The New Canaan YMCA Caimans Swim Team provides a supportive, instructive, and fun environment for swimmers of all abilities to grow. Under an experienced and dedicated coaching staff, we provide competitive and non-competitive programs for all ages, from developing strokes to competing nationally—all while gaining confidence and learning the importance of teamwork.
Caimans Coaching Staff
Brian Fazzino: Director of Competitive Swimming/Head Coach
Liz Blau: Associate Director of Competitive Swimming/Head Age Group Coach
Developmental Program
Pre-Caimans (Ages 6-10) 12-week session
Instructional in nature and a beginning level for future Caimans swimmers. The group works on proper body balance and the coordination of each of the competitive strokes. Swimmers have the opportunity to participate in an optional inter-squad event at the conclusion of each 12-week session. To participate, swimmers must complete 25 yards of the front crawl with their face in the water and 25 yards of backstroke, both without stopping. Must also know butterfly and breaststroke. Seasons: Fall, Winter, & Spring.
Age-Group Program
Pride (Ages 8 & under)*
An introduction to competitive swimming. Swimmers must be able to complete 50 yards of freestyle and backstroke. Breaststroke and butterfly must have a minimum of technical flaws. The pride group focuses on developing stroke technique in all four strokes, learning competitive starts and turns, as well as developing a competitive underwater dolphin kick. Practices are offered four times a week so that swimmers can attend at least three.
Stars (Ages 9-10)*
The second level of the competitive program, Stars practices focus on perfecting starts, turns, and technique for all four strokes, as well as underwater dolphin kick. In addition, swimmers are introduced to practice sets and the use of the pace clock. Practices are offered five times a week so that swimmers can make at least four.
Junior Olympians (Ages 11+)*
The third tier of the competitive program, JO practices begin the transition from technique to training. Practices focus on continuing to perfect stroke, turn, and start techniques while learning how to train their bodies to excel in competition. Practices are offered six times a week so that swimmers can attend at least five.
Senior Program
SENIOR (Ages 13+)*
The highest level of commitment in the Caimans program, Seniors concentrate on training for competition, in addition to stroke refinement. Swimmer will learn advanced race and training techniques in an effort to qualify for National level competition. Swimmers are required to attend practice six days a week. Double practices are encouraged for high school age swimmers, and are offered on Monday and Wednesday mornings.
*Age ranges are the average per each group; however, group placement is not based on age alone.
New Swimmers
Swimmers must meet additional criteria for placement in all the above competitive levels. To schedule a try-out, please contact Liz Blau at 203-920-1645 or by email.
Additional Information
Click here for the Caiman’s Team Unify website for additional Caimans team information including practice/meet schedules, meet sign-ups, calendar of events, team news, and more.