New Canaan Aquianas
"The Aquianas stand firmly against the destruction of the Valles pool because we recognize that with one fewer pool facility, existing teams will suffer as our 50 Aquianas athletes did."
The New Canaan Aquianas artistic/synchronized swimming team enjoyed nearly 50 years as a YMCA program before it was terminated in August, 2024, just weeks before the start of the season. The Aquianas practiced in the Valles and Forese pools: the latter of which was built with synchro in mind as it boasts a 25m length with suitable depth end-to-end. In cancelling the program, YMCA leadership caused tremendous trauma to the 50+ female athletes at the time, and I don't use the word 'trauma' lightly. We were given a year of pool space, but after one fact-based article on the team's fundraising needs was released, the public began asking questions and showing frustration on the team's behalf. Margaret immediately severed our rental agreement due to PR concerns and any immediate hope of the Aquianas permanently coming home.
The YMCA claims to support the mental and physical wellbeing of children in this close-knit community. Without our home pool of 50 years and local competitive alternatives, the Aquianas were all but destroyed. Except these athletes, their parents, and incredibly dedicated coaches (ALL of whom were Aquianas swimmers themselves) figured out a way to keep the team united and competitive on the national stage.
The Aquianas stand firmly against the destruction of the Valles pool because we recognize that with one fewer pool facility, existing teams (namely, diving, varsity girls/boys, and the Caimans) will suffer as our 50 Aquianas athletes did. We proudly add our voices to this conversation so that children who have found their passion in the pool don't need to travel as far as Danbury, Weston, Wilton and SUNY Purchase to practice each week. And one day soon, we hope that the Aquianas can come home to the New Canaan YMCA. None of these hopes will be possible if the Valles is destroyed.