Anyone who drove by our clubhouse on the evenings of June 16th or 23rd can tell you that the Sonoma Ranch Renegades swim team is taking San Antonio by storm. With 137 swimmers and seven coaches representing more than 80 neighborhood families, the Renegades program showcases all that is wonderful about living in Sonoma Ranch.

Inaugurated in 2006 under the stellar leadership of residents Linda Nelms and Jenice Dames, the Renegades joined the Maverick Swim League and took first place as a Division III team. Just three short years later, they are now swimming in Division I and already beat last year’s champs, Boerne.



This is quite a feat considering the depth of swimming talent in San Antonio. We are only one of 52 neighborhoods that sponsor their own summer teams. It takes dozens of volunteers and the support of the community to sustain a team, but all of these organizations realize the myriad benefits of their efforts, summarized nicely in the Maverick Swim League’s mission statement, which provides children from the greater San Antonio area with a total aerobic exercise program within the framework of a fun, yet competitive summer swim program. The league affords families much-needed 'togetherness time' by allowing multi-aged children through age 18 years to compete on the same team. Furthermore, the league impacts local communities by offering children high-quality, low-cost, competition stroke instruction and scheduled, organized meets. Our mission creates safer neighborhood pools while actively involving children in a fun and healthy lifestyle.

Time and again you’ll hear parents tell the story of their swimmer who started off barely able to swim the length of the pool, but was brought on the team, flourished, and went on to shine in “club” or year-round swimming. It’s also ideal for athletes who compete in other school sports and have only summer to enjoy competitive swimming and the company of kids on their block.

And the benefits go beyond the swimmers and their families. The Renegades thanks its sponsors: including Children’s Lighthouse Learning Center, Rome’s Pizza, Leon Springs Family Dental, Braun Flooring, Silpada Jewelry and Gesner Company. Furthermore, we all benefit as the value of our properties increase in the eyes of families seeking swim teams to which their kids can walk or cycle in the summer. Countless are the compliments we receive from visiting teams on the comfortable and immaculate condition of our clubhouse and recreational facilities.

Of course these benefits do not come free. Swimmers pay an initiation fee of $75.00 and the team sells concessions and spirit gear to raise other necessary funds. In addition, the team practices every day but Tuesday and Sunday from mid-May through June 30 in the big pool only. The smaller two pools always remain open, barring maintenance problems.

The Renegades are IMMENSELY grateful to the community for tolerating the swell of swimmers during these times and the increased traffic and parking on evenings of home meets (only two this year). Parent volunteers have met with SRHOA management to make the meets as safe and organized for participants and residents as possible. In addition, the Renegades are planning their first annual Sonoma Ranch clean-up day to show Sonoma Ranch their gratitude as well as their strength in numbers!!

If you’re interested in more information on the Renegades’ practices, meets, coaches, etc., please log on to www.sonomaranchrenegades.org