HOME OF THE GATORS!

The Gators Buddy Program helps new-to-the-team swimmers and families learn the ins and outs of summer swimming. We know it can feel like a lot to learn, so this program is designed to help new swimmers feel confident and build a successful team environment. Parents and volunteers create a sense of community that models teamwork for our swimmers, and our veteran Gators participate as Big Buddies to enhance this dynamic of our team. If you are a veteran swimmer, you may be assigned a Little Buddy for the season!

Big Buddies are expected to:

• Introduce yourself before or after practice.
• Be prepared to help your Little put on their swim cap, find the locker rooms, or learn basic swim terms like streamline, starting blocks, and heat sheet.
• Answer any general swimming or specific Gator questions your Little might have.
• Check in with your Little before warmups at the first home meet, making sure they know where to go for the team meeting and staging behind the blocks.
• Know your Little’s events, get your friends, and cheer on your Littles!
• Check in with your Little every week to make sure they are getting the hang of everything and to see if they have other questions, like where to pick up ribbons.

Little Buddies are welcome to:

• Introduce yourself before/after practice
• Ask your Big about the strokes you’ll learn, how long they’ve been on the team, or how to keep water out of your goggles when you dive in.
• Expect your Big to check in with you at the first home meet, helping you get set up, writing your events down, and going to the team meeting together.
• Say hi to your Big anytime and ask them questions that come to you at practice or meets, like how to know what stroke to do in a relay or how to do a flip turn.

If you have questions or concerns about fulfilling your Buddy commitment, please contact Gators Team Parent Ashley Gillen at [email protected] to discuss details and options.