The Aquianas, a long-standing and successful artistic swimming team in New Canaan, is taking steps to begin its first season as a private nonprofit team this summer, officials say.
Aquianas team members and coaches take a group photo with their medals. Photo/Aquianas
A powerhouse in the sport that draws regional athletes and brings home medals from the East Zone championships—with some swimmers competing on an international scale—the Aquianas are facing an August deadline to secure pool time and independent financing, team representatives say.
According to newly appointed Aquianas treasurer David Biegel, the cost will be “multiple” times more expensive if the team wishes to practice and compete at its accustomed level.
“We put together, or rather are still undergoing putting together a nonprofit organization,” Biegel said. “So that’s how we are operating right now. It takes a lot of work to stand up a nonprofit organization. You need a treasurer. You need someone to do the secretary work. We need to get all the kinds of contracts, set up payments, you need to pay the coaches. So, we’ve actually managed to take all that over and transition pretty quickly to just kind of stand up this organization way quicker than anyone.”
Established in 1981, the Aquianas have long been based at the New Canaan YMCA. Last summer, the team learned that the YMCA would no longer host the program at its South Avenue facility, leading to the decision to create the nonprofit organization (officially formed Sept. 19). YMCA officials declined to comment.
Two Aquianas swimmers performing an advanced routine. Photo/Aquianas
Sandra Mahoney, president of the USA Artistic Swimming Federation and the Aquianas coach, last summer helped negotiate a deal for the team: one more year with the same support they had previously received, allowing them some buffer time to regroup.
It’s a difficult task.
According to Mahoney, pool time is a highly sought after commodity in Fairfield County, and the number of facilities available for rent is not nearly enough to meet demand.
More steps also must be taken before the group can fully function independently. One roadblock, team representatives say, is obtaining tax-exempt status.
There’s no question about the popularity and success of the team itself.
The program was “very small” when Mahoney started, she said.
“Then I came back after college, retiring from my own synchronized swimming career, and became the director of the program,” Mahoney said. “It grew some more from there, from 10 swimmers to 30 swimmers, then I think at our Peak before COVID, We had about 75 or 80 swimmers on the team.”
Aquianas team members on the bleacher. Photo/Aquianas
While there are a few other artistic swimming groups dotted around the northeast, including in Hamden and New Jersey, Mahoney says that Aquianas is where the most dedicated swimmers go to hone their skills.
The more ambitious and competitive athletes in the sport typically end up in New Canaan, she said.
“We have three girls who drive from Hamden,” she said. “We have a lot of kids from New Canaan, but Wilton, Weston, Stamford, Norwalk. Long Island also.”
One former artistic swimmer, Kim Probst, ended up competing for one of the number-one programs in the nation, then on to the Olympics, Mahoney said.
Mahoney made it clear, however, that the program is open to everyone, not just future Olympians.
“We have nurses, we have physical therapists, we have business people,” she said. “They will all say that all the things I learned being on the team, and swimming, and doing artistic swimming have served me in my entire life.”
Among those lessons, Mahoney said the biggest is learning to work with a team.
“I’ve never worked with a group of nicer, more considerate, more caring, supportive group of girls at that age, where typically the MO is those girls are mean and not nice and blah, blah, blah,” she said. “But in general, they really are such a nice group of girls, and I think it comes from just the fact that to be successful in this sport, you gotta lift your teammate up. You’ve got to work with your teammate or else nothing works.”
Aquianas says that while financial support is “clearly welcomed,” the people of New Canaan can also support them in their transition to a private team by checking out their social media pages, or even joining the team if they are interested.
“If your kid is strangely doing the splits and dancing around the house and likes to swim, maybe this is the sport for you,” said New Canaan’s Claire Foster, an Aquianas volunteer. “They can email us and get more information, register for a trial. We love the support of the community and there are many ways you can do that, reach out to us online, go to our website, follow us on social media. We want the Aquianas to to really be a part of the New Canaan community. Whether your kid does artistic swimming or not, this has been a part of the fabric of New Canaan for almost 50 years, more than any other sport in this town.”
Those interested in getting involved with Aquianas can find out more by visiting the team’s website, https://www.ncaquianas.org, or reaching out to Mahoney directly at ncasynch@gmail.com.
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Email was bounced back! Can you find and post the correct one?
Thanks Kate we’ve swapped in this email: ncasynch@gmail.com
This is such an incredible sport! The team work, dedication, endurance and artistry needed to be successful is unlike any other sport. And these girls are very successful! This program is a gift to this community and we need to do everything we can to support it staying for another 50 years.
What a disappointment that the New Canaan Y canceled this program.
These young determined athletes deserve all our support to find them the pool time they need or to help build a winter dome over the Steve Benko Pool at Waveny. What a benefit that could be for all of NC!
I stand to support this team, we stand to support these athletes and this team.
I am surprised to learn that an incredible and enduring group like the Aquinas lost their space at our Y. I hope something can be worked out and/or they can find a new pool ASAP.
The Aquianas team has been hugely formative for my daughter. While you initially see the artistry and jaw-dropping athleticism of the sport, what you don’t see behind the scenes are the incredible coaches (who were once Aquianas themselves!) helping these 52 (!!) girls (+1 boy) to become supportive teammates, effective leaders, and CONFIDENT as they navigate school, life and ultimately, the rest of the world.
Why our local YMCA no longer “prioritizes” this program and 52 CHILDREN who love this sport is equal parts confusing and infuriating, and THIS TOWN SHOULD PAY CLOSE ATTENTION.
If you want to help 52 children continue to enjoy the sport that they love, please consider 1) asking the Y why they no longer support the Aquianas, 2) following us on social media, 3) letting your kiddo try out a class on (anytime!), or 4) making a donation to our newly formed nonprofit.
Huge and heartfelt thanks to The NewCanaanite for bringing this important story to the town’s attention.
My daughter was in this program for 4 years and it was a great experience in teamwork, skills and swimming of course. Unfortunately, when their practice hours got extended from 4-8pm, we had to make the tough decision to pull her out as we felt that it was taking time away from her academics. She still has many good memories from her days travelling to the Junior Olympics. I would strongly recommend this program to parents who value sports time over academic time, especially parents of kids in gymnastic programs as it gives them an advantage.
What an incredible program, and clearly a crown jewel in NC female sports! Why would the Y ever drop this team? What a disappointment! Bravo to the parents who clearly had to pool their resources and work together to save this team. The town should do everything they can to support these dedicated athletes and this special team!
It would be great if the Y continued the support for this wonderful and successful program that so many phenomenal female athletes have participated in for so many years.
I’m very surprised the Y will no longer accommodate this wonderful, robust program. That kind of partnership makes up the fabric of this town – community. Shame to see a beloved community organization such as the YMCA not prioritize these hard-working young athletes. I hope the program finds a good home where they are appreciated!
The Aquianas Program is outstanding and it provides a very unique aquatic opportunity in the area. It is highly competitive on a national scale and it unbelievable that it was grown all locally. It is a top artistic swimming program that has had a history of winning nationally for over 40 years. Suddenly loosing local support and not having access to a pool to practice in order to stay competitive at the highest level is a very big letdown to the athletes that have worked tirelessly day-after-day and year-after-year and the coaches.
Local government and youth sports programming needs to step up and bolster the program so that more than 40 years of building competitive athletes does not get destroyed in less than an year span.
Thank you, NewCanaanite and Aquianas! My daughter has made such good friends with this program. Her teammates and coaches have been an amazing source of strength and support for her and she has grown so much, both physically and socially.
We are worried about the future of the program and hope the New Canaan community will continue to lend support to the team, independent of the Y.
As a proud parent of one of the Aquianas athletes, I’ve had the joy of watching my daughter thrive both in and out of the pool. This team has given her so much more than just athletic training—it’s given her a second family. The friendships she’s made are deep and lasting, and the discipline, confidence, and resilience she’s gained through artistic swimming have been truly transformative.
That’s why it was incredibly disappointing—and frankly frustrating—to see the YMCA terminate a program that has meant so much to so many. The decision felt short-sighted and dismissive of the dedication, passion, and community built over the years by these young athletes, their families, and coaches. It was heartbreaking to watch a program with such a positive impact be abruptly cast aside.
Artistic swimming is a sport that combines strength, grace, teamwork, and incredible dedication. These athletes train tirelessly, pushing themselves both mentally and physically to perform at the highest levels. It teaches time management, perseverance, and the importance of supporting one another—skills that extend far beyond the pool.
As the Aquianas begin their first season as a private nonprofit team, they need our town’s support more than ever. This is our home team—filled with passionate, hard-working young athletes who represent our community with pride. Let’s rally behind them and ensure they have the resources and encouragement they need to continue growing and inspiring others.
Go Aquianas!
We travel from Old Saybrook 4x a week so that my daughter can train with the Aquianas! Her confidence and pride from training/competing with this team is unprecedented. Being in the pool with this team has taught life lessons including perseverance, trust, and teamwork. We are devastated to hear that support for this program is being cut by the YMCA. We need the community to rally behind this team!
This program’s history of incredible success and accomplishment makes it a very special part of New Canaan’s larger history of athletic achievement. The stamina, strength, courage, and perseverance of these young women is remarkable. I wish I had a pool of my own that I could offer.
Our daughter has been in this program for nine years and we are not even in New Canaan! Our daughter grew to be a confident young woman due in part to this tean and its phenomenal coaches. Beyond national and international medals, she earned skills for life such as teamwork, time-management, valuing art and artistry, and focusing on goals when working at them is hard. The team is a treasure to the community as should not only be preserved as such but supported for what it brings to the youth in the area.
So grateful to the coaches and parents who organized to keep this team together. An amazing story.
My daughter was new to the sport and the Aquianas last year and she has learned so much from the great staff and older swimmers. The team have been so welcoming and the swimmers really support each other and celebrate accomplishments whether in practice or competition. The lessons learned about building stamina, being prepared and persevering when things are difficult are already helping my daughter with school work. We hope to be able to continue with her training next season and that the community will rally around our in support.
The history,
The coaches,
The challenge,
The devotion,
The teamwork,
The support,
The camaraderie,
The confidence-building,
The captivating performances,
The tears of joy,
The memories.
These are the things that make this program the jewel that it is.
Let’s get behind the Aquianas and keep them where they belong: in New Canaan.
The athleticism, team work, passion and dedication displayed by the Aquianas is simply amazing. My 5 year old daughter was so inspired by seeing an Aquianas competition hosted at the New Canaan YMCA last year that it renewed her interest in both swim lessons and dance! She can’t wait to be ready to try artistic swimming!
I hope this team gets the pool time, resources and support they need and deserve so they can continue thriving. Go Aquianas!
I’ve watched many of my friends children’s participate in this amazing program at the Y and I was disappointed to hear that they may lose the facility that has brought so much attention to the synchronized sport and has produced national champions. I think it would be a huge disservice to the Y and New Canaan to not provide these programs for these kids that put their heart and soul into this program
The immeasurably positive impact this program has had on so many lives is profound. So too would be the devastation if this program could not continue. We cannot let that happen!
We sincerely appreciate the community rallying around us to show support and we implore the New Canaan YMCA to enable dreams, not crush them, by maintaining the team’s pool time.
I’m a proud New Canaan resident and parent of two artistic swimmers — my daughters, who are 12 and 8 years old. I stand before you today not just as a parent, but as someone deeply moved and concerned by the decision made by the YMCA last summer to cut the New Canaan Aquianas program.
For over 40 years, the Aquianas program has been a pillar of this community. It has shaped the lives of countless children across New Canaan and Fairfield County — teaching discipline, resilience, teamwork, and above all, the joy of doing something they love.
That’s why I, like many others, was shocked when the YMCA abruptly ended the program last year. This decision, made without proper transparency or community input, left over 70 families in disbelief. And more importantly, it shattered the dreams of over 70 young swimmers who called Aquianas their second home.
My daughters were among them. They were heartbroken. For children who had committed themselves to training week after week, sacrificing playdates, waking up early, and pushing themselves beyond what most would expect of their age, this wasn’t just the loss of a sport. It was the loss of a dream.
As a parent, I have watched my girls grow not just as athletes but as confident, determined individuals. The Aquianas program gave them more than routines and medals. It gave them friendships that will last a lifetime. It taught them values that schools alone can’t instill.
And that’s why I’m here today — not to look back with anger, but to look forward with hope. Hope that we, as a community, can come together to support our kids. To preserve programs that matter. To keep 53 dreams alive — including the dreams of my daughters.
Because every child deserves the chance to chase their dream. And it’s our job as adults-as parents, leaders, and neighbors-to make sure those doors stay open. Thank you.
As a long time resident of New Canaan and member of the Y, I was always impressed by the success and national prominence of the Aquianas. It gave me such a sense of pride that our little town had such an impressive sports program for athletic young women. Now that my daughter has been part of the program for the last couple of years, I have seen first hand how the program instills confidence, perseverance, strength and teamwork in its athletes. I also cannot say enough about the incredibly dedicated and caring coaches that give so much to make this team shine. This program has done wonders for my daughter and I hope that it continues for years to come.
TBH, I couldn’t be prouder to be part of anything in New Canaan. We’re 20+ year NewCanaanites, been involved in many town sports and activities and nothing can compare to the awesomeness of the Aquianas. The coaches, athletes, family support, travel experiences, discipline, friendships, through Covid, and our most recent challenge of loosing our YMCA partnership…this is the most accomplished and exemplary team in Connecticut. (Maybe tied with UConn women’s basketball). Let’s do everything we can to have the Aquianas remain in New Canaan for 40 more years and beyond.
I disagree, the team is not open to anyone.
Having grown up in and around competitive swimming, I can only marvel at how amazing these athletes are! The strength and control of other artistic performances coupled with the lung power of being underwater much of the routine, is unmatched in other sports.
It’s also great to see a successful and competitive northeastern program when California, Texas and Florida seem to draw all the top aquatic talent with their warmer weather. Keep it up New Canaan!
What a shame that these hardworking athletes find themselves scrambling to find a new home. It’s strange that the YMCA would cancel a notable local athletic program with strong ties to the Y and the community. I hope they are able to find a home where they can prosper.
Truly a gem in town! I couldn’t be prouder of this program, all the coaches and athletes. I sincerely hope our town and our wonderful New Canaan YMCA can spare some resources to keep this program in town!
This team is such an amazing, supportive environment for all to grow. As a swimmer for the past decade, I have dedicated so much time and energy to the Aquianas as both an athlete and a coach. It is truly incredible all that this team has accomplished, including naming multiple athletes to national teams, placing at the national and international level, and above all, being a pillar of the New Canaan community. It’s frankly appalling that the YMCA, an organization known for its inclusivity, would eliminate a strong women’s sports team.
As a swimmer of 10 years with the New Canaan Aquianas, I am heartbroken and frustrated by the YMCA’s decision to cut our program. This team has been my second family and has shaped me into the person I am today. It is deeply unjust and frankly disrespectful for the YMCA to eliminate a program that was not only started by one of their most generous donors, Ms. Valles, but also continues to thrive because of her legacy, including the very pool she donated that we are now being denied access to.
The Aquianas are not just a local swim team, we are a community of individuals who love what we do. We are the most high achieving program to ever come out of the YMCA, having placed in the top 3 at national and international competitions, with many of our athletes proudly representing Team USA on the national stage. The experiences, discipline, and lifelong friendships I’ve gained through this program are irreplaceable.
For the YMCA to disregard the impact of this team, especially after receiving millions in donations from the very person who built it, is both shocking and disappointing. It is imperative that we keep this program in New Canaan and do everything we can to preserve the future of this team, not just for us, but for generations of athletes to come.
My child really enjoys the time in this team. Even though we spend an hour and a half on the road for each practice , she never complains. On the contrary, she looks forward to every practice, cherishes the time with her teammates, and is excited about going to competitions together. I sincerely hope this team can continue on!
Awesome team with awesome parents and coaches helping behind the scenes!! Keep it up girls!!!
My child really enjoys the training in this team. Even though we spend an hour and a half on the road for each practice , she never complains. On the contrary, she looks forward to every practice, cherishes the time with her teammates, and is excited about going to competitions together. I sincerely hope this team can continue on!
Such a miss that the Y wouldn’t do everything in it’s power to support this incredible program. Isn’t the Y’s mission “For youth development. For healthy living. For social responsibility”?
The New Canaan Aquianas have been a great part of my daughter’s developing confidence, excellence and becoming a supportive teammate. She never wants to miss a practice, even though we drive 45 minutes to an hour each way. She has learned time management and leadership skills. She has found her best friends through this team!
I’m hopeful the Y will strongly consider supporting the Aquinas program and the talented team of female athletes.
This team is the crown jewel for New Canaan! My friends out of town, even in California, are envious that we have a national level team in town! It also offers a great sport for the girls that they can build their confidence and fitness! Let’s put our best effort to support the team!
My daughter traveled 4 times a week from NJ for the privilege to practice a sport she loved with the most amazing group of dedicated athletes. The Aquianas is a truly special team. The swimmers, coaches, and parents together make this team like no other. It is unmatched in the tristate area. The New Canaan Y should be proud to be associated with them. It is truly baffling and shocking that it would choose to end a program that represents such high athleticism, artistry, and grace; a program that has been a source of pride within the community for years and one that has shaped the lives of so many swimmers. To this day, I still have not yet heard a reason for their decision that actually makes any sense.
Fostering artistry, athleticism, camaraderie, hometown spirit, and more. Let’s do everything we can to keep this team local!
This is such a unique and beloved program to so many in our community and beyond. I hope something can be worked out to keep it thriving , and to keep it here in New Canaan!
It seems so short-sighted to destroy the foundations of a remarkable success story, one that has given so much confidence to so many girls and young women. Hopefully, it’s not too late for wiser heads to prevail.
The Y claims to be committed to strengthening individuals and communities. It’s mission has been to improve young peoples health, spirit, and well being. The New Canaan Aquinas team is open to children of all abilities and experience. Their partnership with the New Canaan Y furthers the mission and commitment to the youth of both organizations. It would be unfortunate if the Y were to cut loose committed athletes of this nationally successful program.
I was really disappointed to hear that this program is no longer under the umbrella of the Y. It has been transformative for generations of New Canaan’s youth, both now and through its storied history. Here’s hoping the Y will reconsider its support of the program. I can only imagine how hard this has been on the athletes!
I’ve seen firsthand how impactful the YMCA’s synchronized swimming program can be. My friend’s daughters fell in love with the sport through Y’s summer camps at a young age. They went on to dedicate years to training, competing—and even winning—at national level. But beyond the accolade, it helped them grow into responsible, community-minded young adults. Programs like this don’t just build athletes—they build leaders. I truly believe the YMCA should continue to support this incredible opportunity for future generations.
Go swimmers! You are the best!
The Aquianas bring so much talent to our community and deserves our full support. To see them pushed out of the Y would be such a loss to the youth of our town. I’m thrilled they’re doing everything they can to keep the program going. Let’s rally behind them by spreading the word!
As both a parent and a coach who has worked with Aquaianas Artistic Swimming NCA for the past three years, my heart broke when I learned that New Canaan YMCA would abruptly end the artistic swimming program just weeks before the season’s start. In that time, I’ve watched fifty young athletes pour ten to twenty hours each week into the sport they love—tirelessly refining their technique, learning the power of teamwork, and growing stronger in the face of setbacks. The coaches—each juggling full‑time careers and busy family lives—have overcome every obstacle to stand by the pool three to six times a week, unwavering in their commitment to help these children chase their dreams. Parents have given their all, too: handling finances, secretarial tasks, logistics, even sewing competition swimsuits and organizing regional meets, all so our kids could immerse themselves fully in their passion. If coaches and families can go to such lengths, why would a nonprofit like New Canaan YMCA—whose mission is to serve the community, foster youth development, and whose generous annual donations support its work—so hastily dismantle a forty‑year‑old club? We call on local leaders to take notice, open a constructive dialogue, and secure a stable training environment so that these children can continue to pursue and achieve their dreams
As a swimmer being part of a team isn’t just about competition it’s about the family, discipline, growth, and support. To see it shut down so abruptly is so disappointing . We have swam in early mornings, late nights, and countless hours of effort. This isn’t just a program being cut it’s possible future careers, bonds, and a way of life being taken from us. We deserve better!
I hope this town supports female sports and helps the Aquianas enjoy 40 more years in New Canaan. My daughter moved from the team in Hamden to the Aquianas and it has been so helpful for her development both in and out of the pool. I hope the Y will recognize the value the team brings to the swimmers and the broader community.
These girls are amazing! I have seen them in action. With 50 years of history, success and dedication, I hope a plan for the Aquianas to continue in New Canaan would work. And within the Y network, couldn’t the YMCA New Canaan support the team with pool time, and help broker pool time at other local Y pools- The YMCA in New Canaan offers our community so many great programs, I hope they work this one out!
I love this program! My family moved to New Canaan 4 years ago and we were looking to get our kids involved in positive activities. My daughter (11 at the time) had never done artistic swimming before, but wanted to try it. The swimmers and coaches accepted her with open arms and helped her learn the skills to catch up to her peers. Just a few years later, she won gold and silver at the East Zone Finals and will compete at Nationals in a couple of weeks. It’s such a great program for kids of all ages and skill levels. We’ve seen our daughter grow into a more confident, motivated, and committed young woman, and this program has a lot to do with that! The values she has learned with the NC Aquianas; caring and respecting each other, honesty, and responsibility, are the exact same values of the YMCA mission around the world. What a shame that the New Canaan YMCA leadership and board of directors will not fight to keep this program, that beautifully fulfills what they are supposed to stand for, alive.
The swimmer described the mission of the Y and community when she wrote:” swimmer being part of a team isn’t just about competition it’s about the family, discipline, growth, and support. ” She probably could write more about the valuable program.
Carol Valles,
I want to thank all of you who have put your faith and swimmers in the Synchro program. In reality I helped start this program in 1979 after meeting with Mr Gueist who was the head of the New Canaan YMCA at the time. He wanted to have the best aquatic teams in our area. The team was originally in Bedford, New York for two years but moved to New Canaan with the blessing and support of Mr. Gueist and the YMCA of New Canaan. The hundreds of girls that have gone through the Synchro program since the Fall of 1979 have become productive and amazing young women who are great assets to any community where they live. The sport has not only developed their athletic skills but have taught them to care about others, team building, time management, making life long friends and all that while beig excellant academic students.
i knew nothing about this sport when my to daughtrs decided they wantd to be sycronized swimmers. My first two years I trained to be a judge but when we moved to New Canaan and lost our first coach, Mary Howard Casey, I had around fifteen girls and to keep the them I started training to coach and became the head coach until 1996. The growth of the team amazed me as the years went by. While I was always in the process of learning new ways to help the swimmers my strong point was bringing in the best experts in the field from all over the USA. It took about four years at the start before we were winning medals in the East Zone and another four into the program to become known in our country. After that we had several teams of eight girls who won consistently various medals at national
championships. We also started going to Europe for competiotions and were totally surprised at how well we did and brought home many medals and trophys. We managed to hire quite a few coaches and trained them in our methods which was not onltythe techniques of coaching but to treat the girls with respect and encouragement in their progress.
I AM GREATFUL TO ANY OF YOOU WHO CAN HELP US STAY TOGETHER!!
Many families keep their YMCA memberships active long after their children have aged out of programs there, simply to support a valuable community resource. In that spirit, I hope the YMCA itself can find a way to continue supporting the Aquianas. It is my understanding that the reason for the change is to create more time for adult lane swimming? Are we to believe it’s not possible to find a solution that doesn’t not involve cutting a beloved program for female athletes?
As a father to one of these talented athletes and a member of the New Canaan Y, I was shocked when I found out last summer about the abrupt decision to cut ties with the Aquianas. I have watched my daughter blossom in this program – as an athlete, as a teammate, and, most importantly, as a self-confident young woman. It has given her a passion and purpose that nothing else has, all the while creating a camaraderie with her teammates that no doubt will have lasting bonds.
It has been such an inspiration that her younger sister has now joined the entry program and is being coached by the older girls in the program. Could not think of better role models for a little girl to have in this community!
Hope this continues to spark some serious conversations about keeping this storied and empowering program alive in New Canaan for years to come.
My daughter has been a member of the New Canaan Aquianas for 10 years. Being part of a wonderful organization of dedicated and caring coaches and teammates has taught her the values of being a team player, hard work, and handling pressures of performing nationally and internationally. In a world where women’s sports takes a backseat to male sports, every effort should be made to support and celebrate the continued development and success of this remarkable team. For the New Canaan YMCA to remove this team from their organization after decades of bringing glory to the town is deeply disturbing. We need the support to help this team continue to thrive and grow so that future generations of girls may continue to develop these lifelong skills.
The Aquianas team is the bright star of our town. It embodies all that we might hope for in our children: strength, resilience, beauty, elegance, athleticism and artistry. It is hard to think of a sport that is simultaneously as exquisite and graceful as it is difficult beneath the surface. Our girls have poured not just hours, days, months and years but also their souls, dreams and passion into this training that has largely shaped their identity and youth.
So I wonder: what could be more central to the YMCA’s local mission than protecting the heritage of a 40+ years old team that raises wonderful human beings with depth and character while shooting stars to the Olympics? We urge the town to stand behind the Aquainas and fully support this unique program with the pride and joy it deserves. Don’t turn off the lights on excellence and enjoy the show.
As a parent, I am deeply disappointed by the New Canaan YMCA’s imprudent decision to end a 40-year partnership with the local synchronized swimming team. This team has inspired generations of young athletes, offering not just training but a foundation for confidence, discipline, and teamwork.
The YMCA’s mission is to support youth development and strengthen communities—not to prioritize profit. Demanding that a nonprofit, youth-centered team pay unaffordable rental fees, without providing a reasonable explanation, goes against the very values the YMCA claims to uphold. It reflects a short-sighted and self-serving decision by those in charge.
What’s even more troubling is that other YMCAs across the country continue to support their local synchronized swimming teams, providing pool time and resources as part of their community service mission. So why is New Canaan YMCA choosing to walk away from a long-standing tradition and a thriving youth program? Without transparency or justification, this move feels like a betrayal—not just to the team, but to the entire community.
We urge the YMCA to reconsider and honor its commitment to young people. The legacy of this program and the futures of many young swimmers deserve better.
The Aquianas are swimming at US nationals this week. They’re top notch. Let’s cheer them on! https://www.usaartisticswim.org/live-stream
My 3 daughters swam for the New Canaan Aquianas for several years and also coached during that time as well. I still cannot believe that the New Canaan Y would make such a rash decision with little explanation to the swimmers/coaches/families of NCA. Shame on the Y Director and the board of directors to do this to these young athletes. What is truly devastating is that Artistic swimming is not offered anywhere else nearby and no other pools in this area meet the requirements for this unique sport. My hope is that NCA can continue to use the New Canaan Y pools in the future. I thought the Y was supportive of children’s sports? If so, prove it New Canaan Y! Reverse your decision and make it right.
Disappointing to see the Y drop one of the most successful New Canaan sports teams.
Does anyone know why this 40+ year old program was abruptly dropped?
Many years ago I caught a glimpse of the Aquianas team practicing when the daughter of a close friend was a member. I was amazed by how hard the team worked during practice and how beautiful their choreographed performances were. I hope that an agreement can be reached to keep the program running.
After reading the 60+ comments I learned so much about this value program and I hope that the Y and the NCA can reach an agreement soon.
I really hope this doesn’t happen and the Y realizes what a massive loss this would be for so many dedicated and hardworking girls. What else can we do to help reverse this decision?
Years ago, when I picked up my little one from the Y Rainbow Station, my eyes were drawn to a big banner of an NCA swimmer proudly entering the national team. I was deeply inspired by the great achievement of a girl from our town, and that was my very first impression of NCA. Now, years have passed, and I am proud to be the mother of two NCA swimmers. This long-standing team has shaped the lives of my daughters and my family as well. Resilience, discipline, teamwork, friendship, and many other valuable characteristics have been instilled in them.
I believe there are many families like ours who moved to the town as daycare parents, attracted by the beauty of sports we glimpsed from time to time, inspired by the way the team shaped our kids’ lives, and put their faith and effort into this sport. It’s incredible how a young girl can be captivated by the dedication and achievements of the team members, try it on her own, and have her life and mindset shaped by the team. This nurturing environment helps her grow into the next generation of team members who will, in turn, inspire future generations.
I hope the Y and our town can recognize these values, the positive influence, and the family inflow that a team can bring to the New Canaan community. Let the way this team has influenced my family continue to shape and inspire future families, ensuring that generation after generation, this team remains an invaluable asset to our town.
Very disappointed in the YMCA New Canaan’s decision to no longer support the team and community. What a loss, hopefully they can reverse their thought process and come to their senses. Support the Aquianas! I’ve not seen a stronger program for girls, if only we all could be so lucky to take part in something this special.
I hope the Y will reconsider and allow these amazing athletes continued use of the pool. This team is a wonderful part of the New Canaan community and it would be terrible if they can’t have access to the facility where they have been practicing for all these years.
This is such an amazing sport and has been the most incredible experience for my kid. I really hope the town support us.
Feels like a great loss if the decision does not get reversed. It is not just about talent or future star in the Olympics. You just simply need to recognize the hard work of the team over so many years. It should be a tradition that Y could be proud of, not to see it dropped in such manner.
YMCA, please continue to support these incredible, female athletes. These girls are counting on you to do the right thing — for them and for all who hear this story.
The decision by the New Canaan YMCA to shut down the artistic swimming program last August was a travesty. Imagine the outrage that the New Canaan community would have had if somebody had unilaterally shut down the New Canaan Rams football team.
It was hard work to survive and go independent, but we did it. I can only hope and pray that the board and the executive director of the New Canaan YMCA program going forward.
The program is 40 years old and is one of the most successful programs in the country. On the one hand, the program is very inclusive with many non competitive tracks. On the other hand, it produces top notch athletes who go on to swim for Team USA and for top clubs and colleges. Our team has podium results in regional, national and international championships, year after year. Just look at some of those pictures. Is it any wonder that Team USA won a silver medal in Paris?
To me though, the biggest thing is the joy and the community that my daughter and my family has found in the program over the years and the life lessons she has learned – discipline, team work, and value of hard work. My happiest memory of 2023 was driving a group of tired girls singing Taylor Swift home after practice.
One more time I’m urging the powers that be to consider what this program has meant to New Canaan for decade, and to help going forward
I sincerely hope the YMCA will reconsider this decision. This program means so much to so many dedicated girls and their families – it’s more than just a sport – it’s a source of confidence, discipline, community, friendship, and pride.
If there’s any way to revisit the conversation or explore alternatives, I know many families – including mine – would be eager to help.
This is such an important program for so many committed athletes and their families. I hope that this can be reconsidered!
Women’s participation in sports is crucial for promoting gender equality, empowering girls and women, and fostering an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
70+ comments yet no one has asked for any background on why the situation is as it is? The author makes no effort to explain why the group was asked to become an independent organization. The director states the Y has supported the group as they move to a format that, presumably, resembles all other competitive youth sports groups. A rare NewCanaanite article with only one-side represented and a brigade of comments – a casual and critical reader would wonder what the deeper story is.
Thank you, this thread is closed.