YUMA KRAKENS SWIM TEAM
New Swimmers
We are committed to providing a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment where every swimmer can thrive. We have a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, inappropriate behavior, and poor attitudes, ensuring our team remains a safe and supportive space for all.
We proudly accept swimmers of all learning and cognitive abilities, languages spoken, and athletic backgrounds. Diversity strengthens our team, and we believe everyone deserves an opportunity to grow and succeed.
Here, your swimming ability doesn’t define you—your character and work ethic do. We value qualities like perseverance, respect, and teamwork, knowing that these traits build great athletes and even better individuals.
Our coaches are dedicated to helping your child excel, both in the water and in life. From improving their technique to fostering personal development, we are committed to supporting each swimmer’s journey.
We emphasize the importance of team unity and collective growth. No one person or family is bigger than the team, and together, we create a culture of collaboration, encouragement, and shared success.
Experienced Swimmers:
For athletes who want a distinct edge in competitive swimming, the Yuma Krakens provides a unique avenue for success. Along this path, we teach athletes to take guided ownership in learning and applying focus, mental toughness, commitment, and pride in their team. When these four traits come together, we believe an athlete is able to achieve their personal goals. Our Junior & Senior Groups are a perfect place for middle and high school age swimmers to be.
WHY SWIM FOR THE KRAKENS?
Founders, Sean and Laiza Smith, wanted a team that was family oriented, disciplined, and stressed enjoying swimming over competition. While having a son with Autism, they also wanted the team to be inclusive of children of all learning abilities.
While fun is a priority, our coaching staff is the most experienced in Yuma in both competition and coaching. Our more experienced swimmers seek out meets that are prelim/final in and out of Arizona. Our team has state champions, Sectional and Futures level qualifiers.
The Yuma Krakens has an experienced coaching staff featuring staff with a combined 50+ years of experience and expertise for those wanting to reach the next level in their abilities. Staff members have competed in meets such as USA Swimming Summer Nationals, NCAA Division II National Championships, and USA Swimming Sectionals.
Competitive Team Phases
Beginner Krakens
• Discovering the Sport
Our Beginner Krakens Group is intended for swimmers that love being in the water and are ready to try a new sport. This group is the entry level of the team – swimmers will learn to be part of a team, master the fundamentals of the sport, and learn what to expect at swim meets. Our primary goal is for swimmers to have fun and learn to love the sport of swimming.
Ages: 5-9, must be able to swim 25 yards unassisted. There is a swim test. Swim Lessons may be recommended.
Theme: Fun, Fundamentals
Skills: Side breathing, backstroke,etc.
Schedule: W/F, 4:30-5:30pm
Cost: $80 per month, recurring
Lil Krakens
• Refining Fundamentals
Our Lil Krakens Group is intended for swimmers that are ready to take their swimming to the next level. We’ll continue to reinforce the fundamentals, while teaching more advanced stroke technique and race strategies. As swimmers progress through the Red and Blue groups, we’ll work with every swimmer on team building, goal setting, and race skills that allow each swimmer to be as competitive as they want to be. Participation in swim meets is highly encouraged.
Ages: 12 & Under
Theme: Goal-Setting, Team Building
Skills: Tough, Committed
Schedule: Mon/Tues/Thurs 4:30-5:30pm
Cost: $80 per month, recurring
Junior Krakens
• Growing and Learning
Geared toward swimmers as they achieve their highest level of swimming potential. This phase encompasses the four team skills of being a focused, tough, committed, and proud athlete.
Ages: 13 & Over
Theme: Achieving to the level that their talent and desire will allow
Team Skills: Focused, Tough, Committed, Proud
Schedule: Mon-Fri, 4:00-5:30pm
Cost: $90 per month, recurring
Senior Krakens
• Performing at your own highest level
When an athlete’s talent and desire combine to propel them to the state level, this training group focuses on training, competition, and commitment from both athletes and coaching staff.
Ages: 13 & Over
Theme: Scoring and team placement at Regional & State level meets
Team Skills: Focused, Tough, Committed, Proud
Schedule: Mon-Fri 3:30-6:00pm & Saturdays.
Cost: $100 per month, recurring