About NCA*
The Aquianas team was founded in 1977 by Carol Valles and originally practiced in Bedford, NY. In 1980, under Carol’s leadership, the team moved to the New Canaan YMCA. Sandra Mahoney, Carol’s daughter, was one of the first Aquianas coached by both Carol and Mary (Casey) Howard, co-founder of the team. Sandra Mahoney became the first Director of the program from 1996-2009. Jen Muzyk, one of Sandra’s swimmers, became the Director after Sandra left to become the USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS) National Team Director. Now 60+ athletes strong, the Aquianas have grown to become one of the largest programs in the country. In program history, 31 Aquianas have been named to a National Team, 6 coaches have been invited to coach a National Team, and 5 coaches swam on a National Team.
As of 2024, Sandra Mahoney has returned to the role of Director. The New Canaan Aquianas is no longer affiliated with the New Canaan YMCA and is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as of December 2025*.
Mission
The New Canaan Aquianas (NCA) is an artistic swimming team offering both competitive and recreational tracks for children ages 7-17. NCA is committed to strength, discipline, artistry, and teamwork. Through the sport of artistic swimming, NCA seeks to build both character and confidence which will serve young athletes for their lives.
2026 MEET HIGHLIGHTS
Youth, Junior & Senior East Zone Championships
Youth Overall High Point Award
Youth Team Free: 2nd
Youth Solo Free: 4th
Youth Duet Free: 4th and 5th
Junior Overall High Point Award
Team Free and Tech: 1st
Junior Acro: 1st
Junior Solo Free and Tech: 1st
Junior Duet Free and Tech: 1st
Senior Team Free: 1st
Senior Solo Free and Tech: 1st
Senior Duet Free and Tech: 1st
Junior & Senior Nationals
Junior Team Free: 3rd
Junior Team Tech: 8th
Junior Acro: 6th
Junior Duet Free: 8th, 11th
Junior Duet Tech: 4th, 17th
Youth Championships & 12U Invitational
Youth Team Free: 10th
Youth Combo: 11th
Youth Solo Free: 15th
Youth Duet Free: 18th, 21st
12U Solo: 9th
12U and INT East Zone Championships
12U Team: 2nd
12U F Solo: 2nd, 3rd
12U M Solo: 1st
12U Duet: 4th
INT 10U Solo: 2nd, 4th, 8th
INT 11-12 Duet: 5th
INT 11-12 Solo: 9th
INT 13-15 Solo: 6th
Junior Olympics
Youth Team Free: 10th
Youth Combo: 14th
Youth Solo Free: 17th, 25th
Youth Duet Free: 31st, 32nd
12U Team: 20th
12U F Solo: 9th, 11th
12U M Solo: 5th
12U Duet: 21st
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
2026 - Aloha Cup
Jr Team Free - 3rd
Jr Team Tech - 3rd
Jr. Team Acro -
Jr Solo Free -
Jr Solo Tech -
Jr Duet Free -
Jr Duet Tech -
NCA Highlights &
Accomplishments
NATIONALLY RANKED - INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN
TEAM HIGHLIGHTS
• 2025 USAAS JR Nationals High Point Award Winner
• 2025 East Zone Athlete of the Year
• Youth, Jr., & Sr. East Zone High Point Winner
• 2024 Jr. U.S. National Championships Team Event, Bronze Medal
• 22nd Primorje Cup (Croatia) High Point Winner
• Past U.S. Youth National Team Members
• Past U.S. Junior National Team Members
• Current U.S. Youth National Team Head Coach: Laura Mase
• 32 Former U.S. National Team Members
• 6 Former U.S. Youth National Team Assistant/Head Coaches