like Coach Dan, Coach Michael, and Coach Michelle to our staff since the beginning of the pandemic, although we had to say goodbye to Coach Mike as he had to rejoin his family on the East Coast...we have been able to keep our entire team in the water as much as the restrictions would allow us.... we completed our Safe Sport Recognition program...we have become leaders within Santa Monic and Southern California Swimming.........The list goes on and on, on what we have been able to achieve during the past year and we have more exciting plans to make 2021 even better than 2020.

However, none of our accomplishments would have been possible if it was not for our coaching staff's hard work, your support, and our great Board. We all came together and did our part for our athletes.

Thus, I'd like to thank ALL of YOU and say Congrats TSM for everything you have done over the past year!!!

It's time to get back to work! Let's Keep It Moving!!

-Coach Mohammad

Here is a message from Coach Mike:

TSM,

Unfortunately, I will not be returning to TSM as I have moved back to New Jersey due to family matters. I am extremely grateful for my experience and time coaching at TSM. As some of you may know I coached the Seals. The Seals were some of the toughest swimmers I’ve ever coached. The seals and the rest of TSM have so much potential it is unbelievable and I am excited to see what the future holds for you all. Thank you seals for giving me 110% effort every day. Listen to your coaches, show up to practice, and remember, tight streamline always. I hope we cross paths again TSM, thank you for everything.

-Coach Mike

FUNDRAISING

2020 was a year to remember for many reasons, but for TSM, our Annual Giving drive was the most successful in our history. We raised almost $50,000!! I want to wish a huge congratulations to the Fundraising Committee. More importantly, I want to say THANK YOU! for your participation in our Annual Giving campaign. Additionally, we turned 65 years old, and we’ll be looking for ways to celebrate for the rest of this season. We are the longest-running youth aquatics club on the westside of Los Angeles. Go TSM!!

WHAT’S NEXT?

Swimathon will have a different format, but it must go on! The swimmers love this event, and we’re committed to finding a way to make it work. Watch for announcements about that in the Spring.
In lieu of an in-person silent auction (normally held at the annual banquet), we’re charging ahead with holding an online auction, regardless of whether we can be in person for the banquet. If you have any items to donate, or if you are interested in asking around for donations for the auction, we would be so grateful! Please contact Hsuan Chuchen with your donations &/or ideas: hpchuchen : gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Coach Walid’s birthday (January, 29th)!! Please wish him the very best.
We’re hoping to run another IntraSquad meet as soon as it makes sense to do so.
College Swimming Seminar on Saturday Feb 13 at 11am led by Coach Mohammad and Coach Dan for high schoolers on the team.

PLEASE BE ON NOTICE:

Late pickups are not only difficult on your swimmers and disrespectful to the coaches, but it costs the team to pay coaches for this additional time. At the next BOD meeting, the Board will be considering late fees for compensating coaches for their additional time spent.
Please remember that when we are waiting outside of the Swim Center, we are representatives of TSM. As such, we need to remind ourselves to continue to wear masks AND maintain physical distancing. We appreciate your cooperation.