2025-26 Team Manager's Pre-Season Notes

Barry Marlin

8/25/2025

Potomac Marlins 2025-26 season – IMPORTANT.  Please read / Print / Reference.

Team Manager’s Pre-season WELCOME notes:  

Hello Potomac Marlins parents and swimmers!  With the start of the new season only a few days away, we would like to warmly welcome all of our new and returning swimmers and their families to a highly anticipated new season. Team wide registrations are up over last year and many of the programs at several pools are already FULL. (see the TEAM INFO / 2025-26 Practice schedules page for current program closure updates). The web site practice schedule pages indicate if programs are FULL or Almost Full for each of the programs and each of the days/time slots.  Waiting lists are now being formed by each pool’s primary deck coach for those still interested in joining.

PRIMARY DECK COACHES for each Marlins practice facility:

AUDREY MOORE:                  Bill Marlin                       [email protected]
CHINQUAPIN:                         Emma Powless                 [email protected]
COLGAN High School:             Christine Haslem              [email protected]
CUB RUN:                                Reid Owen                       [email protected]
FRANCONIA:                           Ryan Krogel                     [email protected]
GEORGE WASHINGTON:       Emily Cabral                    [email protected]
MANASSAS PARK:                 Christine Haslem              [email protected]
Mt. VERNON:                                        Barry Marlin (temp.)               [email protected]

Questions about programs at either of these facilities can be directed to these coaches.  You may have already received a specific group or facility welcome letter from your swimmer’s primary deck coach.  If not, it will be coming shortly.
 

LET’S GET STARTED!  ( Please print and read.  This note will also be posted to the Marlins web site home page.  It’s long but full of important info and answers).

The following pre-season information is important for everyone to become familiar with in order to get off to a good start and to successfully navigate throughout the coming months.  If you have questions regarding any of the following information please don’t hesitate to let us know and we will do our best to provide answers as quickly as possible.  All are responsible for the information presented herein.

  1. SEASON START DATE:  The first day of the regular 2025-26 season is Monday September 8th at all Potomac Marlins INDOOR practice facilities both morning and afternoon/evening. 

    (NOTE:  GW Rec., Audrey Moore Rec. Cub Run Rec. and Chinquapin Rec. are all on extended construction and maintenance shut-downs this September.  Alternative plans have been made for each of these facilities and your primary deck coaches will be supplying these schedules soon).

      Swimmers on a T -TH schedule will start on Sept 9th.  The first Saturday morning practice is September 13th at all Saturday pools.  The SENIOR level programs (only Sen Gold, Sen Silver, Sen-Prep Gold) have already begun on August 25th at four outdoor pools and Colgan HS for the annual ‘boot camp’ bonus session and have been doing great with record participation.  GREAT START SENIORS!  Please note, the bonus senior Boot Camp practices are NOT part of the advertised team fees.
     
  2. REGISTRATION & PAYMENT QUESTIONS:  All questions related to registration or team fee payment should be directed to the team Registrar, Kathy Zoranski.  [email protected].  All other questions should be directed towards the swimmer’s primary deck coaches, Coach Bill Marlin (for Swim Meet, staff, and practice questions) or Coach Barry Marlin (for Management, staff, policy questions).  Please do not send general team questions or practice related questions to the Registrar.
    1. Note. The team pro-rates team fees for late starts all season long, however, per the Registration Contract, there are no refunds for early termination UNLESS the team terminates the program (per the registration contract). No exceptions.
    2. ALL transfer swimmers, coming from a previous USA team, MUST initiate and fill out a USAS Athlete Transfer Form.  Families can only initiate the transfer from their USA Swimming account.  See PVS web site www.pvswim.org for transfer forms.
    3. Athletes turning 18 during the season, MUST complete the safe sport training for ATHLETES at www.USASwimming.org.  Failure to do so will render swimmers ineligible to attend practices or meets.
    4. All Marlins advertised program fees cover the 9-month period from September through May of each season.  Participation in the 2-month SUMMER program is considered optional at no additional cost for designated 11-month programs. Therefore, there are no refunds or credits for swimmers choosing to not participate in the summer program.
       
  3. USAS/PVS REGISTRATION PROCEDURE

All Marlins members will be registered automatically with USAS and in mass by Coach Bill.  Swimmers/parents do NOT have to worry about this part of the registration process. The USAS registration and insurance fee is already a part of the team fee so no additional fees are required for this purpose.

 

  1. WELCOME 2025-26 NEW COACHES !

    Juli Branch  Audrey Moore
    Sydney Czajkowski -   Colgan HS
    Clara Hastings – Chinquapin
    Tim Jensen – Cub Run
    Kelly Spindel – Cub Run

    Several more NEW coaches will be added soon.

Coach bios and contact emails will be posted to the web site coaches section (under team info TAB)

  1. FINAL Pre-SEASON PLACEMENT EVALUATIONS

Special thank you to coach Ryan Krogel, Coach Emily Cabral and Coach Reid Owen for handling most of the tryouts over the summer and through August.  Over 250 swimmers attended Marlins new member placement evaluations this summer!

Currently, we will be offering drop-in tryouts for new members at the end of our morning boot camp schedules.  This schedule is posted on the Marlins web site home page and under the TEAM INFO link.  Please let your summer friends know.

Once the season gets started, all placement evaluations will take place DURING scheduled practices throughout the season. Interested swimmers should contact the deck coaches directly at the pool of their choice to schedule a tryout. If you have interested summer teammates/friends, please let them know.  The team offers a $50 referral credit for all NEW members who reference a current member on their registration form.
 

  1. NEW PARENT MEETING & TEAM OUTFITTING DAY EVENT:  This annual event will take place at the Fair Oaks Marriott on Sunday, September 14th. (see schedule below)

25-26 NEW PARENT MEETING AND OUTFITTING BATCH #1 PICK UP DAY.

Due to the very large number of batch #1 swimmers (750) the following schedule will be in place for access to the outfitting pick up room to avoid over-crowding and lengthy lines at check out.  We will be using the outfitting chart with each swimmer’s YEAR ON THE TEAM to monitor and control entrance.  Please arrive no earlier than 10 min. prior to your designated entry time and plan to wait in the Marriott lobby until your year entry time is reached and your entrance group is called.  Marlins coaches will be manning the door to facilitate the entry process.

ALL OUTFITTING PACKAGES MUST BE SIGNED OUT AT THE DOOR IN ORDER TO BE REMOVED FROM THE ROOM.

  • Outfitting Pick up/ event schedule (PLEASE READ)
    • 4th year or greater RETURNING SWIMMERS ONLY:  arrive no earlier than noon
    • 3rd year or greater RETURNING SWIMMERS ONLY:  arrive no earlier than 12:30 p.m.
    • 2nd year or greater RETURNING SWIMMERS ONLY:  arrive no earlier than 1:00 p.m.
    • 1st year NEW SWIMMERS: will be permitted into the outfitting room AFTER 2:00 p.m.

The new parent meeting room is located beside the outfitting room.  NEW parents/swimmers should not plan to enter the outfitting room until after the parent meeting to avoid congestion at the check out lines.  There will be plenty of items at the event for all.

MORE OUTFITTING NOTES:  Swimmers who have registered on or before AUGUST 20th (BATCH #1) will have their outfitting packages ready for pick up at this event.  There were 750 batch #1 swimmers this year.  GREAT JOB everyone!  Outfitting BATCH #2 is for swimmers registering between August 21 and September 15.  Batch #2 will be ready by mid-October and will be brought to pools for distribution by the coaching staff along with any unclaimed batch #1 packages.  

NOTE:  The Potomac Marlins are a SPEEDO sponsored team.  Per our contract, ALL meet suits are supposed to be SPEEDO.  If buying competition suits PLEASE be sure they are SPEEDO when possible.

  • Outfitting packages are part of the team fee and do not require additional payment.  These packages will be alphabetized and arranged for quick and easy pick up at the outfitting day event.  ALL packages MUST be signed out by a responsible party in order to leave the room. Whomever signs for the package is responsible for the package physically and financially.
  • Once signed for, the package is the physical and financial responsibility of the person leaving the room with the package.  You may sign a package out for someone else who is not able to attend WITH their permission. Neither Potomac Marlins nor Sport Fair will be responsible for packages after they are checked out and leave the room.
  • Sport Fair will be at this event and will have their entire store inventory of swimming items available for other sales (kick boards, fins, in-line snorkels, goggles, practice suits, etc…) .  Check with Deck coaches regarding necessary practice equipment needed for the season.
  • The team will have an assortment of previous season T-shirts and misc. items for sale as well in the center of the room.  All past years T-shirts will be sold at $5 (CASH ONLY)  bring $5s please.  Sport Fair will take cash or credit card for all of their store items. Past years Marlins swim meet T shirts will also be at this table at no charge ( FREE).
  • We will also have PARENT SUPPORTER T-SHIRTS for sale for $15 (cash) each.  It would be great to see all Marlins parents in our parent shirts at the meets!
  • 4th year Marlins swimmers will have an $80 coupon in their packages which can be used at the event and prior to the December deadline noted on the coupon. 
  • Most of the Potomac Marlins coaches will be helping at this event and available for meet and greet Q & A.  
  • All are welcome to attend the outfitting day event even if you are not part of batch #1 distribution.
  • Size exchanges can be made at the outfitting event OR at the Sport Fair store during the season as long as TAGS are not removed, names have not been written on the tags, and items are unused and undamaged.
  • Any batch #1 packages that are unclaimed at the end of the event will be brought back to the Sport Fair store and must be claimed in person by the swimmer from the store OR arrange with Sport Fair to ship to home addresses at swimmer’s expense.  Unclaimed packages will not be available for pick up at Sport Fair until the Tuesday following the event.
  • Unclaimed batch #1 package that are not picked up at the outfitting day event or individually picked up at Sport Fair will be brought to pools in Mid-October along with the batch #2 packages.
  • The door to the outfitting event will not open until noon.  No need to arrive early.  If returning families are not able to make the noon-2:00 time block, we ask that they wait until 3:00 p.m. to arrive.
     
  1. TEAM OUTFITTING REQUIREMENTS for SWIM MEETS:  All Potomac Marlins who participate in USA swim meets must wear a Marlins Team Cap. We suggest picking up a few caps so you have them on hand should yours rip or be lost. Marlins annual team suits are recommended for all NON-Championship meets.  Special FAST suits are permitted for team designated Championship meets.   Marlins caps only at practice and ALL meets please.

 

  1. TEAM OUTFITTING REQUIREMENTS for PRACTICE:  For swimmers who wear caps, ONLY Marlins team caps are permitted at practice. This includes summer team caps, High School caps and generic caps. 
    NOTE:  Swimmers may wear ANY suit they wish at practices.  Multiple suits are encouraged for swimmers participating in meets. (increases drag).
     
  2. NEW PARENT MEETING:  The annual New Parent meeting will be conducted in an adjoining room during the outfitting event.  Coach Bill will run through most of the team and web site functions, including MEET ENTRY Procedures, MEET SCHEDULE and parent responsibilities. Marlins REGISTRAR, Kathy Zoranski will make a brief parent remark at the beginning of the meeting.  A brief group Q & A session will follow the presentation.  Kathy will be happy to speak with anyone individually AFTER the presentation in the outfitting room.   We encourage at least one parent to attend the event, especially parents of swimmers planning to compete in swim meets.  The New parent meeting will be conducted in 2 separate sessions based upon first letter of last name.
  • NEW PARENT MEETING (last names beginning with A-M ) Time 1:00-2:00 p.m.
  • NEW PARENT MEETING (last names beginning with N-Z) Time 2:00-3:00 p.m.

 

  1. WE NEED NEW OFFICIALS!  The team is required to have over 20 registered USAS officials each year.  We ask that all parents please consider getting certified as an official with USAS.  PVS reimburses the initial certification fee upon completion. The team will provide a Marlins official polo which can be worn at meets, A team T-shirt with OFFICIAL on sleeve, and will cover meet entry fees for all meets where their swimmers are competing (except Winter Classic and IMX).  There are several officials positions offered, including Stroke and Turn (most helpful), Starter, Referee, Administrative Referee, Colorado Timing System (CTS), Open Water Swim officials, and Hytek computer Operator.  All positions require a couple apprentice meet sessions and some brief on-line training.  We are hoping to have 10+ new officials this year so if interested in helping us and the league please step forward and contact Coach Bill Marlin at [email protected].  Note:  The USAS training is also good for summer league. (double bonus).  Officials get the best seat in the house along with free hospitality food during all meets. PVS officials clinic information is typically posted on the PVS web site www.PVSwim.org.
     

 

  1.  PRACTICE EQUIPMENT: Most of the Marlins practice groups require some equipment. All equipment can be purchased through Sport Fair either at the team outfitting event, at the Arlington Store (5010 Langston Blvd.)  703-524-9500 or through the Sport Fair on line store.
    1. REQUIRED FOR ALL:
      • Plastic Waterbottle:  (First year packages include a team water bottle).
      • Rubber full foot fins. (unless otherwise noted by your swimmer’s deck coach).
      • Goggles
      • Kickboard
    2. ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT ITEMS that may be required for higher level groups. Check with swimmers primary deck coach.
      • Hand paddles:  paddles come in different sizes and should roughly be 2X the surface area of the swimmers hand
      • In-line snorkel (specifically for competitive swimming)
      • Pull buoy
      • Drag suits, drag T-shirts, Drag socks, Tempo Trainers, etc…
    3. SPECIAL TRAINING EQUIPMENT ,when necessary, is provided by the team.

       
  2. WEATHER / FACILITY ISSUE CANCELLATION PROCEDURE:  The team will typically always try to have practice if the pools are open.  When weather events are imminent, we closely monitor the weather and radar and try to make a “call” several hours before practices start.   Should we decide to cancel a practice we will send emails to everyone as soon as possible.  If in doubt, ALWAYS check email prior to leaving for practices.  If the team decides to have practice, attendance is ALWAYS at the discretion of each individual family.  We will typically try to make a decision regarding morning practices by 9 p.m. the night before.  Sometimes this is not possible so always check emails prior to leaving for practice when weather conditions are questionable.  Most of the time we err on the side of caution, but despite our best efforts the system is not perfect and the weather is never 100% predictable.  DO NOT CALL THE POOLS FOR MARLINS CANCELLATION INFORMATION.  The pools will not know anything about our plans.  Also note, the pool programs may be cancelled but the Marlins practices may still be running.

THERE ARE NO MAKE-UPS FOR PRACTICE CANCELLATIONS DUE TO WEATHER or FACILITY ISSUE RELATED CANCELLATIONS.
 

  1. COACHING STAFF: 
    1. CONTACTING THE COACHES:  The Potomac Marlins coaching staff page can be accessed through the TEAM INFO tab of the nav bar.  All Marlins coach photos, bios and contact emails can be accessed here. (page is currently under development).  We do not give out coach phone numbers, however, coaches are not prevented from doing so if they choose.
    2. BACKGROUND SCREEN AND CERTS:  All Potomac Marlins USAS coaches are certified in CPR, FIRST AID, SWIM COACHES SAFETY, CONCUSSION, and have USAS required CERTIFICATIONS in various personal conduct, and ethical behavior in addition to undergoing extensive background and social media screenings.  Marlins coaches are required to maintain active certifications in order to remain on payroll.  Should any concerns with Marlins coaches arise, they should be immediately brought to the attention of the Head Coach, Bill Marlin, and the Team Manager, Barry Marlin.  Please do not wait until the season is over to voice your concern so we have an opportunity to address it promptly.
       
  2.   MEET SCHEDULE:  The Potomac Marlins 2025-26 meet schedule is currently posted to the Marlins web site through July 2026.  It is located under the EVENTS / CALENDAR link at the left side of the home page.  Meet entry for all swimmers is accomplished through the web site from the same EVENTS link page after receiving an invite notice from Coach Bill.  The team meet entry deadline is typically 12 days prior to the first day of the meet.  Detailed information on meet entries will be delivered by Coach Bill Marlin at the New parent meeting.   Be sure to read the meet announcements for each meet carefully to determine if your swimmer is eligible based upon entry times and/or age.  NOTE:  Meet entry fees are only reimbursable if requested PRIOR to the meet manager’s entry deadline noted in the meet announcements.
     
  3.  OPEN WATER SWIMMING:  The Potomac Marlins are PVS’ primary open water swim supporter and event organizer.  Coach Christine Haslem is heading this effort.  Christine is also the acting PVS Open Water Swim (OWS) Rep.  We highly encourage all of our swimmers to give OWS a try.  We had a lot of fun the past 2 summers at various events including our own Montclair Open Water Swim event in Montclair VA  (195 swimmers) in May.   Congrats also go to Marlins swimmers who swam in the lake swim and stood on top of the awards stand.  A great showing for the Marlins.   NOTE:  The OWS Lake swim is for USAS swimmers, summer league swimmers, parents and college swimmers too. Be sure to let your summer teams know next spring! Parents have to be US Masters registered. (See Marlins web site MASTERS page). For more information on the Marlins OWS program, please contact Coach Christine at [email protected]
     
  4. ATTENDANCE & MAKE UPS:  Practice attendance is at the discretion of each family at all times.  Coaches will NEVER make practices “mandatory”.  Our hope is that all swimmers will want to come to practice of their own free will and internal motivation to succeed.  If absences are known in advance a swimmer may contact their primary coach to let them know, however, it is not required for occasional absences.  A swimmer SHOULD contact their primary coach for all extended absences greater than 1 day.  There are no guarantees that make-ups will be available.  Individual Make-ups are NOT possible within a practice group which has been labeled as FULL on the Practice schedule page of the web site.
     
  5. SWIMMER PROMOTIONS:  Swimmer promotions are recommended when an individual swimmer begins to outpace the progress of the group.  All promotions are initiated ONLY by the swimmer’s primary deck coach WITH APPROVAL of the coach from the higher-level program AND provided the higher-level program has space.  The team conducts periodic advancement test for all groups at three points in each season. Christmas/Holiday Break, Spring Break, and at the end of the season/summer.  Parents will be notified by their primary deck coach should a promotion be recommended.  The Potomac Marlins philosophy is to promote swimmers to higher level groups when they are AGE and ABILITY ready.  In the best interest of all of our student athletes, the team will not promote swimmers who are not ready to keep them with their friends or “to keep carpools intact”.
     
  6. TEAM COMMUNICATIONS and EVENTS DIRECTORS  - 
    Coach Reid Owen, (Cub Run), along with Coach Emily Cabral (GW), will be heading this effort which will include a monthly team-wide newsletter, creation and planning of various team events and group team building activities, and assistance with all team communications as needed.  If anyone has some creative, fun, or exciting ideas for events and activities during the season, please don’t hesitate to contact Coach Reid! Likewise, if any parent would like to help with the monthly newsletter in any capacity (content, editing, graphics, etc…) please let Emily or Reid know.  Much appreciated.

     
  7. WINTER CLASSIC MEET:  Our annual team hosted December Championship meet is scheduled for GMU (Dec. 4-7, 2025).  This meet is typically our first half of season’s culminating event.  It is a selection meet wherein we are able to bring our TOP 120 swimmers.  A detailed description of the rules for the selection process will be posted to the web site by October.  In short, the selection process is based upon a USAS time standard point system which awards points for how fast a swimmer is in every event.  What every swimmer needs to know at this point is that the more events you swim leading up to the meet the more points you will receive AND diversity of events is more important than speed for this purpose.  This is why we promote and prioritize the first half of the season as a DIVERISTY of EVENTS CHALLENGE.    So, keep this in mind when selecting events for the Fall meets.  More info on the Winter Classic will be forthcoming.  Don’t worry, there will be another equally important and exciting December meet for all others.
     
  8. ANNUAL AWARDS CEREMONY:  Every Spring (April – May) the Marlins host an annual END OF SEASON PARTY and Team Awards Event.   Location and Date TBA for the 25-26 season.  The Marlins Annual Awards definitions are posted on the team web site under the TEAM INFO tab.  Swimmers should use these categories to help set GOALS.
     
  9. Northern VA Regional Special Olympics Championship swim meet at GMU: The Marlins have been hosting this very special event for the past 33 years and look forward to it with great anticipation each spring.  We typically have over 175 Marlins volunteers participate in this event and hope to meet that challenge once again in 2026. All participants receive a VOLUNTEER Marlins T-shirt!  The meet is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, April 26, 2026.  Further info will be forthcoming.  Please put it on your calendar.  Good for the heart, mind and soul for all who attend and you’ll rarely be involved with anything that goes with so much appreciation for your time and efforts than from the Special Olympics Coaches, Families and swimmers. 
     
  10.  MARLINS MASTERS:  Locations.  Registration now open.

    CHINQUAPIN:  M-W-F  5:00-6:00 a.m.
    GEO. WASH Rec. M-T-W-Th  5:00- 6:00 a.m.
    FRANCONIA: Rec:  M-T-W-TH  5:00-6:00 a.m. & Saturday 6:00-7:00 a.m.
    CUB RUN Rec.  M-T-W-Th-F  5:00-6:00 a.m.
    COLGAN HIGH SCHOOL:  M-T-W-Th- F 5:00-6:00 a.m. & Sat. 6:00-7:00 a.m.

    Registration is now open.  See MASTERS link on the Potomac Marlins web site for more information.
     
  11.  WINTER TRAINING TRIP:  The Potomac Marlins staff is currently planning our third annual Winter Break training trip to FLA  ( We are planning to be at the USA Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft. Lauderdale this year.  TBD).  Date:  Thursday Dec 26 – Monday Dec 30, 2025  TBD.  Last year we had 20 swimmers who attended the trip to Deerfield Beach, Florida for a very fun and productive 5 day event including a beach dryland workout and a brief open water practice in the ocean. Registration for this trip is now open on the EVENTS page.  Sign up ASAP if interested as there is a limit to the number we can take.  First come first served.  Further information will be forthcoming.

    Booking deadline for Hotels is TBD.  We will let you know.  Look for more info coming in Sept.  This team Travel Training Trip is only open to 11 month swimmers in the Age Group Aerobic Development (AGAD) level and higher.  For more information on the trip, please visit the TEAM EVENTS link at the left side of the Marlins website home page.
     
  12.   Saturday Mornings Clinics @ Franconia Rec.:  Beginning this year, the East Sphere Coaches will be running Special Saturday morning clinics at Franconia Rec. for the last 30 minutes of each practice.  These clinics will be considered a part of the practice for all regularly scheduled Saturday morning swimmers.  There will be a $15 per practice DROP-IN FEE for swimmers not regularly scheduled / registered for Saturday practices who want to attend.  This will include the practice and clinic.  A clinic schedule will be posted soon.  Swimmers who wish to add Saturday to their regular schedules at any point in the season should contact the Registrar, Kathy Zoranski, to have it pro-rated and added.  We hope to organize a monthly Saturday morning team breakfast as well and are looking for several parents to help us organize this effort.  If interested in helping with the monthly Saturday breakfast please contact Coach Emily Cabral or Coach Ryan Krogel.
     
  13.  NEW SWIMMERS Referral CREDIT:  The Team offers a $50 / swimmer for all 1st year NEW swimmers who have been referred by a CURRENT/RETURNING Marlins family.  (does not include siblings).  There is no limit to the number of referrals a family can make/claim.  Just be sure the referred family includes your name on the registration form so the registrar can properly apply the credit.  These credits are typically applied by Nov. 1st each season.
     
  14.   MOTIVATIONAL DUCK Program:  The Marlins are planning a Motivational Rubber Duck program this year (suggested by Coach Reid Owen – CR).  The ducks will be Purple (Level #1), Silver (Level #2), and Black (level #3).  The coaching staff is in the process of developing the program, acquiring the ducks (with Marlins logo), and determining the eligibility requirements for each level or accomplishment.  We envision the program being similar to the colored belt system in Karate.  Black Belt = Black duck.  You get the idea! 😊 .  We will post this information to the web site soon!  Should be FUN!  Criteria will be age based for all levels.

If anyone ever has good ideas for Team building events or activities please contact Coach Reid Owen.  ([email protected])

Thank you!

GO MARLINS!  HAVE A GREAT SEASON OF FAST SWIMMING and FUN!

 

Coach Barry Marlin
Potomac Marlins
Team Manager


CC:  Potomac Marlins Staff