David Struble, an Omaha, Nebraska native, developed a passion for swimming at an early age, beginning his journey in the summer recreation league at Westgate Pool in District 66. During high school, he competed as a member of Greater Omaha Aquatics (GOAL) under Coach Tom Beck. As a 2006 graduate of Westside High School, David trained under the legendary Coach Doug Krecklow, playing a pivotal role in securing three consecutive State Championships for the Warriors from 2003 to 2006. He excelled in the 200 IM, sprint freestyle events, and was recognized as one of Nebraska’s top breaststrokers.

David continued his swimming career at Delta State University in Mississippi under Coach Brian Hein and studied Physical Education and Recreation. While at Delta State, he became an NCAA Division II National Championship qualifier in the 100 and 200 breaststrokes, as well as multiple relays. His teammates honored him by electing him team captain, and he also contributed to the Delta Aquatics Swim Club as an age-group coach.

David’s passion for coaching emerged naturally, leading him to begin his USA Swimming coaching career with Swim Omaha in 2011, working alongside respected coaches Lisa Ellis, Doug Krecklow, Docker Hartfield, and Eric Samson. During this time, he served as the Gold group coach and assistant senior coach. In 2013, David founded the Fremont Area Swim Team (FAST), establishing the first USA-YMCA Club at the Fremont YMCA. He led FAST as head coach until 2019 when he relocated to Miami, Florida with his wife, where he became a lead age-group coach for Hurricane Aquatics.

Following the impact of COVID-19, David returned to Fremont, NE, with his family and took on the role of Aquatics Director at the Fremont YMCA and Head Coach of Fremont High School. Now in his fifth year, he has transformed the Fremont High School program from one of the lowest-ranked teams in Nebraska to a consistent Top 10 scorer for both girls’ and boys’ teams. In 2014, David was inducted into the Nebraska Metro Hall of Fame as both a swimmer and coach, a testament to his dedication and impact on the sport.

As a coach, David emphasizes technical mastery in all strokes, the development of underwater skills, and building aerobic endurance while incorporating sprint race pace strategies.

David is thrilled to lead Swim Omaha into the future.

“Swim Omaha has a rich history of being a premier swim club in Nebraska and the Midwest. I’m excited to continue that tradition. Our swimmers will work hard to learn new techniques and skills, get in great shape, and enjoy a fun, supportive team culture. I look forward to collaborating with the coaching staff to elevate Swim Omaha from the age-group level up to National level meets.”

David enjoys spending time with his wife Jazmin and two daughters.

Docker Hartfield is a native of Doylestown, Pennsylvania. Throughout his childhood, his family moved across the country, living in Chicago, Fort Lauderdale, and Omaha, before settling in Griswold, Iowa. It was in Griswold where Docker attended high school and became a standout athlete, excelling in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He graduated in 1973, having lettered in all four sports throughout his high school career.

Following his successful high school years, Docker attended Buena Vista College, where he played both football and baseball. However, a severe injury sidelined him from both sports, leading him to take up swimming as a form of therapy.  This transition sparked a passion for swimming, and Docker began swimming competitively for Buena Vista specializing in the 200 and 500 Freestyles.

Docker began his coaching career in 1976 in Storm Lake, Iowa. In 1978, he accepted a teaching position in Hastings, Nebraska, where he coached football and swimming for Hastings High School. In 1982, Docker moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he taught Physical Education and Special Education for the Westside Community Schools. During this time, Docker began coaching with the Omaha Westside Swim Club and served as an assistant coach to Doug Krecklow for Westside High School.

In 1985, Docker and Doug Krecklow formed the Westside-Ralston Swim Club. Two years later, Docker founded Team Nebraska at Ralston High School, starting with just six swimmers. Over time, the program grew into a dominant force in Midwestern Swimming, winning numerous Midwestern Championships and producing several Junior National qualifiers.

In 1991, Team Nebraska and the Omaha Westside Swim Club merged to form Swim Omaha. Docker continued to lead Swim Omaha to success, producing Sectional champions and athletes who qualified for Junior Nationals, the US Open, and Senior Nationals. From 1996 to 2008, Docker played a key role in leading Swim Omaha to 26 Midwestern Team Championships.

In 1999, Docker took on the role of head coach at Ralston High School, succeeding the legendary Larry Hill. During his tenure, Docker helped 16 swimmers achieve Nebraska State Champion titles. In recognition of his contributions to the school and community, Docker received the Ralston High School Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Throughout his coaching career, Docker has been actively involved with both Midwestern Swimming and USA Swimming boards. Notably, he served on USA Swimming’s Age Group Swimming Development Committee. Additionally, Docker has presented at swimming clinics for coaches, focusing on training methodology and the long-term development of swimmers.

Docker’s coaching philosophy is simple yet effective: “The way you practice is the way you perform. You need hard discipline. It’s that simple.”

Andy Cunningham has been a swim coach since 2003.  He started coaching with the Bellevue Swim Club and moved to Swim Omaha after a few years.  During his time with Swim Omaha he was Assistant Coach for Ralston/Gross High School swim team.  

Luke Hemmingsen is a native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he has lived his entire life. His swimming career began at the age of four when he started swim lessons at Katelman Water Park in Council Bluffs. Growing up, Luke was a natural athlete, playing baseball, football, track, golf, and tennis. However, swimming eventually became his primary sport.

In 2005, Luke began swimming for the Council Bluffs Swim Club under the guidance of longtime coach Bruce Schomburg. In 2013, he transitioned to Greater Omaha Aquatics Club, where he was coached by Tom Beck. Luke’s dedication and skill paid off when he qualified for Junior Nationals, and in 2015, he earned a spot at the 2016 Olympic Trials in the 50-meter Freestyle at the Jr Nationals in San Antonio, Texas. This achievement was particularly meaningful for Luke, as he was able to join his brother RJ, who also qualified for the trials.  After the 2016 Olympic Trials, Luke decided to conclude his competitive swimming career.

Following his high school graduation, Luke enrolled at Iowa Western Community College, initially planning to transfer to the University of Iowa to study computer engineering. However, the COVID-19 pandemic altered those plans. In early 2024, Luke resumed his studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he is currently pursuing a degree in kinesiology, specializing in strength and conditioning, with a minor in psychology. He is also working toward his certification as a Sports Nutrition Coach.

After being away from swimming for roughly seven years, Luke seized the opportunity to re-enter the swimming community by joining Swim Omaha as a Gold Group coach in September 2023. During his time with Swim Omaha, Luke has been mentored by Eric Samson allowing him to further expand his coaching knowledge and experience as he continues his education.

Kelly O’Toole is an experienced coach and school psychologist, deeply passionate about swimming and youth development.  She grew up in the Millard area where she swam and graduated from Millard South High School.   Kelly went on to study psychology at Nebraska Wesleyan University before earning her Master’s degrees in School Psychology and her Educational Specialist degrees in School Psychology from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

In 2003, Kelly began her career as a school psychologist with Millard Public Schools, where she continues to serve at Millard North High School and Kiewit Middle School.

Kelly's coaching journey began in 2009 with the Swimtastic swim team. She transitioned to coaching the Millard North High School JV swim team in 2022, a program that ensures all athletes, regardless of experience, have the opportunity to participate in high school sports. The JV team trains around 45 athletes each season, including swimmers of all backgrounds, athletes conditioning for other sports, and Special Olympic participants.

In addition to coaching at Millard North, Kelly is the head coach of the Happy Hollow swim team, a position she has held since 2022. With roughly 85 athletes aged 4-18, Kelly oversees a team of swimmers ranging from beginners to competitive athletes.

In the Spring of 2024 Kelly began coaching for Swim Omaha as a Silver Group coach.

Kelly also teaches private swim lessons in her backyard during the summer, where she enjoys watching young swimmers grow into strong athletes. She has had the privilege of working with many current Swim Omaha swimmers.

Kelly and her husband Ryan have three children: Riley, Kyler, and Tatum.

Rebecca Kratky grew up in the Ralston/Omaha area. Becca began her swimming career with the Ram Swim Club in Ralston and was one of the original swimmers for Docker Hartfield at Team Nebraska. In high school, Becca swam for Jack Jackson at the Omaha Suburban Aquatics Club (OSAC). Becca is a 1994 graduate of Ralston High School. In 2004, she graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. She later earned her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Doane University in 2006.

After graduating from UNO, Becca began her teaching career with Westside Community Schools in 2004. She started as a 5th-grade teacher and transitioned to 6th grade in 2008. Becca is currently a valued 6th grade educator at Oakdale Elementary.

In 1998, Becca began coaching for Swim Omaha as a Silver Group coach. As Silver Group coach, Becca developed numerous Zone Qualifiers and Midwestern record holders. She played an instrumental role in Swim Omaha’s success, helping the team win multiple Midwestern Championships. In 2006, Becca took a break from coaching following the birth of her first child.

In 2023, there was a need for a Bronze Group coach, and Becca rejoined Swim Omaha as the lead coach for the Bronze Group. Becca is a well-respected coach within the club and provides valuable insight and leadership. As a master technician, she uses innovative methods to teach her athletes the essential skills needed to become efficient swimmers with strong mechanics. Becca spreads her love for swimming by creating fun and creative practices, especially around holidays and special occasions.

Becca and her husband, Bryan, have three children: Elaina, Pearson, and Dawson. test

Melinda Ehlers is a dedicated educator and coach, born and raised in Hastings, Nebraska. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1994, where she was an active member of the competitive swim team. Following her passion for education, Melinda attended Hastings College, earning a degree in secondary education in 1998. She furthered her professional qualifications by obtaining a 7-12 reading endorsement from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. In 2006, she completed her Master’s degree in Education Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Melinda began her teaching career in the Grand Island Public Schools District, where she taught at Barr Middle School for three years and then at Grand Island Senior High for two years. During her time in Grand Island, she also served as the head coach for the Grand Island High School Swim Team, combining her love for education with her passion for swimming.  For the past 22 years, Melinda has been a vital part of the Papillion-LaVista Community School District, teaching 8th grade English Language Arts. Her influence extends beyond the classroom as she also served as the assistant swim coach for Papillion-LaVista High School during the 2003-2004 season.

In 2015, Melinda took on a coaching role with Swim Omaha, helping to coach the novice and bronze group alongside Coach Lisa for one year. After this experience, she decided to take a break from coaching to focus on her family and spend quality time with her boys. However, her passion for swimming and coaching led her to rejoin Swim Omaha in 2022 as the lead novice coach.  In addition to her work with Swim Omaha, Melinda has spent her summers coaching the Prairie Lane Summer League Swim Team from 2013 to 2018 and has continued this role from 2022 to the present day.

Coach Melinda enjoys her time coaching youth and values the opportunity to inspire and develop young swimmers. Her commitment to education and coaching reflects her belief in the importance of fostering both academic and athletic skills in the next generation.

Melinda and her husband, James, have two teenage boys:  Caden and Brycen