Frequent Questions & Answers
Q: Where are we going as a club; what is different from what came before?
A: We, as a club, are progressing to the next level. We are building upon past accomplishments and the firm foundation built by those who came before us to the next challenge and a more ambitious definition of excellence and greatness. This is succinctly expressed in our hierarchy of organizational statements -- our Mission, Values, and Vision. These statements bring clarity to where we are headed and how we will engage one another on the journey forward. These statements form the backdrop for the decisions we take, how we channel our collective energy and the ways in which we will allocate resources.
Q: What are areas GCAT places emphasis on being successful?
A: GCAT wishes to provide an experience for all. This looks like programming that encompasses water safety, lessons, and fitness as well as the opportunity to develop into an Olympic-caliber athlete without ever having to leave the GCAT family. This is a passion for the entire GCAT staff.
Three ways GCAT is working to do this are:
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Growing our great sport: GCAT wants to continue to recruit individuals to participate in swimming. We work to develop swimmers who will progress with eager patience as they work through the successful structure at GCAT.
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Grow our member’s Participation and performance at the college level and beyond: GCAT has been very clear that part of why we do things at the club is to directly impact our swimmer’s contribution to NCAA swimming sesults. Our program offers a developmental track that considers young athletes’ careers. We encourage our youngsters to aspire to their highest ambitions.
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Help grow great young children: GCAT truly lives by the saying, “GCAT utilizes competitive swimming to unleash and develop each member’s potential by fostering an opportunist environment that allows members to strive to develop their full potential regardless of his or her innate natural ability to become his or her best self.’ We take great pride in helping parents to develop well-rounded, dedicated, and positive children.
Q: What is the club structure? Why is it beneficial to the student-athletes?
A: The club structure is based on group coaching and is broken up into divisions (Cougar Cubs, Wildcats, Puma, Jaguars, Senior, and GCAT Elite).
The GCAT model is strategically laid out to allow staff the ability to reference each and every swimmer by name, be in tune with a rapid progression that would warrant a group change, and overall provide the best possible customer service within our organization.
Q: How can I help GCAT?
A: While there is any number of ways you may help GCAT whether it is with time, talent, or treasure, one of the biggest and easiest ways is to be a great advocate of the program. Speak of your positive experiences with non-GCAT friends, family, and the rest of your network. Education and communication will go a long way in helping identify young swimmers who wish to further their experience on a year-round basis.
Q: Why do we have to work at Time Trials/meets?
A: As a 501- (c) 3 sustainability is dependent on the volunteer efforts of our parents. Hosting swim meets is the biggest and best form of fundraising to support our club's mission and vision. The working team time trial will help everyone be trained and prepared to the point where we can host meets. By hosting well-staffed, well-organized meets we provide our swimmers with the very best opportunity to perform well. Parents are truly the "Team Behind the Team."
Q: In what ways can members stay current with GCAT?
A: Members, and non-members, have numerous ways to stay current with what is happening at GCAT The most public way to see what is happening at GCAT is by using the club’s website www.swimgcat.org. This website is updated on a regular basis and has information for both members and non-members.
For members, GCAT uses various membership software programs including, active information to stay connected with members.
GCAT communicates via social media on www.facebook.com/gcatcougars, https://twitter.com/SwimGCAT1, and https://www.instagram.com/SwimGCAT/.
Q: How can I get support in asking a local company to support GCAT?
A: We have resources available to assist you whether you need someone to accompany you to a meeting or help with creating a customized document outlining the financial needs of the team. We have had the most success leveraging and capitalizing on personal relationships to make introductions to local companies to offer them an opportunity to provide financial support for GCAT.
