The Age Group Program
(for swimmers ages 9 to 14)
This program is for swimmers, ages 9-14, who can legally complete 25 yards of all four competitive strokes, perform basic flip turns, and have the ability to dive. An enhanced approach to stroke mechanics, along with skill appropriate conditioning and race preparation activities are the focus at this level of our program.
Each swimmer in this program will develop a consistently advancing skill set, a healthy desire to pursue the various levels of competitive swimming, and a positive approach towards participation in a structured practice environment. Regardless of age or skill development, each swimmer will develop an enhanced grasp of stroke technique, fitness, race strategy, and goal setting.
Senior Program
(for swimmers 13 years and over)
This program is aimed at high school aged swimmers, 13 –18 years old, with strong technical development, a desire to enhance their skills, a willingness to participate in local competition, and the physical capability to train in a structured practice environment.
The highest training level offered in DST’s Traditional Program, this group is designed to offer High School age swimmers the opportunity to participate in an advanced training and competition environment. It is also a transitional group for those swimmers displaying the commitment and desire to advance on to the National Program . A balanced training program is designed to prepare athletes to set and achieve goals through heightened physical, mental, and time commitments.
National Program
These groups are designed to challenge swimmers with an advanced skill set and solid conditioning/competitive backgrounds. Swimmers must meet minimum standards for these groups, and must be invited by the coaching staff.
Junior Nationals
The Junior National Program is designed to challenge age group swimmers (9-14 years old) who have progressed through our traditional program to reach the higher levels of age group competition. Each swimmer is expected to make an 11 month commitment to the sport. This group is intended to create a training environment that is focused on success at championship meets. Swimmers are expected to fully participate in a year-round competition schedule, and commit to a coach advised, age appropriate practice schedule. Candidates must possess championship qualifying standards, and will be selected by the coaching staff.
Senior Nationals (Senior National Blue and Senior National Yellow)
The Senior National groups are designed for athletes with aspirations of swimming at the national and international level. Each swimmer is expected to make a 6 day per week (9 sessions), 12 month a year commitment. Prior to joining the group, athletes must be qualified to compete at USA Swimming’s Future Champions, and have demonstrated the physical and mental ability to complete rigorous training on a consistent daily basis. Athletes and their families must fully understand and support the time commitment required to reach the highest levels of the sport. A meeting with the coaching staff is required before registering for the group.