TEAM Eugene Aquatics

"While there are some amazing coaches at this organization, the executive director has created a dogmatic and expensive swim team that is a detriment to equitable competitive swimming in Eugene and Springfield. During the pandemic, Team Eugene acquired the majority of pool rental space in the area. While having the privilege of a large share of public resource use, they have egregiously ignored their social impact and community responsibility by making competitive swimming inaccessible for many children. Team Eugene’s entry level/non competitive programs draw many families to the team by offering reasonable dues, and practices where kids will see neighborhood and school friends at their local pool. This level has a repeating curriculum and is designed for one season, maybe two for most swimmers. Once completed, swimmers will be encouraged to move into competitive groups with their newly made teammates and basic knowledge of all 4 strokes. TE's competitive group prices, practice locations, and attendance requirements can only be seen with a membership log in or by sending a request to the executive director. This is often missed, and therefore overlooked by new families. The difference between the entry and competition groups is shocking. The price jump for dues is extreme. Practices have a strict attendance number each week which can limit other sport/activity participation. Additionally, practices are generally at Willamalane (sometimes the YMCA) not at every pool. There are also required fundraising and volunteer hours (with monetary penalties if incomplete), as well as costly swim meet attendence. As mentioned in other reviews, TE does offer scholarships, but they can only be applied for in August -and if awarded- only offer partial dues. It’s also important to note that competitive level practices are strictly divided by 2 year age groupings, while most beginner practices have 10 and under groupings at the same time/place. This once again creates an accessibly pitfall for families who cannot get their children to different pools across both towns generally before 5. This organization causes many swimmers with great potential and/or love of the sport to not advance at their own pace due to socioeconomic factors beyond their control. The effect of this can be seen in pool crowding at the lowest levels, and a sense of division and hierarchy between team groups. Those that had the means to advance - and those left behind. This is exacerbated further with different colored swim caps being allowed to be worn at shared practice times- but only by those who got them at competitive meets. TE has taken advantage of the community funded resources entrusted to them. With this access, they gained the large, preexisting demand for swimming opportunity in the local area. By limiting those who can advance not by skill, but socioeconomic ability they have created inequitable swim opportunity in Eugene and Springfield. Their focus is clearly on their "vision" of company growth, national recognition - as well as hefty salary increases for top coaches (see their recent non profit tax filings). Many positive reviews left here are written by people affiliated with the business (family, board members etc.) The shortage of negative reviews is likely related to fear. At a recent meeting a board member warned parents that any perceived parent “gossip” can lead to a swimmer being removed from the team. This was in response to parents submitting anonymous feedback to the board regarding many concerns mentioned in this review (and more). Thankfully, there are much less expensive, much more collaborative and equitable swim teams in the area. Currently they operate predominately out of Echo Hollow, River Road, and have a small share of lane time at Sheldon and Amazon. I urge parents to try all of these teams before committing to one. If the team you prefer does not have pool time at your closest pool, I encourage you to contact that pool’s aquatics director and request more pool time for other vendors."

"I highly recommend this swim team to anyone looking for a positive and supportive environment for their child to learn and grow in the sport of swimming. Not only does TEAM Eugene offer options for swimmers of all levels, from recreational to competitive, but they also have a dedicated and experienced coaching staff that brings a wide range of skills and coaching methods to the table. My kids have been part of this team for a few years now and the positive impact it has had on them is undeniable. They have not only grown stronger in their swimming abilities, but have also developed a strong work ethic and built meaningful friendships with their teammates. The coaches truly care about the well-being and progress of each swimmer and work hard to ensure that everyone is challenged and supported in reaching their goals. In regard to the negative review that claims the team is money driven, I can assure you that this is not the case. While the team does require a commitment of time and resources, as any organized sport does, the coaching staff and the organization as a whole is always transparent about the costs involved and make every effort to keep expenses low. In addition, there are opportunities for financial aid and scholarships to help families who might need assistance. The team is centered around the development of the swimmers and the support to swimmer and family as well. In conclusion, if you're looking for a swim team that will provide your child with a great experience while they learn to swim and improve their skills and work ethic, TEAM Eugene would be a super fit."

"TEAM is a wonderful swim team that went above and beyond during Covid to keep the kids in the water. They foster an environment that is supportive of all. The relationships created will last a lifetime."

"This swim team is an absolute joke, if they even deserve to be recognized as a swim team. I don't know how it was when it first formed, but all that TEAM really cares about now is taking parents' money, who's rich and who isn't, and not focusing on improving swimmers. I've noticed that most kids are only there because "their parents told them so" and not actually wanting to practice, which ends up wasting your money. It also feels more like a swim lesson group than it is a swim team, since a lot of newcomers don't even know how to swim, which defeats the meaning of a "swimming club". Because of that, they focus more on the non-swimmers rather than those who wanted to work hard to qualify for sectionals or even be a future Olympic swimmer or something. As for the coaches, they just read off practice workouts that they obviously never wrote themselves and are not properly invested in certain techniques. There's one particular short blondish female coach who just does nothing but shout at them. What kind of coach verbally abuses 10-year-old kids, even if it was their own child!? All the practice times are very confusing (i.e., Monday mornings at Amazon pool, TF afternoons at Echo Hollow, Sat evenings at Willamalane, early Sunday morning at the UO rec center) with no consistent location or specified schedule. Some days they just cancel practices with no notice, wasting my drives. There are way too many swimmers to the point that most of whom end up only practicing once a week. All in all, I've never seen a more disorganized, uncaring, improper group than these idiots. Believe me when I say I wish I wasn't overexaggerating about this, but it's all true. Parents, you're better off sending your kids to practice with other swim teams like ECSC or Emerald Aquatics. TEAM Eugene should be ashamed of even calling themselves a swim team. (If only 0 stars was an option here)"

"Team Eugene is and has been a great experience for my swimmer. She loves and respects the coaches and teammates. Her caring coaches have not only taught her swimming technique and skills but drive and ambition. Her swim mates are her closest friends. The whole Team experience has enriched her life more than I could have imagined."