Recaps

TYDE Winter Championships

226 YOTA swimmers took over the Greensboro Aquatic Center over the weekend of December 5-7 for the TYDE Winter Championship meet. This meet was a great opportunity for our swimmers to put everything they have worked on during the first part of this season to the test, and it was awesome to see so much of their hard work pay off. Our 13&Over swimmers took advantage of the opportunity to race in prelims and finals as they earned many second swims and many got to experience racing in finals for the very first time. Overall, it was a great weekend for racing where so many of our swimmers took their swimming to the next level!

Capital Classic

The 32nd Annual YOTA x Arena Capital Classic took place at the Triangle Aquatic Center over the weekend of December 11-14. This mid season championship meet is traditionally the second largest and second fastest YMCA meet in the country, and this year was no different. 114 YOTA swimmers took advantage of the opportunity to race against nearly 580 other swimmers from all over the country. At the end of the weekend, YOTA had 25 swimmers place in the top 8 in their individual events, and we had 29 YOTA Relays place in the top 8 as well. Additionally, we had 23 new YMCA Short Course Nationals cuts, 3 new Futures cuts, and 1 new Summer Jr. Nationals cut achieved. Some YOTA history was made by Juliet Christopherson (Girl’s 11-12 50 Breaststroke, 100 Breaststroke), Ryan Sutherland (Boy’s 15-18 100 Breaststroke), and Michael White (Boy’s 11-12 50 Backstroke, 100 Backstroke, 50 Freestyle, 100 Freestyle, 200 Freestyle, 500 Freestyle)! Big shoutout to Michael White for also breaking the North Carolina Swimming State Record in the Boy’s 11-12 100 Freestyle with a historically speedy time of 49.62!

All of these successes came together to secure the championship win as YOTA took first place for the men, women, and combined team scores! The success of this meet would not have been possible without the work and dedication of our YOTA volunteers. From outstanding hospitality to the hours spent timing and officiating on deck, our volunteers left a huge impact! Well done, YOTA!

You can view some action shots from the weekend HERE - courtesy of Sheila Keough!

Teen Day of Service

The YMCA and United Way are partnering to host the Martin Luther King, Jr. Teen Day of Service, “A Day On, Not A Day Off,” honoring Dr. King’s legacy through service and reflection on January 19th. Teens will participate in hands-on volunteer projects at the A.E. Finley YMCA in Raleigh and the Downtown Durham YMCA, making a meaningful impact in their communities. All swimmers are encouraged to sign up to volunteer for this great opportunity. More information and the volunteer sign up can be found HERE!

Volunteerism Wrapped

Those YOTA members who have volunteered over the past year have played a vital role in our success. Their time, effort, and dedication ensured that meets and team functions ran smoothly and created a supportive environment for our athletes to thrive. Because of their commitment, our team continues to grow stronger, more connected, and better able to provide a positive experience for every swimmer.

In 2025 YOTA had…

2,000+ volunteer hours at YOTA hosted meets
20 YOTA Officials who officiated meets
19 Parent Advisory Council Members who are dedicated to the success of the team and each training site
14 We All Belong Annual Campaign Parent Liaisons who lead our effort to raise over $130,800

Annual Campaign Top Fundraisers

Each year, the Annual Campaign creates an opportunity for our swimmers to embrace the core values of the YMCA and show up for our community in a meaningful way. This year, 56 YOTA swimmers took full advantage of this opportunity and led our campaign efforts by raising $500 or more for our community. Please join us in congratulating this group of swimmers who went above and beyond the call of duty this year!

Looking Ahead

January 16-18: Senior Training Trip at Queens University (Senior 1 Athletes)
January 17: YBAC Blizzard Invitational at the Orange County Sportsplex (All YOTA Athletes at Coaches’ Discretion)
January 23-25: GCY Invite at the Greensboro Aquatic Center (All YOTA Athletes)

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