The summer swim season is 8 weeks (June and July) with six regular meets, a championship meet, and several (optional) invitationals. One week of after-school practice is held during the first week of June, and the remaining practices take place weekday mornings until the end of July. Throughout the season, there are team-building activities woven into the practice schedule, including lunch bunches, pancake breakfasts, tie-dying, and poster making. The season culminates with a celebratory banquet for swimmers and their families. Please see the calendar for specifics.

Coaches

We are excited to announce that Mark Kannengieszer will be returning to his role of head coach for the season. Mark has been involved in swimming for the past 30 years. Growing up, he swam for Maplewood, Tennent, and Kutztown University. He began coaching by helping CAC when he was a high school swimmer, and he has continued ever since. He has coached for many different teams including Tennent, Maplewood, Huntingdon Valley Country Club, and Centennial Aquatic Club.

Returning as an assistant coach is Charley Vargas. Charley is a senior at Penn State University majoring in Kinesiology. She swam at Maplewood her entire childhood, and many of her favorite summer memories were made there. She has experience teaching both group and private swim lessons and was also a member of Penn State’s club swim team. Charley is excited to return for her third summer as well as  help the swimmers create memories of their own and to watch their improvements all summer.

Also returning as an assistant coach, Emma Torok. Emma has been involved with Maplewood for over 17 years, and she has been a swimmer her entire life. She is going into her junior year at the University of Scranton, majoring in Early Childhood Education. The 2025 season will be her fifth year as a private swim lesson instructor, and her second year as a Maplewood coach. The swim team is her favorite part of every summer, and coaching has grown her love for the sport. She is ecstatic for another fun summer and for many more laughs, memories, and growth for the kids!

Another returning assistant coach, Anya Catoni. Anya is entering her senior year at West Chester University, where she is majoring in business management. She has been involved in competitive swimming for most of her life and has also been working as a private swim instructor. Her passion for the sport and for working with kids makes coaching a perfect fit. Anya is thrilled to return as an assistant coach and looks forward to helping each swimmer grow in confidence, skill, and love for the sport.

We welcome new assistant coach,  Matt Smith. Matt is a recent graduate of Penn State university with a major in Enterprise Risk Management. He swam for Maplewood growing up, swam club for Centennial, and swam high school at Archbishop wood. He went on to swim on Penn States club team all four years, where he was a coach his sophomore year. Matt is excited to give back to the team that made him the swimmer he was!

Our Dive coach is Nate Kach. Nate is 17 years old and entering his senior year at Council Rock South. He competed in diving for five years, from 6th through 10th grade, where he thrived in the competitive environment and enjoyed spending summers with his friends. Currently, Nate is a dedicated and highly competitive runner on the track team. He looks forward to helping others discover diving and develop a passion for the sport.

Forms & Payment

Your child cannot practice until your registration is complete, and you have paid your club and team dues. All payments should go through the Maplewood website. 

Equipment Swimmers need a racing-style suit, swim cap, goggles, flippers, 2-3 towels, and a filled water bottle. Team suits and caps are available for purchase. While not required, they are preferred for meets. Please note that swimmers are responsible for their own belongings; putting names on equipment is a big help! Remember to shop online at Swimoutlet.com via our affiliate site at www.swimoutlet.com/maplewood.

Fundraising

The team will be holding a 50/50 drawing to help raise funds. Please spread the word! The drawing will take place on Maplewood’s Family Day at which the team will also be raffling off prize baskets. Any and all help and ideas are welcomed! Funds generated will help pay our coaches, offset the cost of the new blocks, and be put back into team events.

Volunteering

Maplewood is a small team that depends on the volunteer time and effort of parents. Much work happens behind the scenes (year-round) to ensure a great season for all. We thank all parents in advance for your help and support.

Swim meets

Please RSVP as soon as possible. Check-in and warm ups happen prior to the start of the meet. The first few events will be Dive events. Rain dates should be the following day with the exception of A and B Champs which may need to utilize the Thursday in between the meets depending on the weather. 

Sincerely,

Tom Welke & Elizabeth Cundari

Contact us @ mwdswimteam@gmail.com