NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
Not long ago, just four years back, long course season looked very different for NOVA families.
Before April 2022, every swimmer from Novice Bronze to National trained for a 50-meter season without regular access to a 50-meter pool. Coaches got creative, building sets around 75-yard distances to simulate long course racing. It worked, but it wasn’t ideal.
And when it came time to compete, there was no staying local. Families were on the road at least once a month from April through July. Meets meant packing up for weekends in Stafford, Lynchburg, or Christiansburg—sometimes twice in a single month during championship season.
Those trips added up quickly. A conservative estimate for gas, hotels, and meals is about $1,000 per meet. Multiply that by 3–4 trips each season, and families were spending $3,000–$4,000 every summer just to give their swimmers the opportunity to race in a long course pool.
Fast forward to today.
Now, NOVA swimmers train and compete in a long course pool right here at home.
No packing.
No hotel bookings.
No long drives every other weekend.
Instead, families have:
More time together
Less stress during the season
Thousands of dollars staying in their pockets
At the same time, our swimmers benefit from better, more consistent training and more accessible competition opportunities.
This didn’t happen by accident. It happened because of investment. Our Elevate Campaign has brought us to this point, and we are so close to the finish line. The Regency facility improvements that benefit every NOVA swimmer are nearly complete.
We have $210,000 left to raise.
When you think about what this facility saves each family, year after year, the value becomes clear. Supporting the campaign isn’t just about today; it’s about continuing to provide these savings and opportunities for every season ahead
NOVA has built something transformational for our families.
Now we need your help to finish it. Elevate Pledge Form Elevate Donate Link
NOVA got an early start on the Long Course season this year our swimmers "kicked off" the LC season at Regency in the NOVA LC Kickoff meet. Swimmers of all ages raced hard, cheered loudly,, and achieved many new time standards. It was an amazing start to the LC season
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 Dev. Gold, Senior Bronze, Senior Silver
As a non-profit organization, NOVA is able to operate our two facilities and host high-quality swim meets thanks to a combination of dues and each family’s fundraising commitment. Your support truly makes everything we do possible—both in and out of the pool.
The Swim-A-Thon is the easiest way to complete your fundraising obligation, and we’re so grateful to everyone who has already participated!
Not sure where your family stands? Take a quick moment to check your balance using the chart above as a guide. You can also log into your SportsEngine account:
Go to “My Account”
Click on the “Fundraising” tab (you’ll see it across the top alongside Account, Questions, Billing Summary, and Members)
There you’ll find your current fundraising obligation and balance
Even if your swimmer didn’t participate in the Swim-A-Thon, you can still fulfill your requirement by submitting a check or using the payment link below.
Together “Mighty Mighty NOVA” always meets the SAT goal. Thanks to everyone for making that happen this year.
Julie Farney
julie.farney@novaswim.org
NOVA LC Senior Invite- 5/1-3
BASS Jim Frye Invite- 5/2-3
Eastern Zones LC Super Sectionals 5/14-17
NOVA LC Spring Splash- 5/15-17 Entry deadline 5/4, Commit HERE
SwimRVA Success Bell- 5/29 Entry deadline 5/17, Commit HERE
VSI Open Water Championship- 5/30 Entry deadline 5/17, Commit HERE
NOVA's 2026 Long Course meet schedule is posted to the NOVA website HERE!
SwimNOVA Lessons office is hiring in-water swim instructors for the summer in the afternoons and evenings! Preferred minimum age is 16 years with lifeguarding experience and or experience working with children.
Note: 15 year olds must have lifeguarding, CPR, first aid and a work permit through the Virginia Department of Labor. Next upcoming new instructor training dates are either May 17 or May 20.
If you know of anyone interested, please have them reach out to coachmc@novaswim.org for more information.
