The following is a statement submitted by the Celina Sharks Swim team:

Introducing Celina’s new Swim and Dive Team - The Celina Sharks!

During Celina City Council’s meeting Monday night, The Celina Sharks presented as our hometown’s newest swim team! Larissa Albert spoke as president of the Celina Sharks and discussed board structure, inclusion in the Tri-County League, and the need for competition equipment. Council passed the first reading to allow both the previous Dolphins and the new Sharks teams to rent the pool and will have a second reading at 7 pm on April 28 at their next regular council meeting. Audience communication will be available at that time as well. We are proceeding in planning for our swim year with anticipation of being approved at the next council meeting for use of The Bryson Pool.

The Celina Dolphins were kicked out of the Tri-County league last year. Due to leadership not taking parent concerns and phone calls seriously, lack of sign ups, or putting the safety of our youth at the forefront of decision making, the Celina Dolphins did not have a team last year. Unfortunately, many of the youth went to swim for other teams or didn’t swim at all last season. 

Many parents tried to get  leadership to step down and let new leadership take over as the Tri-County League suggested but to no avail. Particular members refused to cooperate or put the community first. Because of this, we decided our only other option was to create a new team, The Celina Sharks. 

We have created a fund through the Mercer County Civic Foundation and they hold our 501c3. Funds are coming in nicely already in support of our new team. The Celina Sharks have been accepted into the Tri-County League and we will have meets scheduled over the summer. Kids in Celina will have a safe team to join with a transparent board who will listen to parents concerns and seek feedback regularly.  We are going to be stronger than ever before! We will also have a mini Sharks program too instead of swim lessons for the younger children. We are Celina and the kids of Celina are going to benefit the most! 

The Celina Sharks has a five member board and our coaches are excited to serve the families of Celina! 

Please stay tuned as a parent meeting is coming soon! If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Celina Sharks, join the “Celina Sharks Swim and Dive” on Facebook. 

The delay of announcing our new team was unfortunate, yet out of our control. Thank you for your patience in this. Celina and Parkway swimmers and even kids from other surrounding towns, we ask that you consider joining our swim and/or dive team this summer! 

Please reach out to Tami LaRue if you are interested in donating to the Celina Sharks at (419) 586-7390. 

Submitted by The Celina Sharks Swim and Dive Board