NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
The results are in, and once again NOVA families showed what makes this team so special. Thanks to the incredible generosity, energy, and teamwork of our swimmers, families, and sponsors, we not only reached our Swim-A-Thon team goal, we exceeded it!
Every lap and every donation helps support NOVA’s mission of providing outstanding opportunities for athletes while also helping offset the operational costs of running two facilities, keeping programs accessible for families, and expanding our community outreach efforts.
Top Individual Swim-A-Thon Qualifiers
Based on a combination of online and offline donations, along with pre-event corporate sponsorships, congratulations to our top fundraisers:
Thomas Blaylock — $3,195
Brantley Patterson — $2,900
Madison Goodman — $1,600
Christopher Connors — $1,475
John Ackerly — $1,350
Danil Mastropas-Brown — $1,250
Mary Laux — $1,150
Elizabeth Jewell — $1,100
Matthew McFarland — $1,020
Kensington Earl — $1,020
What an amazing effort by these swimmers and their supporters!
Top Fundraising Groups
The competition between training groups was fierce this year, and two groups rose to the top:
Senior Gold — $14,973.60
Age Group Development Silver — $13,211.16
Congratulations to both groups for their outstanding teamwork and commitment. Coach Matt and Coach Sean will be in touch with their swimmers soon regarding a special group prize!
Thank you again to every swimmer, parent, volunteer, and sponsor who made Swim-A-Thon 2026 such a success. Your support continues to strengthen the NOVA community and create opportunities for swimmers both in and out of the pool. Together, we are making a lasting impact!
May 14th-17th Qualified NOVA swimmers crossed the river to race in the Eastern Zone Super Sectional meet. NOVA swimmers showed up in a big way, finishing second in the team competition as well as in the women's and men's competition. The prelim/finals meet was a FAST meet with swimmers racing hard and even achieving a new Nationals cut. Congrats coaches and swimmers!
Senior Dev. Silver, Senior Dev. Gold, Senior Silver, Senior Gold, National
May 15th-17th NOVA swimmers raced at Regency at the NOVA Spring Splash. Swimmers of all ages swam hard, achieved new best times, new time standards and had a great time together.
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, Senior Gold
SwimRVA Success Bell- 5/29
VSI Open Water Championship- 5/30
UNCW Training Camp SDS & SDG- 6/4-6/7
AGDB Float and Sundae social event- 6/5 entry deadline 6/1 commit HERE
NCAP Elite Qualifier 6/11-14 entry deadline 5/31 commit HERE
VA Commonwealth Games 6/11-14 entry deadline 6/1 commit HERE
NOVA's 2026 Long Course meet schedule is posted to the NOVA website HERE!
11-12 Girls 200 free Relay National Age Group Record
At the NCSA Age Group meet in March Harper Grace Johnson, Yara Tsybulina, Isobel Tran, Adry Francis broke the 11-12 200 free Relay NAG Record. It has been 12 years since NOVA last set a NAG record.
Coach's Award
This is the highest honor the coaching staff gives to our swimmers. A Swimmer who routinely shows a level of dedication to the sport and NOVA that makes her or him a leader among peers, and to younger swimmers. He or she demonstrates excellence and discipline in both practice and competition, inspires excitement, and helps foster a love for the sport that the coaching staff looks to instill in all NOVA athletes. Brady Julian
Carson Brewer Award
On January 14th, 2020 NOVA lost a valued team member, loving brother, and cherished son. Carson is remembered by those who knew, loved, and coached him as not only a dedicated, hardworking, and disciplined swimmer, but also a tremendous teammate. Whether it was a meet or an ordinary day of practice, Carson showered those around him with support and positive energy. He was most often found behind a lane, cheering on his NOVA teammates with a huge smile on his face. The Carson M. Brewer Coaches Award was created to honor these noble qualities and inspire future 12 and Under swimmers to be devoted athletes, loyal friends, and unwavering teammates. Virginia Ritenour
13 & over PPOW
Senior Bronze's Owen McDonald has been absolutely putting in the work, both in and out of the pool. He is an astute student, winning multiple tournaments and awards in science and engineering projects and takes the same approach to improve his swimming. He identifies a weakness, listens to input from his coaches, and then applies that advice to improve his technique and increase his endurance. Most recently in the Spring Splash, Owen achieved his first 15-16 B Times in Freestyle, ranging from the 50 to the 400. This is a showcase of Owen’s consistent effort and tenacious attitude. Congratulations Owen!
12 & under PPOW
Morgan Scott has done an excellent job becoming a true leader for Age Group Silver. Everyday she comes ready to swim with an attention to detail and a competitive spirit that pushes everyone else around her.
Way to go Morgan, keep up the great work!
