Dear Swim Families,

After much thought and consideration, Jewel and I have made the difficult decision to step away from Wake Aquatics.

When we founded the Team in 2019, our goal was simple: to create an opportunity for children in our community to learn to swim competitively, develop confidence, build friendships, and experience the rewards of being part of a team.

What began as an idea grew into something we are incredibly proud of. Over the past seven years, we've dedicated countless hours, not just during the summer swim seasons, but throughout the year, building and sustaining this program. From organizing registrations and coordinating meets to coaching swimmers, managing finances, and handling the many responsibilities behind the scenes, this team has been a significant part of our family's life.

Last season, Jewel and I managed the entire program ourselves, including all administrative, organizational, and coaching responsibilities. While it has been a labor of love, maintaining the team requires an extraordinary commitment of time and energy.

As our children grow, their interests are taking them in new directions. We want to be able to support them in those pursuits and spend our time together as a family. After seven years of putting so much of ourselves into this program, we've reached a point where we can no longer make the commitment necessary to continue leading it.

What does this mean for the future of Wake Aquatics?

We want to be very clear about what our departure means for the organization.

Jewel and I are not simply stepping away from positions that someone else is already prepared to fill. With our departure, the Team will have no Board of Directors, no President, and no Head Coach.

Without someone from our community willing to step forward and take ownership of the organization, there will not be a 2027 swim season, and Wake Aquatics will cease operations.

Our hope is that the program we started in 2019 can continue serving families in our community for years to come, but that will require new leadership.

The most immediate need is for someone willing to assume the role of President of Wake Aquatics and take responsibility for moving the organization forward. This does not mean that one person must personally handle every aspect of running the team. In fact, we would strongly encourage the formation of a new Board of Directors and a group of committed volunteers to share the responsibilities of operating the program.

We are willing to spend the next few months working with new leadership to transition the team's assets, finances, organizational knowledge, and operational responsibilities. Our goal would be to complete that transition before planning for the 2027 swim season needs to begin in early 2027.

If no one steps forward to assume leadership, the program will not continue. We don't want there to be any misunderstanding or expectation that the team will somehow operate next summer without the people and leadership necessary to make it happen.

While this is a bittersweet decision, we are tremendously proud of what we've built. Since 2019, we've had the privilege of watching children discover a love for swimming, overcome challenges, celebrate personal victories, and grow into confident young athletes. Those experiences and relationships have made every early morning, long weekend, and late night worthwhile.

We would love nothing more than to see Wake Aquatics continue under a new generation of leadership. The foundation is there, the equipment and resources are there, and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of local children remains.

What the team needs now is someone willing to carry it forward.

If you are interested in taking on the President's role or helping organize a new leadership team, please contact us directly. We are happy to discuss what is involved and how we can support a successful transition.

To all the swimmers and families who have been part of the Team since 2019, thank you for allowing us to share in your summers and for trusting us with your children. It has been an honor to build this program and watch it grow.

Whatever the future holds for Wake Aquatics, we will always be proud of what we created together.

Leland & Jewel Mankin

Founders, Wake Aquatics