KW Swim Team

KW Swim TeamThe Fox Chapel Killer Whales Swim Team is a year-round, first-class program for swimmers ages 6 to 18 who are ready to take their skills to the next level. If you're looking for a swim team where your child can grow, compete, and have fun, our team is for you!

Our dedicated coaching staff creates a positive, motivating environment for all levels—from beginners just learning competitive techniques to nationally ranked athletes chasing big goals. We focus on building confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship while developing the technical skills and determination that help each swimmer reach their full potential.

As part of USA Swimming and Allegheny Mountain Swimming (AMS), we participate in sanctioned meets throughout the region, offering swimmers exciting opportunities to compete and improve.

We welcome all abilities - your child doesn’t need to be a superstar to start! Our Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Senior skill groups ensure there’s a perfect fit for every swimmer’s stage. Beginner swimmers can start with our KW Swim School, while KW Jr. Whales bridges the gap between swim lessons and competitive team participation.

And good news—your family doesn’t need to live in Fox Chapel to join us! Swimmers from across the Allegheny Mountain Swimming (AMS) district are welcome to dive in and become part of the Killer Whales community.

Register
 

 

 

Swim Seasons

The KW Swim Team offers a year-round program broken into three sessions, which you can register for separately.

  1. Fall / Winter (Aug./Sep. - Mar.)
  2. Spring
  3. Summer

Learn more about our swim seasons and how to register.

 

Swim Group Levels

We offer several levels of swim development. Our KW Jr. Whales group serves as a bridge for swimmers who have passed the six levels of the KW Swim School lessons program and who are preparing to join the competitive KW Swim Team.

The KW Swim Team has four levels of progression and development:

  • Bronze
  • Silver
  • Gold
  • Senior

KW Coaches assess swimmers’ skills regularly and advance swimmers through levels when defined skills are achieved. KW Coaches provide technical instruction on strokes, starts, and turns for all of the skill groups. Learn more about each of the Skill Group Levels and the requirements for swimmers to advance from one level to the next.

 

Coaching

The KW Swim Team provides a professional coaching staff. While each Swim Level has an assigned coach, all coaches may work with any Skill Group Level as needed. Learn more about the KW Coaches.

 

Pool Locations

Practices take place at the Fox Chapel High School Swimming Pool. Some groups may also swim at Shady Side Academy Senior School. Additionally, we use various near-by outdoor pools during the Summer Season. Learn more about pool locations.

 

Practices

We encourage our athletes to attend practice regularly and participate in as many meets as possible. It is crucial they arrive on time and ready to give the coaching staff their full attention. Learn more about practices.

 

Meets

We encourage swimmers from all of our Skill Group Levels (except Jr. Whales) to participate in meets held throughout the year. Swimmers must proactively sign up for each meet he or she wishes to attend. Learn more about meets and how to sign up for meets.

 

Fees & Financials

  • Swim Team Registration Fees are charged and different for each Skill Group Level.
  • USA Swimming Membership Fee purchased separately required.
  • Meet Fees are charged for each meet and event a swimmer enters.
  • Travel Fees are charged for those swimmers who enter travel meets.
  • A Volunteer Incentive Fee (VIF) is charged that families can earn back by serving in meets.
  • A Fundraising Incentive Fee (FIF) is charged that families can earn back by fundraising.
  • Learn more details about all the Fees & Financials.

 

Financial Support

Please review our Financial Support information. If your family qualifies, you may be eligible to receive financial support with travel meet reimbursements, a reduced USA Swimming Membership fee, meet entry fee reimbursements, and reduced tuition for AMS-sponsored camps.

 

Parent Involvement

The KW Swim Team is a non-profit, year-round swim club. Except for the coaching staff and some administrative staff, the club is funded and parent-operated on an all-volunteer basis. We need parent volunteers to ensure that our organization and meets run smoothly and efficiently. Volunteer positions range from serving on the Board of Directors to being a lane timer and from serving as the Meet Manager to managing the snack bar. To encourage parents to volunteer, we charge a Volunteer Incentive Fee (VIF).

Learn more about the Volunteer Roles in which you can serve to earn back the VIF.

Learn how you can support the team through fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.
 

 

Team Gear Requirements

Review online and local stores where you can purchase KW apparel, swim gear, and equipment.

Learn where to purchase Team Gear & Apparel.

Review the Team Gear & Apparel Requirements for each Skill Group Level.

 

Tracking Swimmer Progress and Times

Learn how to review your meet times, view KW team records, review USA Swimming Motivational times and more.

 

How to Stay in Touch and Keep up to Date

 

Safe Sport Policies & Codes of Conduct

Please review our Safe Sport Policies & Codes of Conduct before registering.

 

Fundraising & Sponsorships

The Fox Chapel Killer Whales is a non-profit swim club that is organized, operated, and funded by parents. We hold fundraising campaigns and offer sponsorship opportunities to ensure that our organization continues to be a first-class, year-round swim program for young children through adults in the Fox Chapel area.
Learn more about fundraising and sponsorship opportunities.

 

Special Events

During the year, we host special events for the swimmers, including fun seasonal pool parties and special training opportunities.
Learn more about and how to sign up for Special Events.

 

Questions

Please contact us.

Register
Register for KW Swim Team