Hi Dive Team Families,

I wanted to send one more important reminder that we still need someone to step forward to serve as Dive Chair for next summer.

I want to be very clear: I am 100% not able to take on the Dive Chair role for the 2027 season. I have loved being part of this team and helping it grow, but I cannot continue in this role next year.

At this point, we need either one person or two people who are willing to share the responsibility as co-chairs. I do have one person who may be interested, but they would only be able to commit if another person steps forward to partner with them.

This is an urgent need and something that needs to be decided now, not next summer. If we wait, there is a real risk that the dive team may not continue in 2027, which would be incredibly disappointing for these kids and the community we have built.

Our final dual meet is quickly approaching, and now is the time for anyone interested to connect with me, ask questions and learn more about what the role involves. I will absolutely be available to help with the transition, answer questions and get the new chair(s) started, but I cannot be the person leading it next season.

Please take some time to seriously consider whether you can help keep Lake Forest Dive going for these athletes. It truly takes just a couple of families willing to step in and help make it happen.

Thank you,
Claire Sheehan

502.802.1087

Previous email with more info: 

Hi Dive Team Families,

I am reaching out because we need a parent (or a couple of parents willing to share responsibilities) to step into the Dive Chair role for the 2027 season.

One important benefit of serving as a team representative is that your child(ren) swim and/or dive for FREE.

My hope is that someone will step forward to volunteer for next summer while we're still in season, giving them the opportunity to shadow me at a meet or two, learn the role, and feel comfortable taking it over next year.

As many of you know, my daughter Fiona will be graduating from high school next spring and preparing for college. Because of her schedule and our family's availability, her participation next summer is uncertain. If she does compete, it will likely only be for a few meets leaving me unavailable to commit to the position.

In fact, we are already seeing some of these scheduling challenges this season. Fiona has not been able to attend every meet, and I have been serving as Dive Chair even when my own child is not competing. While I am happy to help during this transition, it has made it clear that we need to begin planning now for the future of the team.

The good news is that this role is much easier and less time-consuming than many people assume.

Before becoming Dive Chair, I had very little knowledge of what the position involved. I quickly learned that it is a very manageable volunteer role, especially with our smaller team and the support of Coach Toole and the other neighborhood Dive Chairs.

WHAT DOES THE DIVE CHAIR DO?

Most responsibilities fall into a few categories:

Communication

• Send team emails and updates through the swim website
• Share information through Facebook and other team communication channels
• Communicate meet details, schedule updates, and reminders to families
• Coordinate with Coach Toole regarding practice changes and meet information

Meet Preparation

• Prepare dive cards before each meet
• Confirm dives with Coach Toole and divers as needed
• Communicate with other Dive Chairs to confirm meet logistics and timing
• Answer parent questions leading up to meets

Home Meet Responsibilities (can recruit volunteers to help!)

• Set up a table and tent near the dive well
• Set up a speaker for announcements
• Recruit and organize parent volunteers
• Ensure volunteers are recording scores and helping with ribbons
• Secure an announcer
• Help keep the meet running smoothly

Away Meet Responsibilities

• Make sure dive cards are completed and submitted before the meet begins
• Help coordinate volunteers as needed
• Assist at the scoring table
• Serve as the point person for Lake Forest divers and families

End-of-Season Responsibilities

• Coordinate the dive banquet, OR
• Find a volunteer willing to organize the banquet (which has worked very
  successfully in past years)

A FEW ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• The Dive Chair does NOT need to attend every practice.
• Coach Toole handles the coaching and practice operations.
• I usually attend a few early-season practices to answer questions, but much
  of the communication can be handled through email, text, or phone.
• Some weeks I never make it to practice and everything still runs smoothly.
• The other team Dive Chairs are incredibly helpful and always willing
  to answer questions.
• There is plenty of support available, especially during your first season.

The future of our dive team depends on having someone willing to step into this leadership role. I am committed to helping with the transition and making sure the next Dive Chair feels comfortable and prepared.

If you have any interest, questions, or would simply like to learn more about the position, please reach out to me. Even if you are only considering it, I would be happy to talk through the responsibilities and answer any questions.

Thank you for helping ensure that Lake Forest Dive continues to thrive for years to come!