History

The Carrollton Aqua Racers Swimming (CARS) program began in 1974 as the Carrollton Swim Club sponsored by the City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department. The program was first coached by David Stroble and competed under TAAF and AAU organizations, practicing at the Thomas Pool. Kim Hoag succeeded Coach Stroble in the 1980s as Head Coach during which the program surpassed 100 swimmers. The program moved to an Olympic-size facility in 1987 following construction of the Rosemeade Pool. For16 years between 1992 and 2008, the swim team was led by Coach Kathi Rayborn. In the mid 1990s, administration of the organization was transferred from the City to a parent Board of Trustees, although a partnership with the City was maintained. After coaching as an assistant since 2001, BJ Warren assumed the duties of Head Coach in 2009 following Coach Kathi’s retirement. Our current head coach is Nina Lim, who has a long history with the program as both an athlete and assistant coach prior to taking over head coaching duties in 2019. CARS continues to draw swimmers from Carrollton and the surrounding communities with more than 200 youth swimmers registered each year.

Mission Statement

The Mission of the CARS organization is to promote the sport of swimming with the youth of our community by offering a summer-league program with quality instruction. CARS is committed to providing a safe and positive training environment in which swimmers of all ages and abilities can participate in physical fitness, and develop a sense of self-esteem and pride through individual and team achievement.

Goals

CARS believes that swimming should be a challenging, positive, and rewarding experience for all its athletes and their families. The goals of the CARS program are to:

• Provide opportunities for swimmers of all levels to participate in competition and promote competitive swimming without pressuring individuals to participate in competition.
• Promote personal responsibility, accountability, sportsmanship and citizenship through positive reinforcement.
• Create a positive environment in which all swimmers are supported and valued at all levels, irrespective of a swimmer’s competitive or recreational goals.
• Retain a professional coaching staff with the qualifications necessary to provide instruction for development of individual swimmers as well as for the team.
• Provide opportunities for social development and encourage peer and family participation.
• Operate an affordable and fiscally- responsible non-profit organization through careful budgeting and evaluation of revenues and expenditures.

Administration

CARS is a non-profit organization administered by a Board of Trustees. For the 2021 season, the Board members include:

• President – Matthew Irby
• Hytek/Results Director – Stuart Davis
• Treasurer - Mario DiPasquale
• Communications Director – Mary Gooddell

In addition to the Board members, Committee Coordinators assume a leadership role for specific tasks. 

• Spirit Wear Coordinator - Laurie Wiehe
• Registration Coordinator - Stuart Davis
• Volunteer Coordinator - Erin Stark & Stacy Phillips

Volunteerism is required of parents to effectively operate CARS. The only paid staff with Aqua Racers are the coaches. The City of Carrollton Parks and Recreation Department provides our facility, equipment and support, and CARS values the partnership we have with the City.