December 2025 Newsletter
SAVE THE DATE:
Dec 15 - Front Desk Training @ 6:30pm
Dec 20-21 - Legacy Aquatics Showdown at Parkrose
Jan 2-4 - CST Shark Chase in Newburg
Jan 16-18 - Washington SR Open
Jan 17-19 - THSC Round Robin Meet
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
Hello from the Coaches
Volunteer Info
Fundraisers
Swimmer of the Month
December Birthday’s
Thank you to our official team sponsor Arena
RESOURCES:
Volunteer Hours / Event Sign Up / OSI Time Standards / USA Swimming / DDAC Facebook
Translated versions: RUSSIAN SPANISH VIETNAMESE
FROM THE COACHES
COACH JIM
Happy December DDAC Families,
December is a busy month in the sport of swimming. As we head into the holiday season, high school swimming begins, club meets seem to be every weekend and Championship season seems to be right around the corner
It’s important that families and the athletes keep things in balance. As the hecticness of the holidays ramps up be sure to maintain a consistent training schedule, but also take time to spend quality time with your friends and family. Missing a practice to be with family occasionally is needed to make those family memories during this time of the year. Although missing multiple practices can have an adverse affect on your future performances. So as the season ramps up take time to be with your loved ones. But do not get too side tracked; it hinders your seasonal and long term goals.
Update on the high school side of our program. DDHS won its first meet against Central Catholic both on the girls and guys side. On the same weekend Topher Ashmore, Ariya Abdullah, Tierney King and Elliott Huelshoff swam at the Holiday Invite in Beaverton. The next few weeks the senior/high school team has dual meets versus Nelson High School, McMinnville High school and will be participating in the Legacy Showdown.
COACH BOBBY
FOUNDATION OF A SUCCESSFUL SWIMMER: SELF-DISCIPLINE & COMMITMENT
Swimming is often celebrated for its physical benefits—strength, endurance, and cardiovascular health—but behind every strong swimmer is a foundation built on self-discipline and commitment. Unlike many sports, swimming demands consistency and mental resilience long before results begin to show. The pool becomes a classroom where athletes learn habits that carry far beyond the water.
Swimmers are known for their early practices, sometimes beginning before sunrise. Developing the discipline to show up consistently, even when motivation is low, helps athletes strengthen their internal drive. Over time, this routine becomes a key part of their identity, creating structure and purpose both in and out of the pool.
Improvement in swimming is largely incremental. Athletes repeat drills, refine technique, and work on pacing day after day. This process teaches patience and embraces small, steady progress. Commitment to repetition develops a growth mindset—understanding that excellence comes from dedication, not shortcuts.
Swimming can be mentally challenging—long laps, difficult sets, and moments when fatigue pushes athletes to their limits. Self-discipline helps swimmers manage frustration, stay focused, and push through discomfort. These mental skills help them navigate pressure during competitions and build resilience in everyday life.
Even though races are individual, training is often a collaborative effort. Being part of a swim team encourages accountability—showing up not just for oneself but for teammates. Shared commitment creates a strong community where swimmers support and motivate one another.
The habits formed through disciplined training—time management, perseverance, and handling setbacks—translate into academic, personal, and professional success. Swimming teaches athletes that progress is earned through consistent effort and that commitment is a powerful tool for achieving long-term goals.
Swimming is more than a sport; it’s a journey that shapes character. With self-discipline and commitment at its core, the pool becomes a place where athletes learn to overcome challenges, celebrate progress, and build the foundation for a resilient, purpose-driven life.
COACH BRAYDEN
As we head into December, it’s a great time to pause and appreciate just how far we’ve come this season. We’ve already seen some amazing time drops, and with the Legacy Showdown right around the corner, the momentum within our program is undeniable. Every meet, every practice, and every effort is adding up. Take a moment to reflect on the opportunities we’ve had so far and be proud of the progress you’ve made—individually and as a team.
December Focus: Own the Wall
This month, our club focus is all about maximizing every push-off. Races are won and lost on the walls, and that explosion off the wall is where free speed lives. I’ve seen huge improvements from those of you who have really committed to doing things right underwater—keep that going.
Let’s lock in on our 4 Non-Negotiables of the Push-Off:
Tight Streamline – every time, no shortcuts
2-Second Torpedo – long, fast, and controlled
3+ Dolphin Kicks – yes, every single wall
3 Strokes, No Breathing (Freestyle) – carry speed into the race
When these are done with intention, it shows—both in practice and on race day.
Looking Ahead
I am incredibly proud of what everyone is accomplishing right now. The work you’re putting in is building toward something big, and I’m excited to see what this team can do as State season approaches. Keep showing up ready to work, ready to focus, and ready to get better every length.
This is where good becomes great. Let’s keep pounding out strong practices, pushing each other, and raising the standard every day.
Keep it up, DDAC.
– Coach Brayden
VOLUNTEER INFO
Become an Official for Our Swim Team!
If you are interested in becoming an official, please let us know so that we can support you through the process and track how many people are actively going through training. Email andrea.guillet@ddacswim.org with any questions.
Please review this info document for detailed information on the roles, benefits, and steps required to become an official.
Volunteer Hours:
Thank you to everyone who has volunteered at the recent swim meets and have been working behind the scenes to support Club activities. This is your reminder to log your hours here, so that you get credit for them.
Fundraising Updates & Thank You:
Thank you to everyone who supported our Silent Auction and See’s Candies fundraisers in the month of November. We raised $165 through chocolate sales to go towards our scholarship fund and we raised almost $4,500 through the silent auction and pizza sales to be used for team travel meets.
Thank you to everyone who participated, shared the link or invited friends, donated, volunteered and bid on items. A special, heartfelt thank you to Jennifer Robinson for spearheading the silent auction event and dedicating countless hours to make it a huge success!
Coffee is thanks to our partnership with Portland Coffee Roasters
ONGOING FUNDRAISERS
Fred Meyer’s Community Rewards
Link your Fred Meyer community rewards to support DDAC! Every dollar you spend at Fred Meyer helps support the DDAC swim team. Sign into your Fred Meyer account and choose to support the David Douglas Aquatics Club. Don’t have an account? No worries! It is quick and easy to set one up. It’s a win win! You earn points and give back to the club at the same time! It’s effortless fundraising! Share with friends and family!
Bottle Drop
You can help raise money for David Douglas Aquatics Club by recycling your bottles and cans. It's easy! Fill up a BLUE bag with empty Oregon deposit containers. When full, cinch the bag securely and drop off at any Bottle Drop Center. There is a square white sticker already on the bag that labels it as part of the DDAC fundraiser and can also be used to open the drop box door when you scan it. Pick up bags at the front desk. Friends and neighbors can do it too so spread the word and take them a blue bag!
Check out the new system and sign up here: https://ddac.as.me/
If you have any questions, please email andrea.guillet@ddacswim.org. Feedback is welcome.
SWIMMER’S OF THE MONTH
Senior - Nathan Vuong
Gold - Netanya Weldemariam
Silver 2 - Leo Lohrmann-Riggs
Silver 1 - Mila Khyungra
Bronze 2 - Alice Nolan
Bronze 1 - Seb Lemoncello
DECEMBER BIRTHDAY’S
12/12/2017 Leo Kozhevnikov Bronze
12/12/2014 Rosemary Martin Silver II
12/19/2011 Claire Noble Bronze II
12/31/2010 Jayden Normine Senior
12/31/2013 June Stephenson Bronze II
12/16/2012 Jesse-James Taekker Silver I
12/08/2012 Bosco Tsang Silver II
12/21/2010 Christopher Ashmore Senior
12/22/2008 Sammuel Bailey Senior
12/03/2012 Odin Bonssdorf Gold
12/01/2014 Petra Bovey Bronze
12/08/2014 Keira Crearer Bronze1
12/14/2012 Hyabuiel Habtaz Gold
12/28/2015 Sophia Hoang Bronze
BOARD MEMBERS
Jennifer Robinson – Member Representative
jennifer.robinson@ddacswim.org
Halle Cisco – Marketing & Communications
halle.cisco@ddacswim.org
Jamie King – Coach
jamie.king@ddacswim.org
Coaches:
bobby.deroest@ddacswim.org
brayden.franzke@ddacswim.org
James Bowe – President
jim.bowe@ddacswim.org
Crystal Mandery – Vice President
crystal.mandery@ddacswim.org
Jennifer Lindeman – Secretary
jennifer.lindeman@ddacswim.org
Heather Franklin – Treasurer
heather.franklin@ddacswim.org
Andrea Guillet – Volunteer Coordinator
andrea.guillet@ddacswim.org