November News & More: Making Waves This Month

SSA Communications

Finding Our Stride: November at SSA

We’re three months into the short course season, and the team energy is electric! Early-season jitters have faded, meet routines are smoother, and swimmers are starting to find their rhythm. November is where training meets momentum — where race plans turn into confidence, and confidence turns into speed.

Racing with Purpose

With several meets under our belts, our swimmers are no longer just competing ,they’re racing with intention. The focus now is on executing strategies: nailing turns, maintaining pace, and finishing strong. Each race becomes a learning opportunity, whether it’s achieving a personal best, earning a qualifying time, or completing those IMR and IMX challenges.

Coaches are proud to see swimmers stepping up, setting goals, learning from results, and supporting each other both in and out of the pool. That growth mindset is what drives SSA forward!

Training Highlights and Encouragement from Coaching Staff

In practice, we’re building strength and speed while fine-tuning stroke details. This is the stretch of the season where consistency pays off, every practice adds a layer of endurance and confidence that shows up on race day.

This is the point in the season where hard work really starts to show, but it’s also when it’s hardest to stay consistent. Fatigue, school, and holidays can make it tempting to ease off, but this is when swimmers build the foundation for breakthrough races later on. Show up. Focus. Trust the process. Every day in the pool matters, and we see your effort!

High School Girls: Ready to Make a Splash!

A big shout-out to our High School Girls swimmers as they dive into their HS season! We are proud of your dedication, hard work, and leadership on the SSA deck. While your focus shifts to representing your schools, you continue to inspire your SSA teammates with your skill, commitment, and team spirit.

We’re cheering you on — both at your high school meets and in your continued SSA practices. Swim fast, stay focused, and bring that SSA pride wherever you compete! 

REMINDER TO ALL HS GIRLS: IF your athlete is competing for their High School starting in November Please make sure you have completed the google form sent out by Coach Andy to update your account/registration status with SSA.  

Schedule Updates & Notifications

With the High School Girls season getting started mid November, our practice schedule at LHS makes a shift!  In addition to the practice schedule shifts starting NOVEMBER 17, some practice times will shift to accommodate high school meets. Changes to practice due to upcoming HS meets will be sent via email. 

This is a great time for all families to:

  • Turn on Push Notifications in the Sports Engine App

  • Opt-in for text messages for last-minute practice changes

These notifications ensure you know when practices are affected or practice times change due to high school competitions (or other last minute situations like weather, school closures etc) . Staying informed helps swimmers plan ahead and keeps practices running smoothly for all groups.

Focus Meet of the Month: NJST Pineapple Invite

Our big meet focus for November is the NJST Pineapple Invite!
Registration is now closed, and meet details, including session times and parent volunteer assignments will be shared the week of the meet.

This mid-season meet is a great opportunity for swimmers to test their race strategies, chase new personal bests, and see how all that early-season training is paying off. Coaches are excited to see fast swims and strong team spirit on deck!

Stay tuned for updates as we get closer and be ready to bring that pineapple power energy!

High Desert Classic — On the Horizon

Congratulations to all SSA swimmers who have already clocked qualifying times for the High Desert Classic! Your hard work and focus are paying off, and we can’t wait to see you represent SSA in Albuquerque this month.

Good luck to everyone competing at the ACES High Point Meet, the final “last chance” opportunity to secure qualifying times for High Desert. We’re sending a huge SSA YELL to everyone heading to ABQ — swim fast, have fun, and show that SSA pride!

Which of our SSA Swimmers are ready to go the distance? 

We just added a meet to our schedule!!!  For any of our swimmers not traveling over the Thanksgiving Holiday and who want to try some of the distance events that count towards IMX.  

Deck the Lanes: December Meets are Coming!

We have several exciting meets coming up in December! Keep an eye on emails for registration deadlines and meet details:

  • CSI Pioneer Open – qualifying times apply (last 3 pages of meet info doc) Registration is OPEN: Deadline SUNDAY November 23

    • ​This is a mid season premier/top tier meet for swimmers on pace for CSI senior, age group, or silver state

  • NJST Blizzard Invite– Registration opening soon Deadline MONDAY November 24

    • ​Mid Season Finale - accessible for all SSA swimmers to compete in a wide range of events!  We want a BIG showing for this middle tier (everyone can do this meet- no qualification standards) FUN, FAST, and FESTIVE meet!

  • FORM Winter Open – Registration is open Deadline December 5

    • ​This base tier meet is great for our younger, new swimmers who may enjoy a less crowded meet! One day- quick sessions, easily accessible location.  

These meets are perfect for swimmers to continue chasing personal bests, qualifying times, and overall season goals.  If you are not sure which meets are the best for your swimmer please reach out to their lead coach via email or catch them before/or after practice (just not while they are on deck activley coaching)! 

Swim Strong, Serve Strong — Food Drive Reminder

As we dive into November, don’t forget our Swim Strong, Serve Strong Food Drive supporting IFCS! This is a chance for our swimmers and families to give back to the community, helping local families in need with food and hygiene items.

  • Drive runs through November 23, 2025

  • Monetary donations are encouraged — they allow IFCS to purchase the items most needed- LETS MEET OUR 2K goal!!

  • Donations can be made “in honor of” SSA (please note this on the donation page so IFCS can easily track donations) 

Let’s show the same team spirit we bring to the pool by making a difference off the deck! 

Looking Ahead.....

As the holidays approach, routines get busier, and that’s okay! The key is to stay steady. Consistent attendance, good nutrition, and rest will make a huge difference as we head toward championship season. Every lap counts right now, and the focus swimmers bring in November and December sets up some fast swims to close out the season.

We’re proud of the dedication we’re seeing on deck, from early morning dives to late-night cheers. SSA swimmers, families, and coaches all play a role in keeping this momentum strong!