Winchester Hurricanes FAQ

About the Team

Q: What is the Winchester Hurricanes?
A: Established in the early 1990s, we compete in the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL). We promote competitive summer swimming, good sportsmanship, and fun in a safe environment.

Eligibility

Q: Who can swim for the Hurricanes?
A: Swimmers ages 4–18 (age as of May 1). NWAL requires swimmers to live in or near Winchester Country, Winchester Trails, Winchester Meadows, and many surrounding neighborhoods.

New Swimmers & Evaluations

Q: Can my swimmer try the team before registering?
A: Yes! A free evaluation is required for swimmers new to team swimming.

• Register under FREE Evaluation before entering the pool.
• Do not pay before the evaluation.
• Not ready for the team? We can recommend private/group swim lessons.

Tropical Storms Program

Q: What is Tropical Storms?
A: Tropical Storms is a group program for younger swimmers who need a little extra help to get across the pool. It is not a learn-to-swim program. For details, see the Tropical Storms tab.

Registration & Fees

Q: How much does it cost?

• 1st & 2nd swimmer: $135 each
• 3rd swimmer: $85
• 4th swimmer: $75
• Ages 15–18: $25
• Volunteer deposit: $350 (refundable upon completing volunteer requirement)

Q: When does registration open?
A: Online registration opens March 2026.

Season & Practices

Q: When is the swim season?
A: Mid-April through end of June (~10 weeks).

Q: When are practices?
A: After school Monday–Friday during the school year; mornings Monday–Friday once school is out (usually June).

Meets

Q: How many meets are there and where?
A: NWAL assigns our division. We swim 6 meets: 5 dual meets + 1 divisional.

• 2–3 home meets (once home pool confirmed)
• 3–4 away meets
• Invitationals for qualifying swimmers

Q: When are the meets?
A: Saturday mornings, early May through June. Plan vacations after July 1.

Volunteering

Q: Do I have to volunteer?
A: YES! The team is parent-run. All families must volunteer at each meet their swimmer attends.

• 25 Volunteering points per season. See Volunteering under Team Info Tab.
• Volunteer deposit forfeited if requirements are not fulfilled

Q: Can I choose when to volunteer?
A: Yes. Some families volunteer during sessions opposite their swimmer’s events. Morning spots are limited; you may need to take a later shift.

Sponsorships

Q: Are there free spots on the team?
A: Yes! One free swimmer registration per paid sponsor. Sponsorships help keep costs down for families. For more information on how to sponsor, go to our sponsor tab.

Leadership & Volunteer Roles

Q: Who runs the team?
A: 100% parents! We have a board and key roles; new volunteers are always welcome.

Q: Can I lead a volunteer position?
A: Yes! Opportunities include Head Ready Bench, Head Timer, Head Scribe, Public Announcer, Fundraising, Sponsorship, Spirit & Pep Rally, Trophies, Photography, and more.

Coaches

Q: Who are the coaches?

Head Coach - Mike Smotherman

Assistant Coach - DJ Blackshire

Assistant Coach - Selah Thomas

Honorary Coach - Lydia Duphorne

2026 10-Week Summer Schedule

• Week 1 (Apr 13): Parent meeting / Evaluations / Practice
• Week 2 (Apr 20): Practice / Evaluations
• Week 3 (May 2): Time Trials
• Week 4 (May 9): @ Lakewood Forest
• Week 5 (May 16): HOME vs. Cypress Mako Sharks
• Week 6 (May 23): @ Greenwood Forest
  • May 24: Cat 5 Invitational @ CFISD Nat
• Week 7 (May 30): @ Candlelight Hills
  • May 31–Jun 1: Sprint Sizzler @ CFISD Nat
• Week 8 (Jun 6): HOME vs. Wipeouts in Inverness
• Week 9 (Jun 13): Divisionals
• Week 10 (Jun 19–21): Post-season Invitationals

Questions

Q: Still have questions?
A: Email [email protected] for assistance.