Tollefson Swim Team

[Anonymous]

I am considering registeristing my kids for the Tollefson swim team this year. They would be part of the 8-under and 9/10 groups. We have only done summer swim team before so this would be our first year-round winter team experience. Other than what I’ve read online and what John Tollefson said to parents during try-outs, I don’t know anything about the group. Does anyone have any experiences (positive or negative) about this team? Also, I noticed that two different women coach these age groups and not the Tollefson dad or sons. Any experience with the women coaches in particular? Thanks so much!!

[Anonymous]

The coaches for both of those groups are excellent! We really like the team. It’s small and the coaches know the kids.

[Anonymous]

All of the coaches are excellent, it’s a top quality organization in every way. The only downside is that it is a huge time commitment - the swim meets are all day and sometimes all weekend long. If kids and parents are okay with this it’s great! If not then you might want to begin with the training program before committing to the team.
I don’t think you are going to get any negative reviews for Tollefson. Some might complain about the expense as it is on the high end (compared to other programs). But it is a very high level of instruction, they really do offer the best coaching and nice facility (Georgetown prep)

[Anonymous]

OP, these really sound like fake reviews. I thought Toll was so so. If you have no other choice it's fine but most people move to another team after a year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, these really sound like fake reviews. I thought Toll was so so. If you have no other choice it's fine but most people move to another team after a year.

My review was not fake. Do you know either of those coaches? They are both very good.

[Anonymous]

Tollefson is highly respected in my neighborhood (Garrett Park). Great and caring instructors.

[Anonymous]

Different poster. I don't think these are fake. We have experience with Toll. I had some frustration with team management and there were some coaching changes that, while disruptive in the short term, ultimately were for the best. Having had kids swim with other teams, I think Toll is a strong program. There are swimmers who have gotten their fundamental stroke instruction with Toll and switched to other teams based on price or other factors. Most importantly, whenever I or my kids have had concern, it was addressed in a way that I didn't see with larger or more well-known teams. There is no perfect program but there are many families who are quite happy with Toll. To the original question, the 8&U coach is great -- very warm and keeps things fun and age-appropriate for that group. No experience with the other coach but have heard she is well-liked.

[Anonymous]

I am happy about the way that the team is being restructured next year. I think it’s a good choice but you can always switch later if you have any issues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Different poster. I don't think these are fake. We have experience with Toll. I had some frustration with team management and there were some coaching changes that, while disruptive in the short term, ultimately were for the best. Having had kids swim with other teams, I think Toll is a strong program. There are swimmers who have gotten their fundamental stroke instruction with Toll and switched to other teams based on price or other factors. Most importantly, whenever I or my kids have had concern, it was addressed in a way that I didn't see with larger or more well-known teams. There is no perfect program but there are many families who are quite happy with Toll. To the original question, the 8&U coach is great -- very warm and keeps things fun and age-appropriate for that group. No experience with the other coach but have heard she is well-liked.

How do you know how other teams address concerns? Specific examples, please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Different poster. I don't think these are fake. We have experience with Toll. I had some frustration with team management and there were some coaching changes that, while disruptive in the short term, ultimately were for the best. Having had kids swim with other teams, I think Toll is a strong program. There are swimmers who have gotten their fundamental stroke instruction with Toll and switched to other teams based on price or other factors. Most importantly, whenever I or my kids have had concern, it was addressed in a way that I didn't see with larger or more well-known teams. There is no perfect program but there are many families who are quite happy with Toll. To the original question, the 8&U coach is great -- very warm and keeps things fun and age-appropriate for that group. No experience with the other coach but have heard she is well-liked.

How do you know how other teams address concerns? Specific examples, please

22:41 here. One example with a larger team we have since left: when I privately asked a coach about my kid's progress overall, the coach had no specific feedback and my kid was later mocked at practice in front of other kids by a coach regarding that issue. With the same team, the one time I asked a question regarding my kid's technique in a specific stroke, the concern was brushed off and not addressed. With Toll, the few times I or my kid have had a question or concern, it was addressed professionally. As I said, there is no perfect team, but our experience with Toll has been on the whole positive. YMMV.

[Anonymous]

Any concerns expressed by the Toll coaches is just lip service. They are only concerned with collecting their fees. If your child is not considered by the coaches to be a “fast” swimmer, he/she will be ignored. All the instructions and attentions are directed at their “top” swimmers. All your child will get is time in the pool; no constructive criticism or help with their stroke mechanics. We experienced this first hand.

[Anonymous]

Toll is amazing! They have been nothing but kind, supportive, and positive role models for my children. My kids love to swim but are not breaking any records...ever. they are welcomed and encouraged each and every lesson. If you have a problem with Toll it says more about you then them.

[Anonymous]

Good for you. That’s your experience. Others have different experiences. If you don’t acknowledge other people’s right to tell what they’ve experienced, that speaks volume.

[Anonymous]

I have enough experience with them to know that their customer service is not relative it is consistent. I shave sat through enough meets and practices. Witnessed enough interactions to know the level of communication to expect. The unhappy grouchy parents are just difficult unpleasant people. Not those speaking their truth whatever that is. They are toxic people that the other parents avoid in the stands.

[Anonymous]

As I said, that’s your opinion. Everyone including you is entitled to share their experience. What is expected is that everyone’s opinion is respected. I write in to share my experience not to elicit a response from you. All you seem to be able to do is attack anyone who doesn’t agree with you. With that said, the bottom line is beware of what Toll advertises and what’ll you’ll actually get for the fees you paid.