Planters Walk Waves Swim Team

 
  
 
 
Welcome to the home of the Planters Walk Waves Swim Team.
 
Swim Team is open for all PW residents (and their sponsored non-resident families),
ages 4-18, who are able to swim one length of the pool (any way, any how) without the assistance. 
** Swim Team is NOT swim lessons. 
 
 
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED for 2023
(Registration for summer 2024 season will open February, 2024)
 
 
2023 Season Volunteer Sign Ups - All families are required to volunteer a minimum of 2 times per registered swimmer on the Waves Swim Team each season.
 
PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
The Planters Walk Waves team uses three lanes of the pool to host practices from 5-9pm on Tuesdays & Thursdays throughout the season.  Practices will also be held on Saturday mornings (all six lanes) from 7:45-10am when a swim meet is not on the schedule for the same morning.  Swimmers will be divided into practice sessions based on age and ability. 
  • Shrimps - Tues/Thurs 5-6pm and Sat 7:45-9am
  • Starfish - Tues/Thurs 5:45-7pm & Sat 7:45-9am
  • Stingrays - Tues/Thurs 6:45-8pm & Sat 8:45-10am
  • Sharks - Tues/Thurs 7:45-9pm & Sat 8:45-10am
 
SWIM MEETS: are administered by Just Swim Charlotte.    Planters Walk competes in the Just Swim Charlotte swim league, against other SW Charlotte area teams.  Swim Meets will be held on Saturday & Sunday mornings from 6:30-10am.  For the full league meet schedule, CLICK HERE.
 
 
REGISTRATION:  
  • Opens 3/1/2023 for Planters Walk Residents through 5/11/2023
  • Opens 4/17/2023 for sponsored non-residents through 5/11/2023
  • Participating families must be in good financial standing with Hawthorne Management and the HOA
  • Non-residents must have a current season swim team family as their sponsor
  • A current email account is required for registration as all team communication - including meet RSVP - will come to the email address used during the registration process
  • Meet RSVP can only be sent to the primary email account used for registration per the event software utilized by the team/league
  • Every registered swimmer will receive a 2023 team shirt with completed registration. Shirt sizes are ordered based on selection during registration.  No exchanges for sizes incorrectly chosen.
  • Don't let financial needs stop you from swim team. Payment plans available upon request on an as-needed basis. For financial need based questions, please EMAIL for a confidential conversation.  Team registration fees must be paid in full by 5/11/2023 for participation on this summer's team. 
 
REQUIRED LIABILITY FORMS:  A signed copy of each form must be on file for each swimmer prior to participation in any swim team event.
 
TEAM AGE GROUPS:  A participant's "swim-age" is based on their age on April 1, 2023.   
  • Assisted, 6U, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 15-18
  • All 10 and under swimmers compete in 25m events during meets - one length of the pool
  • All 11 and over swimmers compete in 50m events during meets - two lengths of the pool 
 Assisted (Parent-Led) Swimmers:  THIS GROUP IS NOT SWIM LESSONS
  • Participants ages 4-6 that are not quite ready for the mainstream team and need parental assistance
  • For swimmers that CANNOT swim one length of the pool unassisted. 
  • Swimmers registered for this division will be instructed by their parents, in a lane alongside a normal swim team practice, until at which time they can successfully swim one length unassisted & move up to the main swim team level under the direction of PW Coaches. 
  • Swimmers registered in this division cannot swim with any flotation aids and MUST have a parent/adult guardian in the pool with them at all times  - NO EXCEPTIONS.     
 
VOLUNTEERS:  Volunteers are crucial to running a swim event - practice or meet we need your help!!
  • Every family is REQUIRED to volunteer a minimum of two times per registered swimmer.  If three swimmers are registered in a family, that family is required to fill six volunteer slots.
  • We will have lots more opportunities for parents to help and we encourage you to do so.
  • Spectators are designated to specific areas at each pool and spots are limited.  We encourage families to sign up to volunteer to get up close and personal with the team.
  • A team Sign Up Genius link is available for volunteer roles for all swim team events.
  • CLICK HERE to sign up for your required volunteer slots. 
  • Failure to fulfill your required volunteer slots will result in swimmer's loss of participation for the 2023 Championship Meet.
 
 
TEAM LEADERSHIP:
  • Admin Crew:  Jocelyn Bankos, Joanna Collins, Erin Ellis, Lindsay Hawthorne & Dana Wascher
  • Head Coach:  Jennifer Buffett
  • Assistant Coaches:  Cassidy Buffett, Kelly Burkhart, Heather Lewis & Lorraine Willis
  • Jr. Coaches: Sam Collins, Kyla Hawthorne, Tatenda Mandiveyi & Colin Wascher
 
 
APPAREL:  
  • Team Shirt:   Included with registration for participants.    Additional shirts available to purchase for family/friends.
  • Swim Caps:   Swim caps are recommended, but not required.  PW logo only or PW logo & name.
  • Swim Fins:    The team has limited quantities for swimmers to borrow.  We recommend purchasing your own pair.
                                                          
  • Team Suits: ALL swimmers will be required to wear a Waves team suit (current or past season) for swim meets.   Visit www.swimoutlet.com to place your order at anytime, or wait and order with the team in May.  Suit prices are subject to the current published prices at the time of order. 
 
 
PERSONAL BEST SCHOLARSHIP:  The PBS is granted to one swimmer per age group, who achieves the most Personal Best Times.  The PBS recipients for the 2023 season are:
 
6U Winner:        Tendekai Mandiveyi
7/8 Winner:       Piper Lewis
9/10 Winner:     Allison Davenport
11/12 Winner:   Camrynn Jennings
13/14 Winner:   Sam Collins
15/18 Winner:   Caroline Bankos
 
 
SWIMATHON:  Swimathon is a fundraiser in which swimmers can raise money for their team by swimming lengths of the pool. Swimmers have a two-hour period to swim a maximum of 200 lengths. Participants get pledges from businesses, family, neighbors, etc. prior to swimming. Some choose to get pledges and money prior to swimming while others get pledges per length and collect the money following the Swimathon.    This is one of our most favorite events and a real team party.  In addition to watching and cheering on our Waves swimmers, we will pull out the big BBQ grill and parents can feast while our kiddos impress us all with their skills and determination.  Popsicles will be available all night long for our participating swimmers.  Following their swim, our team will be treated to pizza as we know they will have worked up quite an appetite!  Our team will be divided into two swimming groups for the event:  4:30-6:30pm and 6:45-8:45pm.  Coaches will be splitting kids based on ability to keep a consistent flow in the water.  To download your Swimathon Pledge Form and get started on collecting pledges...CLICK HERE.
 
 
COMMUNICATION:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
VOLUNTEER SIGN-UP LINKS:
    
 
 
 
**  Don't let financial needs stop you from swim team. 
For financial need based questions, please email us at info@planterswalkswimteam.com
for a confidential conversation.
 
Questions?   EMAIL US
 
 
All swim team events will function under CDC guidance for Aquatic Venues & Youth Sports and any current NC County/State restrictions. 
We ask for everyone's support, patience and cooperation as we all navigate these challenging times. 
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to us.
 
 
 
Planters Walk Waves Swim Team Past Seasons
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
2011