Team Information
The Gators swim year round in the Carolina YMCA Swim League. Teams from SC and NC compete in a Winter Season (Sept-Feb) and a Summer Season (April-July). Gators must be a member of the Greenwood Family YMCA to compete in the YMCA league.
The Gator Coaching Staff stress individual self-improvement as each swimmer’s primary goal. Training in stroke techniques, speed, and conditioning/endurance are custom-sized to each swimmers ability and age.
The Greenwood Gator Swim Team is divided into training groups based on age. As the team grows in the coming years, further group divisions will be structured to serve the developmental and competitive needs of a growing number of participants. The groups enable swimmers to progress at a constant rate while building strong team bonds with other team members in the same age range. Swimmers age twelve and under are encouraged to participate in other activities outside of swimming while they develop the technique, endurance and competitiveness that are the foundation for successful swimmers. Senior (13 and older) swimmers are asked to make a greater commitment to swimming and to the team by participating in more practices and competitions. Senior level swimming, in the YMCA, is more demanding, focused and competitive than the sport is for younger swimmers. The Greenwood Family YMCA program reflects that reality and aims to equip its swimmers to not only compete, but to succeed at each level of competitive swimming.
Age Groups and Fees
| Gold Group | ages 13-18 | $58/month |
| Silver Group | ages 9-12 | $46/month |
| Green Group | ages 4-8 | $34/month |
There is an annual registration fee of $50 per swimmer.
Green Gators Ages 4-8
Minimum requirements: Swimmers must be deep water safe and be able to swim at least 4 lengths of the pool. Knowledge of at least three of the competitive strokes is preferred. This introductory group practices 2-3 times a week; Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, with emphasis on learning proper stroke technique in a fun, low pressure environment. Participation in at least 2 regular swim meets and the championship meet is encouraged.
Silver Gators Ages 9-12
Minimum requirements: Green Gator requirements plus legal technique in 3 of the 4 competitive strokes. This group practices 2-4 times a week; Monday – Thursday and continues to focus on learning proper technique in the 4 competitive strokes plus starts and turns. It also introduces basic conditioning for competitions and some dryland training is introduced. Participation in at least 2 YMCA meets and the YMCA championship meet is encouraged. Participation in community service projects and team functions is also encouraged.
Gold Gators Ages 13-19
Minimum requirement: Proficiency in all four competitive strokes, good physical condition, ability to train for up to two hours. Training groups at the senior level require greater commitment by parents and swimmers to the sport of swimming and to the Greenwood Family YMCA team. Proper technique is still stressed but the focus shifts to preparation for, and performance in competition. Senior swimmers should attend practices regularly, as well as meets, team functions and community service projects. Dryland and strength training will be included in the program and all swimmers will have seasonal goal sessions with their coach. Senior swimmers will be seen as the leaders of the team and will be held to the highest of behavioral standards while being expected to inspire and lead their younger teammates.
Coaching Staff
Tom Karel – Head Coach
Tom Karel is the Head Coach for the Greenwood Gators. This is his 5th year coaching the Gators. Tom has been swimming for sixteen years. He graduated from Western University in Illinois. He coached at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter for four years. He is ASC certified. He has been married to his wife Daphne for 16 years with four wonderful kids and yet he has the time to dedicate to our swim team. Tom has been a great asset to our team here at the YMCA. We are honored to have Tom serving as the current President of the Carolina YMCA Swim League.
Mandy Webb – Assistant Coach (YMCA Aquatics Coordinator)
Mandy Webb is our Aquatic Coordinator and has been at the YMCA for almost five years. She loves being in the water. She grew up swimming all her life and is a certified scuba diver. Mandy’s heart is in teaching and coaching. She started as a life guard and has received her certification to instruct swim lessons. She has taught private as well as group lessons. Mandy then started coaching our Gator Camp which prepares participants for the swim team. She recently received her certification for Principles of Coaching and now is an Assistant Coach with our Greenwood Gators.
Kendrick Anderson – Assistant Coach
Kendrick Anderson has been with our YMCA for 11 years. Kendrick started teaching private and group swim lessons. He then started coaching Gator Camp and wanted to start helping with the swim team. Kendrick also completed his Principles of Coaching and is now an Assistant Coach. All the kids just love Coach Kendrick. He makes them laugh but always makes them get their work out done for the day. He does it in a fun way. Ask any swim team member about Coach Kendrick and they will be quick to let you know that he is the funny coach of the swim team and the one who makes everyone laugh and have a good time. Coach Kendrick is dedicated and a great asset to our YMCA swim team.
Thanks to all the coaches for their hard work and dedication for making our swim team a great success!