The AquaSprites Synchro Team began their competitive season

The AquaSprites Synchro 11-12 Team began their competitive season by receiving Gold medals for their performance in the Wisconsin Invite over the weekend and at the Sprite Invite the prior weekend.


Team members Jenna Gudritz, Josie Pucek, Sarah Pucek, Mary Schiavone, (Mt Prospect) and Dessie Stamatova, (Buffalo Grove) won the Gold for their second meet in a row competing with teams from Wisconsin, Missouri, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Illinois. The previous weekend at the Sprite Invite, held at their home pool, Lattof YMCA, the girls competed with Wisconsin, Illinois and Kansas Teams.

1st for Intermediate solo competition: 10 & under Dessi, 11-12 Mary, And 13-15 Tori Thompson, (Mt Prospect).

Duet competition 10 & under, Jenna & Sarah received 1st place at the Sprite Invite & 2nd in Wisconsin, 13-15 Josie & Tori received 1st place at the Sprite Invite & 3rd at the Wisconsin Invite.

AquaSprites 13-15 Age Group team received Gold at the Sprite Invite and Silver at the Wisconsin invite. 13-15 Team members are Melissa Goetter, Beth Schaefer & Erin Winecki (DesPlaines), Libby Meadows, (Glenview), Anastasija Kuznecova, (Buffalo Grove), Hannah Metcalf & Samantha Scott (Mt Prospect), Tori Thompson alternate.

Melissa won 1st for 11-12 Age Group solo in both competitions, Hannah 13-15 solo received third at Wisconsin and 4th at the Sprite Invite, 13-15 solo Anastasija 5th and 6th. 13-15 solo Erin 9th & Samantha 10th at both meets .

Duets 13-15 Hannah/Libby, 6th at Wisconsin, 4th at the Sprite Invite, Anastasij/Beth, 9th & 5th, Melissa/Erin, 11th & 7th

Trio competition Libby/Beth/Samantha placed 1st at the Sprite Invite and 4th at Wisconsin

The AquaSprites "Summer Fun & Water Show" session starts in June, at Lattof Y in DesPlaines. Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Girls 8 & over are invited to join Summer Team and swim in the Annual August Water Show. They must be able to swim a length in deep water. Younger swimmers may join the synchro class to participate in the Water Show.

The AquaSprites Synchro Team began as on outgrowth of the YMCA synchronized swim classes. Today athletes ages 8 & over participating in Novice, Intermediate, Age Group & Senior divisions compete at Invitational, local, regional, and National Competitions.

AquaSprite athletes have advanced to finals in US Age Group Championships, Junior Olympic Championships, Junior Nationals, & the US Open.

The Masters team was established when three coaches (Betty, Laverne, Nan) attended the USA Masters Championship and came home with a gold medal the first year trio was included at Masters.

The Masters team is open to anyone who can swim and athletes 20 and over who are no longer competing as an amateur athlete in USASynchro or USA Collegiate competitions. Masters may compete in Invitational, local, national & international competitions in age groups. Masters have received medals for performance at USASynchro Masters Championships, World Games, and Pan Pacific Games.

The AquaSprites and Masters hold an annual water show at Lattof Y as well as performing at other venues.

Both teams are coached by Nan Zack. Recipient of "Coach of the Year", Women's Sports Foundation, "Paragon Award", Swimming Hall of Fame, "May McEwan Memorial Award", USSynchro Masters, "Contributor Award" North Zone USASynchro.

Assistant Coaches include, Betty Gaitsch & Laverne Mason (1972-2004), Nancy Zack, Katie Sobeck-Larson, Ivalina Zografova, and Liz Miro.