Dive Into Something Bigger at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh!
There’s nothing quite like being part of a swim team—the thrill of racing, the joy of making new friends, and the confidence that comes from reaching goals in and out of the pool. At the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh, our swim teams—the Baierl Family YMCA Sharks, Thelma Lovette YMCA Sharks, and Sampson Family YMCA SPY Dolphins—are more than just competitive programs. They’re communities where kids and teens ages 5 and up build strength, develop skills, and learn the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. Whether your child is just starting their swimming journey or looking to take their strokes to the next level, the Y is the perfect place to grow, compete, and have fun.
How It Works: Evaluations, Practices & Meets
Swim Evaluation (required): Ensures proper group placement for safe, effective development.
Practices: Vary by team and skill level; include in-water technique, aerobic/anaerobic sets, and age-appropriate dryland for strength and mobility.
Competition: Duals and invitationals with YMCA teams across Greater Pittsburgh and the region, plus championship opportunities.
Coaching: Certified YMCA coaches focused on safety, skill progressions, and a positive, growth-minded team environment.
Who Can Join?
Programs are offered year-round for ages 5 and up. New to competitive swimming? We’ll place your athlete where they’ll thrive—no prior meet experience required.
JOIN A SWIM TEAM
Baierl Family YMCA Sharks
Baierl Family YMCA Sharks (Ages 5+)
North-region program focused on fundamentals through advanced training, with progressive groups for developing stroke efficiency, race strategy, and endurance.
Team site: https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/ambfys/page/home
Squads & Practice Guidelines
Bronze (10 & under) – Foundations
Swimmers should have completed Y Swim Levels 1–3 (or equivalent) and be able to:
25 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing, continuous arms/kick
25 yards Backstroke with continuous arms/kick
Demonstrate knowledge of Breaststroke & Butterfly
Attempt a dive from side or block
Pass an endurance set (e.g., 4Ă—25 free with ~1:00 rest)
Silver (11 & over) – Developing Competitor
50–100 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing and continuous kick
50–100 yards of all four strokes with proper turns and continuous motion
Dive from the block; consistent flip turns; proper streamlines/turns
Butterfly: arms over water with fly kick
Breaststroke: legal pull & kick
Backstroke: continuous swim with flip turn and proper finish
Endurance set example: 4Ă—50 free/back with ~1:00 rest
Gold (11 & over) – Advanced Training
200–500 yards continuous Freestyle with rotary breathing
400 IM continuous with legal turns and continuous motion
Consistent block starts; proper flip turns/pullouts in all strokes
Endurance set example: 4Ă—100 free + 4Ă—100 choice with ~:30 rest
Thelma Lovette YMCA Gators
Thelma Lovette YMCA Sharks (Ages 4–18)
Hill District program offering strong technique instruction, speed development, and year-round opportunities to compete in the Pittsburgh area, statewide, and beyond.
Team site:https://www.gomotionapp.com/team/reczztly/page/home+Squads & Practice Guidelines
Bronze (10 & under) – Foundations
Swimmers should have completed Y Swim Levels 1–3 (or equivalent) and be able to:
25 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing, continuous arms/kick
25 yards Backstroke with continuous arms/kick
Demonstrate knowledge of Breaststroke & Butterfly
Attempt a dive from side or block
Pass an endurance set (e.g., 4Ă—25 free with ~1:00 rest)
Silver (11 & over) – Developing Competitor
50–100 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing and continuous kick
50–100 yards of all four strokes with proper turns and continuous motion
Dive from the block; consistent flip turns; proper streamlines/turns
Butterfly: arms over water with fly kick
Breaststroke: legal pull & kick
Backstroke: continuous swim with flip turn and proper finish
Endurance set example: 4Ă—50 free/back with ~1:00 rest
Gold (11 & over) – Advanced Training
200–500 yards continuous Freestyle with rotary breathing
400 IM continuous with legal turns and continuous motion
Consistent block starts; proper flip turns/pullouts in all strokes
Endurance set example: 4Ă—100 free + 4Ă—100 choice with ~:30 rest
Sampson Family YMCA Spy Dolphins
Sampson Family YMCA SPY Dolphins (Ages 5+)
East-region program emphasizing technique, endurance, and race skills in a supportive team culture. Multiple practice groups help swimmers advance confidently.
Team site: HTTPS://WWW.GOMOTIONAPP.COM/TEAM/RECZZTLY/PAGE/HOME
Squads & Practice Guidelines
Bronze (10 & under) – Foundations
Swimmers should have completed Y Swim Levels 1–3 (or equivalent) and be able to:
25 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing, continuous arms/kick
25 yards Backstroke with continuous arms/kick
Demonstrate knowledge of Breaststroke & Butterfly
Attempt a dive from side or block
Pass an endurance set (e.g., 4Ă—25 free with ~1:00 rest)
Silver (11 & over) – Developing Competitor
50–100 yards Freestyle with rotary breathing and continuous kick
50–100 yards of all four strokes with proper turns and continuous motion
Dive from the block; consistent flip turns; proper streamlines/turns
Butterfly: arms over water with fly kick
Breaststroke: legal pull & kick
Backstroke: continuous swim with flip turn and proper finish
Endurance set example: 4Ă—50 free/back with ~1:00 rest
Gold (11 & over) – Advanced Training
200–500 yards continuous Freestyle with rotary breathing
400 IM continuous with legal turns and continuous motion
Consistent block starts; proper flip turns/pullouts in all strokes
Endurance set example: 4Ă—100 free + 4Ă—100 choice with ~:30 rest