In its inaugural season under the leadership of the Madison Area YMCA, the Madison Area YMCA Rays Artistic Swimming Team made a splash on the national stage, with seven athletes qualifying for and competing in the 2026 Junior Olympics. Building on that momentum, the team is now welcoming prospective athletes from across the greater New Jersey region to try out for the 2026–2027 season on Thursday, August 13.
Representing the Madison Area YMCA at the 2026 Junior Olympics, held July 1–3 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, were Aisha Skerikbol (Englishtown, age 13), Ellie Mielke (Verona, age 15), Siena Khym (Glen Rock, age 17), Kate Lee (Basking Ridge, age 17), Jasmine Lopez (Green Village, age 13), Zuri Ondondo (Chatham, age 13), and Ivy Zhang (Scotch Plains, age 14). The athletes were accompanied by Head Coach Andrea Diaz-Gonzalez.
For many of the Rays athletes, competing at Junior Olympics marked their first appearance on a national stage.
"This experience taught our athletes that hard work truly pays off," said Head Coach Andrea Diaz-Gonzalez. "Many of them had never competed on a stage like Junior Olympics before, and they learned that they belong there. Beyond the results, they gained confidence, resilience, and a better understanding of what they're capable of when they commit to a goal and support one another as a team."
Director of Aquatics Caitlin Balagtas said the team's success during its very first season reflects the strength of the program's athlete development philosophy.
"Qualifying for Junior Olympics is a reflection of the growth of our program," she said. "We continue to develop athletes from the novice level all the way through national-level competitions, and that progression doesn't happen by accident. It speaks to the dedication of our athletes, the support of our families, and the commitment of our coaching staff to developing both strong swimmers and strong teammates."
The Madison Area YMCA Rays Artistic Swimming Team combines swimming, dance, strength, flexibility, and creativity while emphasizing teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Athletes develop strong technical skills in an environment where they are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another, and celebrate each other's successes.
"We're a close-knit team that focuses on developing the whole athlete," Head Coach Andrea Diaz-Gonzalez said. "Our athletes push each other to improve while celebrating one another's successes, and that sense of community is something really special. It's exciting to see how much potential this group has and to help them continue reaching new milestones."
As the program prepares for its second competitive season, the Rays are inviting swimmers from across the greater New Jersey region to discover the sport of artistic swimming during team tryouts on Thursday, August 13.
Balagtas encourages swimmers curious about artistic swimming to take the first step.
"Just give it a try! Every athlete starts somewhere, and no one walks into their first practice knowing everything," she said. "Artistic swimming combines swimming, dance, strength, flexibility, and creativity, so everyone finds something they enjoy. Our team is welcoming and supportive, and we'll help you learn at your own pace. You might surprise yourself with what you're capable of."
While medals and competition results are exciting, Diaz-Gonzalez says the lasting impact of the program extends well beyond the pool.
"I hope every athlete leaves the program more confident than when they started," she said. "The lessons they learn about discipline, perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and believing in themselves are what will stay with them long after they're done competing. If they leave knowing they can overcome challenges and support the people around them, then we've done our job as coaches."
Madison Area YMCA Rays Artistic Swimming Team Tryouts
The Madison Area YMCA is excited to welcome prospective athletes to try out for the 2026–2027 Rays Artistic Swimming Team season, which runs from September through June.
Tryouts are no fee for current Madison Area YMCA members. A $5 tryout fee applies to non-members. Registration is required here.
During tryouts, swimmers will participate in a brief warm-up and demonstrate essential swimming skills.
Minimum swimming requirements:
Swimmers who meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated for team placement. Coaches will notify families of team and group placements approximately 10–14 days following tryouts. Swimmers who are not yet ready for the competitive team may be encouraged to build their skills through the Rays pre-team program.
For additional information, please contact Aquatics Director Caitlin Balagtas at 973-822-9622, ext. 2252 or cbalagtas@madisonymca.org.
About the Madison Area YMCA
The Madison Area YMCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Serving individuals and families of all ages and backgrounds, the Y provides programs and services that promote belonging, foster well-being, and ensure access for all through Y Scholarships and community support. For more information about scholarships or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit our website at https://madisonareaymca.org/.
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