NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
NOVA swimmers showed up and showed out at the 12 and Under District Champs meet this past weekend. They brought a competitive fire and a fervent toughness that was unmatched!
Prelims each morning saw the 9-12s crush it, achieving new time standard after new time standard resulting in collecting the ever elusive rubber ducky! Cheering radiated across the stands and the pool deck as NOVA swimmers won heats and secured their spots at finals.
The 8 and under swimmers had their chance to shine during the midday sessions. Novice-land was cooking the entire weekend, snagging many blue heat winner ribbons and finding themselves proudly atop of the podium. Their energy was electric and spread like a wildfire through Regency!
The 9-12 yo swimmers came back each day at finals ready to WIN! Swimmers walked out to an extravagant light show, coupled with fire music, ready to light up the pool with crazy fast swims and state cuts! Their poise and racing skills were on full display.
By the end of it, NOVA swimmers scored 7,516.5 points, winning the meet by 4,316 points! Way to go NOVA 12 & Unders; a huge CONGRATS is in order!
Coach Kevin
Dear NOVA Families,
This past weekend was a clear reminder of what NOVA has built. The energy on deck, the engagement in the stands, and the pride throughout the building reflected a facility that is truly serving its purpose — not just as a competition venue, but as a place our swimmers and families can call their own.
As Board President, I have the privilege of seeing both the vision behind Elevate and the impact it is already having. Phase 1 has transformed how we host meets, train, and build community. But we are not finished. Completing Phase 2 ensures we fully realize the experience our swimmers deserve — from enhanced concessions and gathering spaces to continued improvements that make NOVA-Regency a true championship environment.
This campaign has always been about shared commitment. Our Board, staff, sponsors, and many families have already stepped forward. Now we are asking every NOVA family to consider how they can participate. The strength of this effort is not in one large gift, but in collective ownership.
If you have not yet pledged, I encourage you to do so this week — at a level that is meaningful for your family. Every gift moves us closer to the finish line.
We built this for our swimmers. Let’s finish it for them — together.
With gratitude,
Ryan Ehrensberger
Board President
NOVA of Virginia Aquatics
Central Virginia 12 and Under District Championships was held at Regency February 13-15 and NOVA rocked the house. There were amazing HOT HEAT wins with lots of loud cheering, many new time standards and Age Group Champs Cuts. Swimmers raced hard in prelims and even harder in finals! Congrats to all the swimmers and coaches on a huge win!
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
The NOVA Swim-a-Thon is an important fundraiser that supports NOVA's general operating budget. Pre-event sponsors help cover costs including the tshirts, decorations, snacks, prizes and more. If you have a business ( or family) that would like to become a sponsor please contact Julie Farney - julie.farney@novaswim.org for more information.
Here are a few details about this year’s event:
- Date: April 11 2026
- Location: NOVA Regency
- Goal: $125,000
Novice Bronze- Zoe Moore, Lauren Medlin
Zoe, how many swimmers are in Novice Bronze?
Currently we have 41 swimmers in Novice Bronze.
Zoe, what is Novice Bronze working on this week?
We are working on getting ready for champs! We have been doing lots of racing and flip turns. We also have been practicing dive over starts!
Zoe, what is your favorite part of working with Novice Bronze?
I love being able to help set up the base of each swimmer’s year round journey. Everything is new to Novice Bronze which is always exciting. I get to coach them during their first practices, their first year round meet, and hand them their first NOVA ribbons. It’s very rewarding seeing a swimmer go from being nervous about meets to wanting to swim at every one because they love it so much. Also the kids are hilarious and keep me on my toes everyday!
Lauren, what is your favorite part of working with Novice Bronze?
I really love getting to know the kids and building good relationships with them through coaching. It’s amazing to see kids that we’ve coached in the past succeed in higher groups and go on to become amazing people. Even though I haven’t been at NOVA very long, there are some older age group swimmers that will go out of their way to say “hi” to me, and there’s really nothing better than that.
Zoe, what is your favorite part of working with Lauren?
Lauren is one of my best friends and I am very blessed that I get to work with her. She is not only extremely knowledgeable about the sport, but she truly cares about each swimmer’s success. We always have good laughs at practice and I know I can count on her for anything! We are also roommates so it’s fun to come home to my dog Betty after a long day and hang out!
Lauren, what is your favorite part of working with Zoe?
Zoe is one of those people who sees potential in everyone. In the time that we’ve worked together, I’ve learned so much about coaching from the way she leads the group. It’s also really fun to be working with one of your best friends every day. Makes the practices a lot more fun.
Zoe, what was your pre race routine when you swam?
I had a specific routine that I would always follow. Have a big dinner, pack my bags, lay out my suit & outfit, and paint my nails! At the pool I’d always make sure to warm up properly and spend quality time with my friends. I also had a lucky pair of green goggles that I would keep for big races!
Lauren, what was your pre race routine when you swam?
Ummmm… I didn’t really have much of a routine when I swam. I always thought developing a routine would be putting too much pressure on myself. Up until college (and even through college), I didn’t take meets all that seriously. That’s not to say that I didn’t care - I definitely did and always tried my best - but I was mostly there to have fun and hang out with my teammates.
13 and over Central District Champs- 2/27-3/1
VSI Senior Champs- 3/5-3/8- Entry deadline 2/22, Commit HERE
VSI Age Group Champs- 3/12-3/15 Entry deadline 3/1, Commit HERE
NCSA Juniors- 3/17-21
SwimRVA Clover Cup- 3/20-22 Entry deadline 3/8, Commit HERE
NOVA Short Course Send Off 3/21-3/22 Entry deadline 3/8, Commit HERE
NCSA Age Group Champs 3/25-28 Entry deadline 3/15, Commit HERE
NOVA's 2025-2026 Short Course meet schedule is posted to the NOVA website HERE!
Champs Shirts and Suits
2026 Champs shirts will be available in the Swim Shop the first week of February. Come get your LEGO inspired "We Build FAST!" shirt to wear for all NOVA champs meets.
Champs meets are right around the corner. Please make sure to visit the Swim Shop for all your championship meet needs. Appointments for new to "kneeskin" girls are avaible by calling the Swim Shop.
12 & Under PPOW
This week’s 12 & Under PPOW is is Arjun Shetty from Age Group Development Bronze! Arjun’s consistency in attendance and performance over the past several months has begun paying off in a big way! He is always smiling at practice…in fact I think the more difficult the practice, the bigger the smile! Arjun’s work ethic is contagious, and anyone swimming around him can’t help but work hard too. Congratulations, Arjun!
