Summer League

Welcome to those who are new to the team! We would love to have you as part of our program, so feel free to browse around and get in touch with the coaches or team for more information!

New Water Polo & Swimming

June 28 - July 30 2021

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays

4:00pm - 5:30pm

Program Details

New participants will be introduced to the sports of swimming and water polo. All basic skills will be taught, including:

  • Stroke technique, kicking, breathing

  • Competition strokes: freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly

  • Race techniques, dive starts, flip turns

  • Water Polo basics: treading, passing, shooting, ball handling

Returning players will focus on improving through mastering fundamentals, while building their strength and conditioning.

Registration

8th graders who are interested or would like more information, please sign up HERE: 8th Grade Interest Form

To sign up for the summer program, please complete a Summer Sports form and return it to the Bookstore at La Quinta. The forms can be found at the La Quinta front office, Bookstore, Athletics Office, or the Pool Deck.

The cost is $50 per sport (or only $50 for both water polo and swim). Checks payable to "GGUSD".

Equipment

Required:

  • Swim suit

    • one piece swim suit or bathing suit

    • swimming trunks, jammers, or speedos

  • Towel

  • Swimming goggles

Optional / Recommended:

  • Swim cap (for long hair)

  • Water bottle

  • Sunblock

These can be found at sporting goods stores such as Big 5 or Competitive Aquatics Supply (CAS), or online sites such as amazon.com or swimoutlet.com. Team gear will be purchased later during the season.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I can't really swim very well. Can I still join?

A: No experience is necessary to join during the summer. We believe that it is our job as coaches to introduce to the sports to all students regardless of their ability. At La Quinta, we often have students who do not know how to swim their first summer, who become league champions and CIF qualifiers after a few years of practice in our program. All we ask for is your hard work and commitment.

Q: How do you play water polo?

A: That is exactly what we learn during the summer! Most players who join our team have never played or seen a game of water polo before joining. The game itself is like an exciting combination of basketball, soccer, and hockey, all played in the water!

Q: Are summer practices mandatory?

A: While we don't "require" attendance at every single practice during summer, we highly encourage you make as many as possible. Every practice brings new skills and things to improve on, and each day will help you to improve to become a better athlete. Make sure to communicate with the coaches if you plan to miss a practice.

Q: What if my family is going on vacation during summer?

A: We completely support and encourage time with family, especially during summer. However, do realize that you will be missing some development and may need to catch up with your teammates once you return. Please be sure to communicate your plans with the coaching staff.

Q: Do I need to participate in the summer if I am already practicing on another swim/water polo team?

A: If you enjoy and are learning a lot at your current practice, then we encourage you to continue! If you would like spend more time with your Aztec teammates, we would also love to see you at the La Quinta pool. Some swimmers end up practicing with both teams and do doubles during the summer.

Q: Can I try other sports, or band, dance, color guard, etc...?

A: Yes! We encourage students to be involved and try any activity they are interested in. Many of our current athletes are involved in multiples things. While we want to build the strongest aquatics team possible, we are also very supportive of the other sports, and want each student to ultimately do what they are best at. Summer especially is a good time to see and get a feel for the different programs. Do remember that you must sign up for each different summer sport.

Q: Should I join water polo or swimming?

A: These are two sports that go hand in hand. Good swimming is needed to play water polo, while the speed, strength, and conditioning from water polo helps with becoming a better swimmer. As it is highly encouraged, 90% of our team participates in both aquatics sports. We recommend that each new athlete be open to and at least try each sport. The summer program for freshmen introduces the basics of both sports at the same time.

Q: How much do I have to pay if I am signing up for multiple sports during summer?

A: There is only one summer program for aquatics, in which the basics for water polo and swimming will be introduced at the same time by the same coaches. Therefore, you should ONLY SIGN UP FOR ONE aquatics sport for $50 (Water Polo or Swimming).

However, if you wanted to participate in a DIFFERENT sport (such as polo/swimming AND tennis), you would need to sign up for the two sports and pay $100 to the bookstore.

Q: Will I make the team if I participate in the summer?

A: We do have tryouts during the school year for water polo and swim. Those who practice every day with us during the summer have a high chance of making the team due to the skills learned as well as the dedication they have shown to the team.


Please feel free to contact Coach John Vu at johnkvu@gmail.com if you have any questions!