NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
DREAMS ARE OUR BUSINESS, DISCIPLINE IS OUR TOOL, EXCELLENCE IS OUR PURSUIT.
Join Lori Haas to hear about the Phase Two Expansion of the Regency Facility and how it will benefit NOVA families, our outreach partners and the greater Henrico community. After a brief presentation, take a tour “behind the walls” and check out the unfinished space on the second floor. There will be time for Q&A and information on how to pledge or donate as we all work together to ELEVATE NOVA. All groups will be invited, no need to sign up.
Sunday November 10th 3-4pm or 4-5pm - Age Group Development Silver, Age Group
Development Gold, Age Group Silver, Age Group Gold
Sunday November 17th 5-6pm or 6-7pm - Senior Development Gold, Senior Bronze, Senior
Silver, Senior Gold, National
Sunday November 24th 3-4 pm or 4-5pm - Novice Gold, Age Group Bronze, Senior
Development Bronze, Senior Development Silver
MAAGCS 14 and under Invite-11/1-11/3
NOVA Senior Invite- 11/1-11/3
AGDB Game Night- 11/8 More infromation HERE
AGG Escape Room- 11/9 More infromation HERE
WAC Invite 11/16-11/17 Entry deadline 11/3, Committ HERE
NOVA Cranberry Contender 11/16-11/17 Entry deadline 11/4, Committ HERE
NOVA's 2024-2025 Short Course meet schedule is posted to the NOVA website HERE!
"Toughness"
Toughness is defined in Google as “the state of being strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling” and as “the ability to deal with hardship or to cope in difficult situations”. When it comes to swimming, toughness is a critical trait that all swimmers will need to develop at a certain point in their swimming career. As swimmers progress through the NOVA program, new challenges will be presented to each athlete. Developing the skills to handle those challenges will go a long way towards long-term success in swimming and in their daily lives.
Even at the earliest age, swimmers are going to come across situations that will be
challenging. For our youngest swimmers, learning how to swim longer races, swimming
multiple races in a meet over a short period of time, or even diving off the block for the first
time will require some degree of toughness. As swimmers develop and become older, new
hurdles will be presented to them. Challenging sets in practice, the introduction of swimming
two practices a day, and morning practice times before school are all part of the norm in
swimming.
At NOVA, our goal is to develop toughness-both mentally and physically-as swimmers
age and move through the program. Everything starts with mental toughness-being mentally
tough will help swimmers develop the physical toughness that it will take to excel in the sport.
In general, staying mentally tough incorporates having a positive frame of mind and an attitude
that it’s not always going to be easy or perfect. In addition, resiliency, confidence, and having a
plan on how to tackle a difficult task will help develop the toughness trait. The toughness trait
can be learned and the NOVA coaching staff strives to instill this characteristic into all of our
athletes.
In conclusion, swimming can be a challenging sport. Developing traits and skills to help
manage the tough part of the sport will lead to happiness and long-term success. Learning how
to be both mentally and physically tough most directly comes from a positive mindset that
allows swimmers to accept challenges, educate themselves from failures, and move forward
without letting anything get in their way.
-Mike W
NOVA swimmers raced teams from all over Virginia this past weekend in NOVA's Halloween Haunt. Swimmers took on two courses to achieve many new best times, new time standards, and new qualifying times. NOVA had many swimmers swim in their first meets, and even more tackle new events. Congrats on a great meet coaches and swimmers!
Novice Bronze, Novice Silver, Novice Gold, Age Group Dev. Bronze,
Age Group Dev. Silver, Age Group Dev. Gold, Age Group Bronze, Age Group Silver, Age Group Gold, Senior Dev Bronze, Senior Dev. Silver, Senior Bronze
13 and over PPOW
Hazel Cabugason is a veteran in Senior Bronze and has stepped up as a leader to her peers. Not only has she shown up and worked hard, but inspired her teammates to do the same. Her smile is infectious and she never backs down from any challenges thrown her way. Recently, Hazel has had some incredible long IM sets that she attacked with confidence. Congratulations Hazel on 13 & Over PPOW!
12 & under PPOW
This week's 12 & Under Practice Performer of the Week is Liya Skillman from Age Group Bronze! Liya has stepped up as leader in many ways this season - demonstrating difficult drills for the group, leading a lane consistently, and pushing herself to excel on tough first interval sets. She had a great performance this weekend at the Halloween Haunt, and we are excited to watch her continue to succeed. Way to go, Liya!
