Team Tryouts
Tryout day
Tryout Location
Vernon Hills High School provides an excellent environment for evaluating competitive swimmers.
What to Expect
During the tryout, swimmers will be evaluated by our coaching staff within their appropriate training group. Coaches will assess each swimmer's comfort and confidence in the water, overall swimming ability, and readiness for our competitive program.
On Tryout Day
- You’ll check in your swimmer and receive a sheet with their name to give to the coach conducting the test.
- When it’s time for the tryout, the coach will call the swimmer and ask for the sheet. Only swimmers are allowed in the pool, while parents can watch from the stands.
- During the test, the coach will assess stroke technique, streamlining off the walls, kicking, flip turns, endurance, and how well the swimmer listens to instructions.
- Once the testing is complete, the coach will speak with the parent to share whether the swimmer has made the team and hand over a sheet, or recommend private lessons and specific areas to improve.
- If your swimmers made the team, the sheet of paper you receive is very important. It will have all the information you need and also allow you to register your swimmer or swimmers in person at the Sullivan Center.
How to Register
Registering for the team:
After your tryout, if you’re invited to join, the coach will give you a sheet indicating the group your swimmer will train with. Bring that sheet to the Sullivan Center to complete your registration at the front desk. Don’t forget—you must have the sheet with you to register.
Register with USA Swimming:
you must complete this step before attending practice. Start by creating an account for yourself as the parent or guardian, then enter your swimmer’s information. Click here to get started and check out this video for detailed instructions.
Adding Payment Method to Commit Swimming:
Connecting your payment method in Commit Swimming is quick and keeps your team billing running smoothly. After logging into your Commit account, go to the Billing or Payments section in your dashboard. There, you’ll see an option to add a payment method—usually a credit/debit card or bank account. Enter your information, confirm the details, and save the payment method to your profile. Once added, Commit will automatically use it for future invoices, meet fees, or monthly charges, making everything seamless for parents and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions
Overview of VHST:
VHST is a competitive swim club affiliated Park district and with USA Swimming, which supports a vast network of over 400,000 member swimmers throughout the nation. Our dedicated coaching staff fosters a competitive yet supportive environment, where young athletes can cultivate friendships, boost their self-esteem, and learn how to set and achieve personal goals in swimming.
Practice Schedule and Group Assignments:
Team practices will typically occur in the evenings, 5:00 PM or later, with the exact timing depending on the assigned group. While 100% attendance is not mandatory, regular practice is strongly encouraged to maximize improvement and team cohesion.
Swim Meets and Athlete Readiness:
VHST will evaluate if your swimmer should begin with recreational meets— an excellent introduction to competitive swimming—or if they are ready to participate in USA Swimming sanctioned competitions, which occur 1-2 times per month and are characterized by a higher level of competition. If your swimmer is part of VHST, they are undoubtedly ready for their first swim meet! Our coaching staff is committed to guiding new swimmers through these initial competitive experiences, ensuring they feel confident and prepared.
Parent Involvement and Responsibilities:
As a Park District, VHST depends on the active participation of its member families to facilitate seamless operations. Our funding comes from seasonal dues and various fundraising initiatives, such as our Relay-A-Thon, held every October or November. Additionally, we warmly accept sponsorships from corporate entities for the team. Each season, we host 2-4 Park District swim meets at Vernon Hills High School. These events offer valuable opportunities for you to fulfill your volunteer hours. Active participation from all parents during these meets is essential and greatly appreciated, making it an easy way to meet your mandatory volunteer requirements.
Questions Regarding Tryouts or VHST:
If you have any questions or require further information about tryouts, please reach out to Coach Enrico McConney at enricom@vhparkdistrict.org We are here to assist you and ensure a positive experience for all swimmers and their families.