Dear Ridgeside Dolphins Parents,

Wow, what a season! I just want to extend a heartfelt thank you for making my very first year as head coach such an incredible experience. Coaching the Dolphins is the thing I most look forward to each summer and hope to continue to do so for many more years.

I want to take a moment to recognize our award winners for those who were unable to make it to our season party this past Sunday. Please join us in congratulating each one of these swimmers for their hard work!

• Coaches’ Awards: This award honors two swimmers who consistently put the team first, are always ready to take on any event, often in older age groups, and do so with dedication and enthusiasm. They lead by example through their hard work, support of teammates, and celebration of others’ successes. This year’s recipients were Dani McGinley and Kenny Suttles.
• Spirit Award: This award recognizes a swimmer whose energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering team spirit lift everyone around them. Whether cheering from the deck or celebrating every teammate’s effort, they embody the heart and joy of the Ridgeside Dolphins. This year’s winner was Rigby Lamar.
• Leadership Award: This award honors an older swimmer who leads with responsibility, patience, and a team-first mindset: always ready to guide younger teammates at practice and behind the blocks. Their steady presence, encouragement, and help organizing relays makes them a role model both in and out of the pool. This year’s recipient was Grace Hamilton.
• Most Improved: From our first meet to our last, the Ridgeside Dolphins dropped a combined total of 510.21 seconds across all events, which is truly incredible! This year, we recognized one swimmer from each age group who showed the most individual improvement over the course of the season. Our 2025 Most Improved Swimmers are:

Joe Whited (6 & under - 20.24s)
Ellis Hayden (7/8 - 37.97s)
Quentin Dorris (9/10 - 14.41s)
Drew Laymon (11/12 - 30.04s)
Michael McGinnis (13/14 - 9.56s)
Caroline Carpenter (15 & over - 8.20s)

Watching your swimmers grow, both in and out of the pool, has been a joy. Their hard work, team spirit, and positivity have made every practice and meet something to look forward to; And that’s a reflection of your encouragement, your presence on the pool deck, and the way you cheer for every swimmer like they’re your own.

Even more inspiring has been watching how your kids support each other – celebrating wins, lifting one another after tough races, and encouraging to try new things. That kind of team culture doesn’t happen by accident. It’s a testament to the values you’ve instilled at home and the heart they bring to this team. I am very thankful for each of you parents, and hope you know that your effort getting them to practice, and volunteering at meets has not gone unnoticed. THANK YOU!

And guess what? I’m already counting down to next season! Look for 2026 registration to open in about 260 days!

Thank you again for such an amazing season. Here's to fast swims and tons of fun!

--Coach Janelle