Practice Groups 2026-27
Five groups, placed by age and ability, each built on fundamentals and great technique.
Mini
Mini is for swimmers who can swim one full length of freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, and butterfly. Time spent in this group will focus on teaching the fundamentals of basic stroke, turn, and start techniques. Mini swimmers are expected to compete throughout the year and participate in their championship meets in February and March.
Practice Times: Sunday from 9:30 AM - 11 AM | Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Head Coach: Cindy Passalacqua
Assistant Coach: Daniel Huber, Laura Wilson, Joe Cucinotti
Ignite
The goal of Ignite is to help all swimmers progress to the Age Group or Junior level in one year or less. Ignite is not a destination group but for swimmers who want to improve and move forward. Ignite will focus on fundamental skills and aerobic endurance. Participation in Meets is expected to help evaluate and motivate the swimmer to improve.
Practice Times: Sundays from 9:30 AM - 11 AM at Mount Laurel Y | Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at Westhampton Pool
Head Coach: Chris Brookover
Assistant Coach: Xander Kausch, Tristan Lisowski
Age Group
This group is technically focused while also including a larger percentage of physical conditioning. Swimmers in the Age Group are expected to swim in at least three YMCA closed meets, as well as three USA Swimming Meets, to qualify for and participate at their level of Championships.
Practice Times: Sunday from 11 AM - 12:30 PM | Monday, Wednesday from 5:30 PM - 7 PM | Friday from 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Head Coach: Joe Cucinotti
Assistant Coach: Cindy Passalacqua, Tristan Lisowski
Junior
Junior swimmers will focus on technique while maintaining a proper balance of physical conditioning, as they should compete in new and longer events. Swimmers in this group are expected to swim in at least three YMCA closed meets, as well as three USA Swimming Meets, to qualify for, and swim at the highest level of championships.
Practice Times: Sunday from 7:30AM - 9:30 AM | Monday - Thursday from 4 PM - 5:30 PM
Head Coach: Chris Brookover
Assistant Coach: Jamie Bowne, Xander Kausch, Naomi Basa
Senior
Senior is for high school-aged swimmers. Practices will be held exclusively at the Mount Laurel YMCA. The training is designed to challenge each swimmer both physically and mentally, enabling them to be the best they aspire to be. Senior swimmers are encouraged to compete in YMCA meets, including the Bronze, Silver, and State Championships. USA Swimming Meets will also be available for this group, and participation in these meets is highly encouraged. This group is also intended to support swimmers whose goals include qualifying for the Olympic Trials, USA Senior and Junior Nationals, YMCA Nationals, and Middle Atlantic Senior Championships.
Practice Times: Sunday from 6 AM - 8 AM | Monday - Thursday from 7 PM - 9 PM | Friday at 3:30 PM - 5 PM
Associate Head Coaches: Chris Brookover
Assistant Coaches: Kristina Reddell, Naomi Basa, Rob Wilson, Collin Canfield