NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
This past Wednesday, July 23rd, marked the final day of practice for the year, bringing our season to a close. After another incredible and dominant performance at our local District Championships, Virginia Senior Champs, and Virginia Age Group Champs, we find ourselves reflecting on the remarkable journey that’s come to an end.
The NCSA Junior Nationals just wrapped up on Tuesday, where our Senior Silver, Gold, and National group swimmers delivered impressive performances. A few of our athletes will be heading to the USA Junior Nationals this week, while our Eastern Zones All-Star qualifiers will finish their season next week, closing out an extraordinary chapter in their swimming careers.
As coaches, this is always one of the most challenging times of the season—when we pause to reflect on the year (or years) gone by. It's a moment to celebrate the wins, the progress, and the swimmers who have graduated from our program. But it’s also a time to ponder how we can do even better in the future, and to start renewing ourselves for what’s next. The "what ifs" linger in our minds, and the exhaustion we’ve been holding back finally has the space to surface.
It’s what makes this pause essential for all of us—it’s a time for reflection, rejuvenation, and refocus. We all need this time away, to put away our computers and our cellphones, be present with our families, and to rest in the peace that the questions of the moment will be best answered with the freshness of the new year.
Speaking of the new year, I’m reminded of the incredible opportunity that comes with each “next time.” The excitement of the unknown, the promise of what might be, and the anticipation of those who will step up to dream big dreams and do the hard work to make them a reality. Who will be next? Who will dare to step forward and put in the effort to achieve greatness? I look forward to seeing who in our midst will rise to the challenge and become the inspiration to those who follow.
To the NOVA Family—thank you for your unwavering support we would not be where we are without you. To the NOVA staff—enjoy your well-deserved time away. To the NOVA swimmers– know that when the next season begins, we will all be here, ready to guide and support you as you chase your dreams. NOVASTRONG! OneNOVA!
See you soon,
~Coach David
Happy August NOVA!
While August is the time our swimmers, coaches, and families enjoy some well deserved time off from the pool, construction will be moving full speed ahead. Here are some highlights from the last construction update:
Wall demolition is complete with the full scope of the spectator spaces open to the pool environment below. With the exception of the scoreboard side, the 3 remaining 2nd floor walls have been completely removed.
The Alumni Lobby stairs are almost fully installed with demolition work for the on deck stairs is underway.
Future spectator bleachers on the North side of the facility will use a cantilever system to maximize seating and ensure the best possible sightlines. The structural steel needed to support these bleachers has been installed and inspected which means bleacher construction is next! The bleacher company began material delivery on Monday with installation starting next week.
Finishes in bathrooms and flooring has begun, including floor and wall tile.
HVAC and electrical work is continuing however the finish line is in sight on this work which will allow ceiling and drywall finishes to begin!
Interior painting and final drywalling in pool environment areas is also underway!
Low voltage system upgrades (IT and speakers) to the first floor and additional capacity on the second floor are underway. We are also pleased to include internet upgrades to a fiber connection for faster, more stable connections even in our highest capacity events.
Bleachers signify a benchmark step in the overall project - we can’t wait to share. We remain on time and on budget thanks to our partners at EDC and Baskervill. October 4th will be here before we know it!
Drew Hirth
NOVA headed to Liberty University this past weekend to race against the state at VSI's Age Group Champs. NOVA finished with finesse and flare, earning its 26th consecutive LC Age Group Championship banner!
The swimmers filled the weekend with energy, enthusiasm and support for their teammates, working hard for their “money” swims and bringing out their team spirit every time they stepped on deck. Our swimmers scored a combined 8,362 points, topping our nearest competitor by over 5,820 points, the largest total points in NOVA history. We had an even greater balance in the points earned by our boys (4,501) and girls (3,861), emphasizing the strength of our team and how valuable each swimmer is in our success.
This meet was full of fast swimming, new time standards, new team records, and new state records. Please enjoy the reports below with information about our swimmers' accomplishments!
Coming off a phenomenal Senior Champs, NOVA Senior swimmers hopped on a plane and jumped right into a grueling 5-day prelims-finals meet in Huntsville AL. A tough challenge that everyone certainly met. We brought a record number of swimmers and I feel confident speaking on behalf of the entire coaching staff when I say this was one of the best groups we've ever brought to this meet when it comes to energy in and out of the pool. We even managed to secure one of our highest Summer Juniors finishes ever with 3rd place overall.
While the week wasn’t without its challenges, we consistently outscored our projected points each day, showing up strong in the mornings to secure scoring swims and punching above their weight in relays over and over. That kind of effort and execution is exactly what championship racing is all about.
We have two swimmers Lane and Abigail competing this weekend at Summer Juniors. Wish them luck!
For everyone else, you’ve earned a break. This was a hard-fought championship season and we’re proud of every one of you. Enjoy your rest and recovery. We’re already looking forward to setting our sights on new and exciting goals when we get back together next month!
Thank you all,
Coach Matt
In order to help with planning for the coming 2025- 2026 season here are the practice and meet schedules, these are tentative and subject to change.
2025-2026 Short Course Practice Schedule- Sept 2rd- March 28th
2026 Spring Hybrid SC/LC Practice Schedule- April 6th-May 30th
2025-2026 Short Course Meet Schedule- This includes specific group schedules and a master schedule for the whole team
