SWIM TEAM
CONTACTJoin the Worcester Fitness Flyers and take your swimming to a new level!
Team Program and Training Information
The Flyers Swim Team Programs will introduce accomplished swimmers, and swimmers new to participating in a swim team setting, to all aspects of competitive swimming. Team training is also the perfect opportunity for swimmers with competitive experience to perfect their technique and increase their performance!
As an extension of the comprehensive Swim Academy program at Worcester Fitness, this is an opportunity to take your child’s swimming to the next level. It will include quality professional technique-based instruction on the biomechanics of all 4 competitive strokes, starts, turns, competition strategies, efficiency in the water, and age-appropriate training practices.
Our vision is to teach the best stroke techniques for age group swimmers and develop swimmers in an athlete-centered environment where success is measured by personal improvement and strength of character.
Team goals include providing every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice swimmers to advanced swimmers looking to improve their performance.
To Learn More
You can schedule an evaluation and tour of the facility with the Head Coach or attend the Program Orientation night.This is a great opportunity to learn more about our program, get any additional questions answered, meet the coaches and dryland trainers, and tour our training facilities.
The Season runs from September 9 through May 20.
Printable Schedule
Team Schedule
Pricing
2025 – 2026
Swim Team Season
$225 per month
Flyers (Ages 9-11)
$360 per month
Senior Flyers (Ages 12-14)
$455 per month
Annual Program Registration Fee
$30 first swimmer
$20 second swimmer
$50 family cap
Payment Schedule
Program payment is processed monthly on the first of the month. The first month’s payment is due at enrollment.
Cancellation Policy
Once your registration has been processed we require a 30 day written notice before leaving the program. ALL issued gear bags and equipment must be returned in good condition or the participant’s swim account will be charged the agreed upon replacement fee.
Age Requirements
Ages 8-14
Under 8 requires evaluation by head coach prior to enrollment
Program Level Guidelines
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Junior Flyers
For swimmers who have limited experience and knowledge of competitive swimming skills or who are working to improve already obtained skills should start at this level.
Participants MUST be comfortable in deep water and able to swim two consecutive lengths, one length of freestyle with face in the water and rotary breathing and one length of backstroke with an out of water arm recovery.
Four competitive strokes will be introduced, as well as turn progressions, and competitive starts from both the side of the pool and from a competition starting block. Focus is on improving swimming technique, endurance, and competitive skills. This level is designed to prepare swimmers for the Flyers level.
Flyers
Designed for swimmers who have been introduced to all four competitive strokes and are able to demonstrate knowledge of competition starts and turns.
Swimmers at this level should be able to swim 4 lengths of freestyle and two lengths of two other choice strokes. Training will include the use of basic equipment and will introduce drills designed to improve stroke technique and efficiency, endurance, and speed. Competitive skills,continuation of competitive start instruction,pacing strategies, and distance swimming will be introduced.
Senior Flyers
This program is designed for the swimmer with advanced skills who is looking for a challenge and wants to improve competition skills. Participants must have developed proficiency in all four competitive strokes, be able to demonstrate correct turns for each stroke, and swim a 100 yard Individual Medley (one length of each competitive stroke consecutively) The four competitive strokes are butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle.
Participants also must be able to swim continuously for 200 yards and demonstrate an understanding of training techniques, knowledge of swimming terminology, and have experience with basic training equipment. Swimmers should also be able to follow a workout plan and training set.
Swimmers will continue to work on speed, endurance, and stroke technique. Advanced training equipment will be introduced along with more intricate and challenging training sets. Pacing, competitive strategies, advanced competitive starts, and the use of a pace clock during sets will be emphasized. Advanced stroke technique drills will also be introduced to improve efficiency.
- Our goal is to place swimmers with participants of similar ages and abilities.
- All Participants’ swim times will be tracked and individual progress will be evaluated throughout the season.
- Swimmers will be issued training gear for use throughout the season.
Register
Additional Features
Dry Land Training
In addition to weekly swim practices, the Flyers and Senior Flyers levels program will include a dry land training component.
This is a unique opportunity for swimmers to complement the program’s swim technique training in an effort to develop our swimmers to their fullest potential.
Proper expert guided dry land programs have been proven to enhance performance and help avoid injury.
Swimmers will meet weekly with our certified fitness trainer to execute the program created specifically for the Flyers Swim Team members. They will work each week on proper dynamic warm-up, age-appropriate strength training exercises, stretching, flexibility, agility, and core stabilization. Swimmers participating in the dryland component MUST wear athletic footwear and clothing.
Utilization of an Olympic size Training Facility
Worcester Fitness has partnered with the YWCA of Worcester to include in our program the utilization of an Olympic-size competitive pool. This will provide our swimmers with the opportunity to train for competitive events, be introduced to diving, and learn competitive starts.
The team will meet at the YWCA every Tuesday and twice per month on Thursday evenings throughout the season. (refer to the Full Season and Practice Schedule for dates and times.)
New This Season at the YWCA
Recently installed state-of-the-art Competition Starting blocks
Courtesy of funds raised by the Flyers team families and a generous donation from Worcester Fitness, new state-of-the-art starting blocks have been installed in all lanes.This addition will bring the competition training component to a new level. Participants will be instructed how to perform official racing starts which will increase their overall performance. We are excited to have this new feature as part of our overall training.
Competition Opportunity
All the members of the Flyers Swim Team Program will have the opportunity to participate in several intrasquad swim meets throughout the 2025-2026 season. This schedule is listed below. There may be additional opportunities to compete with other programs. A registration fee per swimmer for each duel meet attended may be charged to cover meet logistics, coaching staff and awards depending on the meet format and location.
Performance will be tracked and award ribbons will be presented after each competition.
Meet the Coaching Team
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Kathy Spodick
Head Coach
Kathy brings over 30 years of competitive swim coaching experience and is a member of the American Swimming Coaches Association and USA Swimming. With advanced certifications including her Competitive Stroke and Technique Specialist certification, and as a Varsity High School Coach, she uses creative coaching methods to inspire young athletes in the Worcester Fitness Flyers program, helping them grow both in and out of the pool. She has coached several swimmers at the state and national level.
Kathy also holds the following degree and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and Education
- ASCA member since 2005
- USA swimming certified coach
- ASCA Level 1,2 & 3 Certified Age Group and High School Coach
- Principles of Competitive Swimming and Diving
- CPR/AED
- Concussion Protocol Training
- Athlete Protection Training
- Safe Sport Training 1,2 & 3 for Swimming
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
- Meet Management and Officiating qualifications
- Kinesiology of Swimming
Sophie Hayes
Assistant Head Coach -Training Program Development Coordinator , Dryland Trainer
Sophie, a former USA age group, high school, collegiate swimmer and team captain, joined Worcester Fitness in fall 2023 as Lead Assistant Coach and personal trainer. Through her achievement of additional advanced certifications, she was recently promoted. With extensive competitive experience, background in exercise science and a passion for working with people of all ages, she is excited to inspire young swimmers at Worcester Fitness Flyers.
Sophie holds the following degrees and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree – Exercise Science
Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy (2025)
Certified Personal Trainer
- ASCA member
- USA Swimming certified coach
- ASCA Level 1 Foundations of Coaching
- ASCA Level 2 Stroke School
- CPR/AED certified
- Concussion Protocol Training
- Athlete Protection Training
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
Catherine Gardner
Asst. Head Coach, Administrative Coordinator
Catherine has extensive competitive swimming experience. As a young swimmer she competed on several club teams and continued though High School at the Varsity level. She qualified for HS State Championship competition in Freestyle and Individual Medley relay events. Catherine has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management as well as a Masters in Data Analytics from The Eisenberg School of Management, UMass Amherst. Her lifetime eagerness for swimming enables her to develop and progress swimmers to their utmost potential. Her favorite events are the 50 Freestyle and 200 IM relay.
Catherine holds the following degrees and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree – Business Management
Master’s Degree – Data Analytics
- ASCA Member
- Water Safety Instructor certified
- USA Swimming certified coach
- ASCA Level 1 Foundations of Coaching
- ASCA Level 2 Stroke School
- CPR/AED certified
- Concussion Protocol Training
- Athlete Protection Training
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
Danielle Klash
Assistant Coach
Danielle, is a former USA age group, high school and collegiate swimmer with a passion for long-distance freestyle. She recently competed at the 2025 U.S. Masters Nationals in San Antonio, Texas, medaling in several individual events. She continues her dedication to the sport both in and out of the pool. Danielle earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Eisenberg School of Management with a concentration in Human Resources. Her experience as a competitive swimmer and her enthusiasm for coaching inspire her to help swimmers develop confidence and a love for swimming.
Danielle holds the following degree and certifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management
- ASCA Member
- USA swimming certified coach
- CPR/AED
- Concussion Protocol Training
- Athlete Protection Training
- Safety Training for Swim Coaches
Maggie Gardner
Assistant Coach
Maggie is currently a Master’s student in Business Analytics at UMass Amherst Eisenberg School Management, where she also earned her undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Film Studies. She has been in the water from a very young age, competing in age group, high school and local meets. Maggie loves helping others build confidence and strong technique. She has taught and coached swimmers of all ages and skill levels, focusing on water safety, stroke mechanics, and making practice fun and productive. Her goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and motivating environment where every swimmer can grow and hit their next milestone.
She holds the following degree certifications:
Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Film Studies.
- CPR/AED
- First Aid
- Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor
Helen Waldschmidt
Assistant Coach
Helen, Assistant Coach for the Flyers since 2021, has 12 years of competitive swimming experience. A chemist by profession, she brings her passion for swimming to the Worcester Fitness Swim Academy, helping young swimmers build confidence and life skills. Her favorite events are the 200 IM and 100 Fly.
- CPR and AED Certified
- Water Safety Instruction Certified
- Bachelor’s Degree- Chemistry
- Doctorate -Medicinal Chemistry
Assistant Coach
Sam Kowaleski
Land Trainer
Sam, a W.I.T.S. Certified Personal Trainer, began at Worcester Fitness as an intern in 2017 and now leads small group training, focusing on teen athletes. Passionate about nutrition and health, Sam helps clients of all ages build strength and endurance. He’s a Rutland native, now residing in Paxton.
- Certified Personal Trainer
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About Our Swim Lessons
Worcester Fitness Swim Academy offers a comprehensive and results-oriented swim lesson program. Our wide range of classes cater to your child's individual needs and goals. Our dedicated team of instructors teach vital water safety skills, while simultaneously enhancing comfort level, strength, stroke development, and pool endurance. We also provide Adult Swim Lessons for those interested. With conveniently scheduled classes available during daytime, evenings, and weekends, we ensure a flexible and accessible learning experience.
Contact
Worcester Fitness
440 Grove Street
Worcester, MA 01605
508-852-8209
swimacademy@worcesterfitness.com