Question 1

What is the Nitro Swim Team?

Accepted Answer

Nitro Swimming is a USA Swimming affiliated competitive swim team with three indoor locations in Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Kyle, TX. We have been developing swimmers since 2006 and have won 18 Texas Age Group Swimming Championships, making us one of the most decorated swim teams in the state. Our program serves swimmers from age 6 through high school, from first-time competitors to nationally ranked athletes.

Question 2

What age can my child join the swim team?

Accepted Answer

The youngest age we accept on the swim team is 6 years old. Our entry level group, Intro to Nitro, is designed specifically for younger and newer competitive swimmers and meets just once a week. It is a great starting point for kids who are ready to try something new without a big time commitment.

Question 3

Does my child need to be an experienced swimmer to join?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Intro to Nitro is built for kids who are just getting their feet wet in competitive swimming. What we are looking for is a child who can swim independently and is ready to be in the water with a group. Our coaches will take it from there.

Question 4

What is the difference between swim lessons and swim team?

Accepted Answer

Swim lessons at Nitro are focused on teaching foundational water skills and building confidence in the water. Swim team is for swimmers who are already independent in the water and are ready to train competitively, develop stroke technique, and race. Many Nitro swimmers graduate from our swim school into our swim team naturally as they build the skills and readiness to make that jump.

Question 5

How do I get my child evaluated?

Accepted Answer

Registration for a tryout is free and takes just a few minutes online. Visit our Swim Team Resources page at nitroswim.com, create a free account through our registration portal, and sign up for an evaluation time at your preferred location. When you arrive, your swimmer gets in the water, our coaches get a look at them, and we place them in the group that is the best fit for their age and ability. There is nothing to stress about, it is just a chance for us to get to know your swimmer.

Question 6

What happens at the tryout?

Accepted Answer

The tryout is low key. Your swimmer shows up ready to swim, gets in the water with one of our USA Swimming coaches, and swims through a few things so we can see where they are. We are not looking for perfection, we are looking for readiness and fit. After the evaluation our coaches will let you know which group is the right starting point and walk you through next steps.

Question 7

How many groups do you offer?

Accepted Answer

Nitro offers 45 scheduled group options across our three locations, ranging from once a week beginner groups all the way through elite level training for swimmers competing at the national level. No matter where your swimmer is starting, there is a group that fits.

Question 8

Which location should we register at?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to register at whichever Nitro location is most convenient for your family. Evaluations and groups are available at Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Kyle. If you have questions about which location makes the most sense, give us a call and we can help you figure it out. Cedar Park: (512) 259-7999 Bee Cave: (512) 861-7946 Kyle: (737) 497-3866

Question 9

How many days per week does swim team require?

Accepted Answer

It depends entirely on the group. Our entry level groups like Intro to Nitro practice just once a week, which makes it a very manageable starting point for younger or newer swimmers. As swimmers develop and move into more advanced groups, practice frequency increases to match their training needs. Our highest level athletes practice up to nine times per week. Most families find the right fit naturally as their swimmer grows.

Question 10

What does swim team cost?

Accepted Answer

Tuition varies by group based on how often your swimmer practices. Families in our entry level groups typically pay around $150 per month for once a week training. Our most advanced groups, whose athletes train up to nine times per week and compete at the national level, are around $400 per month. Most families land somewhere in between depending on their swimmer's level and goals. There is also a $40 annual registration fee due at enrollment and every 12 months thereafter. Contact your preferred location for current group pricing.

Question 11

What if my swimmer just wants a great workout without the pressure of competing?

Accepted Answer

That is exactly what our Technique and Fitness group is for. TF is designed for the swimmer who loves being in the water and wants a quality workout but is not looking to climb the competitive ranks. Practices are 45 minutes, once or twice a week depending on what works for your family, and focus on proper stroke technique and endurance training with a healthy dose of fun mixed in. It is a great fit for kids ages 9 to 14 who want to stay active, improve in the water, and be part of the Nitro community without the full competitive commitment. If that sounds like your swimmer, ask us about TF when you come in for your evaluation.

Question 12

Is there a season or can we join any time?

Accepted Answer

Nitro's competitive season runs September through August, with September marking the start of each new team year. New families can join at any time during the year. If you register outside of September, your annual registration remains valid through August 31st of that year, and all athletes re-register at the start of each new September.

Question 13

Are swim meets required?

Accepted Answer

For our developmental groups like Intro to Nitro, meets are not required. That said, meets are one of the best parts of the experience. They are where the work done in practice pays off, where teammates bond, and where swimmers start to discover what they are capable of. We strongly encourage meet participation for all of our groups and typically offer meets approximately once every five weeks.

Question 14

What makes Nitro different from other swim teams?

Accepted Answer

A few things stand out. We have our own dedicated indoor facilities at all three locations, which means we are never dependent on a shared pool, a city schedule, or a lease agreement. Our coaching staff are some of the most qualified anywhere, and they coach with purpose every single day. We have won 18 Texas Age Group Swimming Championships, reached the elite level of USA Swimming in just five years of existence, and have developed swimmers who have gone on to Olympic Trials, national championships, and college programs across the country. And through all of that, the thing we hear most often is that Nitro swimmers are nice. That is not an accident.

Question 15

What is Nitro's coaching philosophy?

Accepted Answer

We are thinking long term. Every decision we make is based on what is in the best long term interest of the swimmer, both in and out of the pool. We teach stroke efficiency and proper technique, but we also teach discipline, hard work, how to handle wins and setbacks, and life skills that our swimmers carry with them long after they leave the pool. Our coaches are engaged and active on deck every practice, every day. You will not find a Nitro coach sitting down looking bored.

Question 16

How does group advancement work?

Accepted Answer

There are no hard and fast timelines for moving up. Our coaches watch each swimmer closely and initiate the conversation when they see that a swimmer has outgrown their current group and is ready for the next challenge. This can happen at any point during the season. We prefer to let swimmers fully master the skills of their group before moving on, because that foundation is what sets them up for long term success.

Question 17

Will my child have consistent coaches?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Each group has its own coaching staff and your swimmer will build a real relationship with their coaches over time. If you ever have a question or concern, email your group coach directly and you will hear back within 24 hours in most cases. Coach Mike is also always reachable at mike@nitroswim.com if needed.

Question 18

What do I need to do to get started?

Accepted Answer

Four steps and you are in: Schedule a free tryout at your preferred location through the Swim Team Resources page at nitroswim.com After your evaluation, register for your swimmer's group and pay the annual registration fee Get the right gear. Nitro is proudly sponsored by Deboer. Gear requirements by group are listed on our Group Descriptions page. Contact your location's front desk for information on where to purchase team gear. Complete your USA Swimming membership. New families handle this during Nitro registration. Transferring families will need to submit a transfer request through their USA Swimming account.

Question 19

What gear does my swimmer need?

Accepted Answer

Gear requirements vary by group and are listed on our Group Descriptions page at nitroswim.com. Nitro is proudly sponsored by Deboer. Contact your location's front desk for the latest information on where to purchase team gear and apparel.

Question 20

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Accepted Answer

Each location has a point of contact who can help you through the registration process and answer any questions along the way.

Bee Cave: Daniel Martin, Daniel.Martin@nitroswim.com
Cedar Park: Corine Stacks, Corine.Stacks@nitroswim.com
Kyle: Eva Minus, Eva.Minus@nitroswim.com

You can also reach the front desk at any location by phone:

Cedar Park: (512) 259-7999
Bee Cave: (512) 861-7946
Kyle: (737) 497-3866

Question 21

How are the practice groups determined and organized?

Accepted Answer

Our practice groups are organized to best match kids with similar ability, age, physical and emotional maturity, level of commitment, practice habits, and experience. We offer several options for most of our groups, especially with our developmental and younger age groups. We have groups ranging from once a week to multiple times per week including AM and PM options for our elite level swimmers. If new to our program, we ask that you bring your athlete to get evaluated by one of our USA Swimming coaches during an open evaluation time and we will determine the best swim group that properly matches what you are looking for.

Question 22

Can I request a schedule change into a different group time?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to request a schedule change into a different time or day option, simply see the front desk, complete a group change form, and turn it back in to the front desk. Moving into another time or day slot will depend on availability and space.

Question 23

How does moving up to a new group work?

Accepted Answer

There are no hard and fast rules or requirements standardized in our program relating to group advancement. Instead, we as a staff recognize when a swimmer has exceeded their stay in a certain group and is ready to move on to the more appropriate group. This can happen during any part of the season and once we see that a swimmer is ready, we will initiate the next steps with the parent.

We at Nitro prefer to allow a swimmer some added time in their respective group to master the skills of that group, until we see that the swimmer has in effect outgrown that group. If you believe that there is a group misplacement issue, or your athlete is looking for something other than what the current group is offering, please bring that to the attention of our coaches so we can all be on the same page working together.

We will initiate the discussion when it is time. Also keep in mind that our groups continue to get better and improve throughout the course of each season. A competitive program that is doing the right things cannot help but continue to get better throughout the year. A swimmer's success ultimately has very little to do with the actual group placement. We do get it wrong from time to time, and we are happy to have the conversation and discuss.

Question 24

How do I withdraw from the Nitro Swim Team?

Accepted Answer

Log in to the swim team portal at nitroswim.captyn.com and follow the instructions to begin the withdrawal process. Withdrawal forms must be received by the 15th of the month or your account will be billed for the following month. For example, if you wish to withdraw at the end of December, your withdrawal form is due by December 15th.

Question 25

How do I re-enroll if I previously withdrew?

Accepted Answer

See the front desk and they will need your current credit card information and ask you to complete a new credit card authorization form. If it has been more than 12 months since your last annual registration payment, the $40 annual fee will apply upon re-enrollment.

Question 26

How often do I need to register?

Accepted Answer

Once per year, prior to your swimmer beginning practice with us. Our calendar year runs September through the end of August, with each September being the beginning of a new season. If you are new to Nitro and register outside of September, your registration will be valid through August 31st. At that point, all Nitro athletes re-register for the upcoming school year each September, which carries them through the following August 31st.

Question 27

How do I communicate with my child's coach?

Accepted Answer

Our coaches have a packed schedule on the pool deck, coaching group after group, and it serves the athletes well when our coaches can keep their attention focused on them during practice. For that reason we prefer that you contact your coach by email and they will reply within 24 hours in most cases during the week. If you have not heard back within 24 hours, reach out to Coach Mike at mike@nitroswim.com and he will get an answer to you.

From time to time your child's coach will be available for a few quick minutes between practices or after practice if there is no group immediately following. If the coach looks free, feel free to approach and ask if they have a moment. If the issue warrants a personal meeting, we will do our part to arrange a time that works for you.

Question 28

How do I find out about meets, social events, and schedule changes?

Accepted Answer

We send out Coach's Notes frequently via the email address we have on file. Please take the time to read through those. Upcoming meets and social events are also posted on our website under Events. Schedule changes are rare. We understand that you have built your routine around a certain schedule and we do not take making changes lightly.

Question 29

How do I address a conflict or concern?

Accepted Answer

If you have a conflict or issue, please start by bringing it to your child's group coach and give them a chance to discuss it with you. If after doing so you would like to take it further, reach out to the Head Age Group Coach or Head Site Coach at your location. If you would still like to discuss further after that, you are welcome to contact Coach Mike directly.

Question 30

Is there a plan for each practice?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our coaches communicate the areas, strokes, and drills they want addressed each week and individual group coaches build their weekly workouts around that. For our younger and developmental groups, kicking is a cornerstone of any quality swim program, so you will see some aspect of kicking in every practice. As groups progress, the skills, drills, and intervals increase in complexity and intensity.

That said, our coaches will deviate from the plan when circumstances call for it. If a group is not quite executing a particular skill the way we expected and needs more time to work through it, we call an audible and change the play. For our more advanced groups, more time is spent taking a full season approach to planning workouts.

Question 31

What is my role during my swimmer's practice?

Accepted Answer

You are welcome to watch from the bleachers. You can also run errands. You are not required to stay in the swim center during your athlete's practice. We do ask that you pick up your child on time. Please refrain from coaching from the bleachers, giving hand signals, getting their attention, or otherwise disrupting the group. We work hard to keep their attention and appreciate your support in doing the same.

Question 32

Is it okay to arrive late to practice?

Accepted Answer

We understand that swimmers are not always in control of when they arrive. When they do walk through our doors, we expect them to hustle to the locker area, get their rinse, and walk quickly to their group. The coach will let the athlete know what the group is working on when they join in.

Question 33

What if I need to pick my child up early?

Accepted Answer

Just have your athlete let the coach know ahead of time. When you arrive, it is fine to get the coach's attention and remind them that your child needs to leave.

Question 34

Where does my child go before practice?

Accepted Answer

After a couple of practices, all of our swimmers will be comfortable with the routine of knowing where to meet, which lanes the group uses on a given day, and who their coaches are. During the first few days of every season, coaches will announce where each group will be and when it is time to head toward the lanes. The front desk at each location also has a pool map showing which groups meet in which lanes.

Question 35

What if my swimmer is going to miss a practice?

Accepted Answer

Missing a practice is a normal occurrence. There is no need to notify your group coach if your swimmer will miss a single practice. If your swimmer will be out for an extended period, especially for anything medically related, please let us know.

Question 36

What does my swimmer need to bring to practice?

Accepted Answer

Each group has specific gear requirements listed under Group Descriptions on our site. All girls must wear a swim cap during practices. Any boy with hair over their eyes or hair that comes over the mouth during side breathing must also wear a swim cap. Caps are available for purchase at our front desk. We ask that all swimmers rinse off in our showers before getting in the pool each day. No bandaids or gum are allowed in the pool, and no outside food or drink is allowed in the swim center.

Question 37

What are time standards?

Accepted Answer

Time standards are event performance times set by either USA Swimming or the Texas Swim Association that establish benchmarks for tracking progress, qualifying for championship meets, and seeing how an athlete stacks up in competitive swimming. USA Swimming standards begin with B times and climb through BB, A, AA, AAA, and AAAA. You can find current motivational time standards at usaswimming.org.

Question 38

What is Short Course?

Accepted Answer

Short Course is the season where meets are held in 25 yard pools. It typically runs with the school year, from September through spring.

Question 39

What is Long Course?

Accepted Answer

Long Course is the season where meets are held in 50 meter pool configurations. It typically runs through the summer, from May through August.

Question 40

When are Nitro's championship meets?

Accepted Answer

We participate in B, BB, and A championship meets each season. We also compete in the Texas Age Group Swimming Championships (TAGS), Sectionals, Junior Nationals, Nationals, USA Swimming Grand Prix meets, and other high level meets that require pre-qualifying times to enter. Championship meets exist for both Short Course and Long Course seasons.

Question 41

What is TAGS?

Accepted Answer

TAGS stands for Texas Age Group Swimming Championships. It is the premier 14 and under state championship meet in the country and one of our team goals each season is to compete for this team title. Nitro has won this championship 18 times. The Short Course TAGS meet takes place in early March each year and the Long Course TAGS meet is typically in mid July. TAGS time standards can be found on our website as well as the Texas Swimming LSC site at stswim.org.

Question 42

How often are meets offered and are they required?

Accepted Answer

We offer meets for our respective groups approximately once every five weeks. During championship seasons they can be more frequent. Meets are not required for our developmental groups like Intro to Nitro and Technique and Fitness, but competing is the reward for the work put in during practices. It is also an excellent measuring stick, a motivational boost, and one of the best ways for swimmers to strengthen friendships with their teammates. We strongly encourage meet participation for all of our groups.

Question 43

Will my athlete get a best time every time they race?

Accepted Answer

Not possible, and that is actually okay. A best time does not necessarily mean it was a good swim, and not getting a best time does not mean it was a bad one either. We work on a lot of skills week in and week out, developing good habits and chasing away the bad ones. Your swimmer may have had the best swim of their life without dropping time. We do not want kids to equate their self worth in this sport to whether or not they got a best time. This is a long journey and everything we do is geared for the long haul, including the life lessons, the ups, the downs, the peaks, and the valleys. Support your swimmer. They are the first ones to know whether or not they got a best time, and in the big picture it is not a deal breaker. We want them to enjoy the whole process, and we want you to enjoy it too.

Question 44

How do I enter a meet?

Accepted Answer

Log in to your account at nitroswim.com, navigate to the Swim Meets section, and find the meet you want to register for. Select the meet, click the arrow next to your swimmer's name, and opt in or out for each day and select events. A how-to video is also available on our website.

Question 45

Can I enter meets not on the Nitro schedule?

Accepted Answer

Nitro swimmers are allowed to enter meets that are on our posted schedule and that are appropriate for their level. Nitro swimmers are not allowed to enter meets outside of our schedule without individual permission from their group coach. If your family is traveling out of state and you would like to participate in a meet, reach out to the coach and we can usually make that work.

Question 46

How early should we arrive at a meet?

Accepted Answer

We expect swimmers on deck and ready to go 15 minutes before the scheduled warm up time. We sit together as a team and warm up together as a team. Showing up late means missing the team warm up, the coach's pre-meet talk, and the bonding that happens before the action starts. Pack the night before, leave the house early, and arrive stress free. Your swimmer will thank you for it.

Question 47

What does my swimmer need to bring to a meet?

Accepted Answer

For a short Nitro at the Races meet: a towel, cap, goggles, and their Nitro hoodie. These meets run quickly and there is no need to bring food or drinks.

For a meet away from Nitro: two towels, Nitro sweats or a Nitro parka, a Nitro cap if your swimmer wears one, and two pairs of goggles just in case. Pack a few healthy snacks, bottled water, and a sports drink or two as well.

Question 48

How can I be the most supportive swim parent for my swimmer?

Accepted Answer

Learn to ask the right questions after practice. What did you learn today? What was the hardest part of the workout? What was the most fun? Keep in mind that the number one reason kids swim is because they enjoy it and have fun. The number one reason kids quit is because it is no longer enjoyable. The swimmers who stay in this sport the longest have parents who keep things in perspective, stay positive, and let the coaches coach.

Question 49

What is the right way to watch a practice?

Accepted Answer

Watch from the bleachers and enjoy seeing your swimmer at work. Please do not coach from the bleachers, give hand signals, or try to get your swimmer's attention during practice. We work hard to keep the group focused and your support in keeping things calm goes a long way. If you hear another parent going negative in the stands, feel free to speak up. Positive is how we roll here.

Question 50

What mindset should I bring to meets and practices?

Accepted Answer

Think like a grandparent. Grandparents are usually just happy to see their grandkids out there doing something they love, without being focused on any particular outcome. That kind of presence, being in the moment and genuinely enjoying the experience, is exactly what your swimmer needs from you on both the good days and the hard ones. A note from Coach Mike: Whether it is family, school, church, your job, or whatever, there is no such thing as a perfect relationship. If you were to list the top ten things you are looking for in a swim program and grade each one, I'd guess we rate fairly high in most areas. We offer a lot to our athletes. We have the most qualified coaching staff assembled anywhere, coaches who love to coach. We have our own indoor facilities with total control of the water, not dependent on any HOA, a city, a lease agreement, or any parent entity. We have multiple group options for most ability levels. We are committed to helping every Nitro athlete achieve their highest personal potential, and we will match energy for energy. You show us the commitment, we will take you as far and high as possible. Your swimmer wants one thing from you more than anything else: they want to know that you are proud of them, on both the good days and especially on the days where life is delivering a lesson or two. Thanks for being a part of Nitro Swimming. See you at the pool. — Coach Mike

Nitro Swimming in Kyle, TX is Now Open!

Register Now For Swim Lessons & Swim Team

SWIM TEAM

FAQ

Nitro Swim Team FAQs

Getting Started with Nitro Swim Team

Commitment and Schedule

The Nitro Experience

Registration and Next Steps

Group Placements, Changes, and Administration

Communication

Meets and Time Standards

For Swim Parents

Austin Area Locations

Swim School

Swim Team