Barracuda Nation!

We're excited to announce the 2026 Buddy Groups! But first, a final reminder: if you haven't signed up for the Intrasquad Meet at 5:30pm this afternoon, please declare in Swimtopia ASAP. We'll be closing sign-ups at 1pm to seed the meet. Heat sheets to follow later this afternoon. Finally, read to the bottom for an exciting World Cup event happening in our neighborhood tomorrow...

Now, about the Buddy Program!

The Barracuda Buddy Program pairs swimmers across age groups to build connections and team spirit all season long. This year we'll have 10 Buddy Groups of about 13 to 14 swimmers each. We'll post this year's Buddy Group lists around the pool before tonight's meet, and coaches will share more ahead of today's meet. We've also posted the groups on Swimtopia (login required) if you'd like to check them out right away. At upcoming practices, coaches will talk more about the program and what it means to be a great Buddy Group member.

Coaches Olivia and Adam, both former Barracudas, standout swimmers, and exemplary senior Buddies in their own right, have been working hard to weave the Buddy Program into the everyday rhythm of this season.

Here's some of what we have planned to launch the program:

• Today: Announce the 2026 Buddy Groups!
• Today, Intrasquad Time Trials: A team event and the first chance for Buddy Groups to connect and cheer each other on at a meet
• Monday 6/22, Pancake Breakfast: The official kickoff of this year's program. We'll start with a team breakfast from 8 to 9am, break into Buddy Groups for a group activity from 9 to 9:30, then close out practice with intrasquad games pitting the Buddy Groups against each other in some friendly competition. For the group activity, we'll have Instax cameras and art supplies on hand for each Buddy Group to make a group poster showing off their members, their name, and their group flair. We could use some help with the breakfast, so please RSVP if you're attending and sign up to help with setup, serving, or cleanup.

What the Buddy Program looks like in action

The heart of the program is older and younger swimmers looking out for each other. Throughout the season, Buddy Groups meet up at meets, cheer each other on in their races, and share notes and cards of encouragement. Senior buddies often spoil their groups with candy and small treats, and this year coordinators will keep some stocked on deck to make that easy.

Parents, you can help by encouraging your swimmer to lean in: find their group at meets, cheer loudly, and show up for the younger kids. And this isn't just for the seniors. We love seeing our younger Barracudas step up, show their team pride, and find their own way to lead within their group.

More on the horizon

We've got more in the works to keep the energy going, including post-meet Buddy Group parties after select home meets (starting 7/7 vs. Wedgwood) and all-ages Buddy Group activities at select Friday practices (dates to come).

This is going to be a fun one. If you have ideas to make this year's Buddy Program awesome, catch Coach Olivia or Coach Adam on the deck, or drop a note to [email protected] and we'll get you connected.

See you tonight!

Steph, Lulu, and Joe
2026 Swim Team Coordinators

World Cup Fun!

PS: We've been chatting with our friends on the Blue Ridge 2026 World Cup Organizing Committee, and we're excited to help host a Neighborhood World Cup Watch party for tomorrow's USA vs Australia World Cup game at the Clubhouse on Friday, June 19th at 12pm. Hope to see some Barracuda families there to cheer on the Red, White and Blue! Party starts at 11:30am. See you there!