TWST Non-Competitive Groups
GATORS
*If your swimmer cannot swim 25-yards each (one length of a pool) unassisted on their front and back and demonstrate side breathing technique on Freestyle, they are not ready for our Gators program*
- WHAT: Gators is the non-competitive branch of The Woodlands Swim Team. Gators is designed for ages 8 yrs and older. It's a group for all levels of athlete from high school swimmers wanting extra training to younger swimmers who can only swim freestyle and backstroke.
- The goal of Gators is to provide a fun place for athletes to learn to swim at any level and prepare swimmers to transition onto The Woodlands Swim Team. At any time, please email the Gator group administrator, Coach Jennie, if you would like your swimmer evaluated for TWST year-round competitive team readiness via coachjennie@itwst.org
- Cost ranges from $175 for months with 12+ sessions or $150 for months with less than sessions. There is no refund for weather cancellations at outdoor pools because space is rented based on initial group numbers and space commitment at the start of each monthly session.
- WHEN & WHERE: The Gators practice at the Wilkinson Natatorium as well as at the SAWMILL Park outdoor heated pool during the season. Gators train Mondays through Thursdays and swim 7:15-8:15pm during the school year. Swimmers should arrive in shorts/shirt over swimsuit and bring athletic shoes (no Crocs or sandals).
Wilkinson Natatorium 19133 David Memorial Drive, Shenandoah TX 77385
Sawmilll Park Pool 2200 Millpark Dr The Woodlands, TX 77381
Please note that each month has a specific start and end date based on the number of days in each session. There will be potential NO SWIM days or outside practice location dates depending on the CISD school calendar and Natatorium schedule noted each month.
REGISTRATION: Registration for Gators is done each month. It does not run on an auto bill cycle. Registration and information on Gators is up and on our website by the 25th day of the month preceding the Gator month. There is a one-time $50 Gators Registration Fee paid at their first registration of the season to cover the cost of swimmer insurance. This fee is valid for one swim year (Sept 2025-July 2026)
For all REGISTERED Gator athletes from September thru May, the first Monday of every session will be a time trial day for lane placement. The swimmers will do 25-yard swims in the 4 competition strokes, a 50 freestyle, and some swimmers will do the 100 IM and the 100 freestyle to help coaches assess and place the athletes in the correct training lanes each month.
Gators is broken into two groups based on the needs and abilities of the athlete:
Gator 1 is a technique focused group for the swimmer that is ready to start training in addition to working stroke technique. This group will focus on refining all 4 strokes, as well as flip turns, and start to teach the basics of being in a swim practice to prepare the swimmer to move onto TWST.
Gator 2 is a technique focused group for the swimmers that are new or have not been in the water for a while. Learning to legally do all 4 strokes will be the goal of Gator 2 and their coach will introduce stroke drills and kick sets to help facilitate this goal.
CLICK THE GATOR BELOW TO JOIN!
