MAC Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum requirement to be invited to join our team is to swim freestyle and backstroke for 25 yards - the length of most indoor pools. If you cannot swim the minimum, we will teach you either through our swim lessons (Splish and Splash), which are offered March through October at Las Sendas Community Pool or private lessons offered by one of the MAC coaches.

A list of the age and group requirements for joining our team can be found in our group descriptions.

Each new swimmer will need to schedule an in water evaluation with Meg Zajdzinski or another coach. This can be scheduled at Kino or Skyline and will take about 15 minutes.

If the swimmer has previous swimming experience a group recommendation can be made without an evaluation, by reaching out to Meg Zajdzinski.

Most of our groups do not have a strict attendance requirement. We offer practices multiple days a week to allow for participants to choose a schedule that works with their family and extracurricular activities. Most of our swimmers participate and thrive in other sports and activities, and this is encouraged by the MAC staff. Our coaches are generally very accommodating and understand the importance of balancing swimming with other commitments. Open communication about your swimmer's schedule is always encouraged.

We offer introductory “FUN” meets for our younger swimmers who are new to the sport. These meets are offered 1x/month March-October, on a weeknight evening, in place of practice.

USA Sanctioned meets are offered approximately 1x/month, on the weekends.

Most of our meets are in the Phoenix area or at one of our home pools. We typically attend 1-3 meets per year outside of the Phoenix area. In addition we offer 1-3 travel meets per year where the athletes can travel with the team or with their family.

Practices are primarily held at Kino Aquatic Center (848 N Horne, Mesa, AZ 85203) and Skyline Aquatic Center (845 S Crismon Rd, Mesa, AZ 85208).

We are a year round team offering opportunities to join any time of the year.

No, although they are still around, most boys opt for the knee-length “jammer” suit. Either style is accepted.

The cost varies based on the group in which your swimmer is placed and how many swim meets you enter. Monthly dues range anywhere from $100 - $275 per month. Registration is paid when you join, and monthly dues are paid on the first of each month. The MAC fee schedule is based on retaining a high-quality, full-time staff and USA Swimming membership benefits. Scholarships are available to a limited number of families (see last question). 

To help offset costs and keep our prices competitive (often lower than similar organizations), MAC requires families to contribute service hours. These can be fulfilled through volunteering at team-hosted competitions and events, or via donations. This system not only helps manage program fees but also fosters a strong community spirit.

We understand that every swimmer develops at their own pace. Our coaches are experienced in working with athletes of all levels. Proper group placement after an evaluation is the first step to ensure swimmers are in an environment conducive to their current skill level. For ongoing development, a key component of our coaching philosophy is focused, quality repetition of fundamental skills and techniques. This consistent approach helps all swimmers, regardless of their initial progression rate, to build a strong foundation and continue to improve over time. We celebrate individual progress and focus on long-term development.

Reduced fees are available to families that demonstrate need. Please reach out to Abbey at [email protected] to inquire about the MAC Scholarship Program through Lokahi Teams. You can also find the Scholarship Application here.