NOVA News
October 16th, 2023
The start of November naturally brings thoughts of gratitude as we prepare for Thanksgiving and the joy of gathering with friends and family. At NOVA, we love celebrating this season by sharing short social media videos from our swimmers — glimpses of Thanksgiving through their eyes. Their messages of thanks for friends, family, pets, teammates, practices, coaches, and competition often spark a smile and stir fond memories.
The NOVA staff also enjoys welcoming our college swimmers and alumni who stop by for a visit. It’s always wonderful to reconnect, hear about their adventures, and learn what’s ahead.
Personally, I like to take a moment this time of year to step back and reflect — to recognize and express gratitude for those who came before me and helped shape the coach I am today: my parents, former coaches, coworkers, swimmers, my wife, and my children. I’m also thankful for those whose vision and determination brought NOVA to where we are now — from our first and second owned pools and facilities at Gayton, to the Regency site, and now to the opening of our new second floor. Their tireless effort has built the foundation for today, and I’m equally grateful for the NOVA family who will carry us forward into tomorrow.
I encourage you to take a moment to do the same. A little reflection can truly refill the soul.
-Coach David
Age Group Silver- Kevin and Kai
Kevin, How many swimmers are in AGS?
There are 62 swimmers currently in AGS
Kevin, What is AGS working on this week?
AGS will be doing the 5x100s Free test set as a check in a month before December champs! We will also begin to ramp up our butterfly consistency sets, paired with continued focus on underwater kicking, to build more comfortability with the 100 fly!
Kevin, What is your favorite part of working with AGS?
I love watching swimmers build confidence in themselves and gain a greater appreciation for the sport, including the work that’s required to find success in it. The jump from 10 to 11 is a tricky one, helping swimmers deal with adversity and channel that energy properly into the pool is exciting stuff!
Kai, What is your favorite part of working with AGS?
I love interacting with all of the different personalities we have and have had in the group. Getting to know the kids not only builds a better swimmer - coach relationship but also gives me ideas on how to better help each swimmer. I love the sports psychology that comes with a nationally recognized program like NOVA. Understanding what is going on both mentally and physically with a swimmer is what really gets me excited.
Kevin, What is your favorite part of working with Kai?
He can basically read my mind at this point. He knows when to pause the practice and give advice when needed as well as keep me focused when I start yapping too much!
Kai, What is your favorite part of working with Kevin?
Kevin brings a certain energy to the pool deck that is unmatched by any other coach on staff. It’s contagious, when Kevin is having a great day, everyone is having a great day. That energy is what we build our group on and I think it plays a massive part in AGS's success over the last few seasons.
Kevin, what was your swimming journey and how did you end up coaching?
My swimming journey started with summer league! I started swimming year around for New Wave Swim Team in Raleigh when I was in 8th grade and from there I never looked back! I ended up going to college in Nebraska and swam for their club team, which led to me getting a coaching position at a local USA swimming club team (shoutout GNST!). I thought that my coaching would end after college, but as I started to think about my career goals, I quickly realized that my calling was on the pool deck and not in a cubicle!
Kai, you grew up in Richmond and swam for NOVA and now coach at NOVA. How has NOVA shaped your life?
NOVA has always supported me. I think NOVA helped me become the person I am today (Shout out to Coaches MC and David). I learned very quickly that the effort you put in has a direct correlation to the results you receive. I have carried this knowledge to both my academic and professional life. Now that I am coaching, I am just thankful for all the years of patience, teaching and opportunity NOVA has given me.
Kevin, if you were to be stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?
I think there’s the logical answer, which is a fishing rod, tent, and a machete. However… that’s no fun! Gimme a Basketball Hoop, a Basketball, and a solar powered music listening device. By the time I’m off that island, I’ll give Lebron a run for his money!
Kai, if you were to be stranded on a desert island, what three things would you bring with you?
I have been waiting for someone to ask me this question for the better part of 10 years. I love backpacking around Virginia and testing out my outdoorsman skills. If I could only bring 3 things, they would have to be a fire starter, a large tarp and a great pair of shoes. If I can stay warm and my feet are happy I am very confident in my abilities to conquer the island in the name of NOVA!
AGDB Game Night 11/14
AGDG Surge Fall Social 11/14
AGG Drive Shack Social 11/14
WAC Invite 11/15-11/16
NOVA Cranberry Contender 11/22-11/23
TAC Blizzard Blitz 12/4-12/7
Rays Nutcracker Invite 12/4-12/7
NOVA December Dip 12/5-12/7 entry deadline 11/24 HERE
NOVA's 2025-2026 Short Course meet schedule is posted to the NOVA website HERE!
We’re thrilled to share that NOVA is partnering with the Henrico Christmas Mother for this year’s holiday outreach project — launching next week! This powerful collaboration gives our NOVA families a chance to make a real difference for local families in need this holiday season.
The Henrico Christmas Mother Program is built on the spirit of “Neighbors Helping Neighbors.” Last year alone, they brought warmth and hope to more than 4,200 people and with your help, we can reach even more this year.
Our NOVA ambassadors, Ashley Bonham and Amy Agee have created an evite sign up. Click Here to view the sign up.
Donations will be collected at both Gayton and Regency from Nov 10 - 29th.
Let’s show what the NOVA community can do when we come together!
NOVA Senior Classic took place at Regency Halloween weekend. This was a great 5 session meet where NOVA raced with top teams from up and down the east coast. This “in training” meet was a great way for our senior swimmers to gauge where they are in their training cycle and to push their bodies to race hard. NOVA swimmers picked up many new best times and new cuts.
Senior Dev Gold, Senior Silver, Senior Gold, National
Middle Atlantic Age Group Championship Showdown, better known as MAAGCS, took place during NOVA's Grand Opening November 7-9. This 4 team meet brings some of the country’s top teams together for a head to head competition. Each team selects their 4 fastest swimmers in each single age group event with swimmers from age 8 to age 14 participating. NOVA finished in second place after a long weekend of fast racing, many best times and standards and even a team relay record. Congratulations to all NOVA swimmers and coaches.
Age Group Dev Silver, Age Group Dev Gold, Age Group Silver, Age Group Gold, Senior Dev. Silver
12 and under PPOW
Way to go Ethan!
13 and over PPOW
Our 13 and over PPPOW is Senior Dev. Gold's Avery Wiltshire. Avery has been absolutely crushing it in practice lately! Her consistency and dedication have truly paid off — she dropped a full minute in the 1650 freestyle, earning an AA time standard in the 13–14 age group!
But she didn’t stop there. This past weekend, Avery hit the AAA time standard in the 200 breaststroke and placed 6th overall in the event! This incredible swim officially qualified her for the NCSA Age Group Championships in Orlando in late March 2026!
Avery’s success is no surprise to anyone who trains with her. Her positive attitude, strong work ethic, and team-first mindset make her an amazing role model and teammate. Way to go, Avery — keep leading the way and inspiring everyone around you!
NOVA’s Annual Meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at NOVA Regency in the Community room.
Each year, NOVA elects new members to the Board of Directors. We require at least 50% of our families to cast votes. Each family must be in good standing to vote, and only one vote per family is permitted. Thank you for your participation!
There are two ways to vote:
- Vote by clicking the link and filling out the google form. Vote for the 2025 Board here
- There are paper ballots and voting boxes at Gayton and Regency. Ballots must be completed by November 14, 2025 before the Sunday meeting.
