StoneGators Make a Splash with Second Place Finish at NWAL Invitational Despite Major Setbacks
The StoneGators Swim Team turned heads and touched hearts at this year’s Ponderosa Invitational, the most competitive meet in the Northwest Aquatic League (NWAL), by securing a powerful second-place finish—despite a turbulent season that nearly derailed their journey before it began.
Weeks before their first meet, the StoneGators were suddenly displaced from their home pool in Stone Gate after being presented with a 20-page contract riddled with restrictive terms. The document, according to team supporter Sara Ray, would have micromanaged everything from coaching decisions to board operations. Faced with choosing between convenience and principle, the StoneGators chose character. They walked away.
For many teams, the loss of a home pool so close to the season’s start could have meant the end. But for the StoneGators, it marked a defining moment.
“This team showed what true sportsmanship and community spirit look like,” said one parent. “They didn’t just swim fast—they swam with purpose.”
With the help of neighboring neighborhoods, a determined board of directors, and a battalion of parent volunteers, the team scrambled to find new facilities, eventually relocating to Riata Ranch Pool in northwest Houston. Despite logistical hurdles, long commutes, and unpredictable schedules, the StoneGators never lost sight of their goal: to compete, to grow, and to have fun.
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The team’s resilience paid off in the water. From record-breaking relays to standout performances by both veteran swimmers and first-timers, the StoneGators proved they were more than just contenders—they were a force.
As one of over 100 teams in NWAL, the StoneGators’ climb to the top ranks at Ponderosa is no small feat. But what truly made their performance shine was the emotional undercurrent: a team forged not just by training but by trust, unity, and shared adversity.
The StoneGators Swim Club has been a fixture in the Stone Gate area since 2001, when the neighborhood first joined NWAL to promote summer swimming. The team has always emphasized sportsmanship, organization, and above all, fun—values that guided them through this season's unexpected challenges.
For parents, swimmers, and coaches alike, this season has become a living lesson in perseverance and the power of community support. The StoneGators are not just a swim team—they are a testament to what can happen when a neighborhood rallies together for its youth.
As the season winds down, the StoneGators' legacy of heart over hardship serves as an inspiration—not just for NWAL, but for every local sports team facing uncertainty.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
