Coach Chuck Dunham is in his 17th year as the Head Coach of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Piranhas, a program he founded in 2009 and has led to remarkable success. Under his leadership, the Piranhas won their first-ever LSC Championship in 2019, 2024 and 2025 Long Course Championships, and the team has produced multiple Speedo Sectional Champions and Junior National Qualifiers.

In addition to his role with the Piranhas, Coach Dunham serves as the Aquatics Director at Shenendehowa and is the Head Coach of the Shenendehowa Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving program. Over his 19 years as the boys' head coach, he has compiled a 204-4-1 dual meet record, guiding the team to 16 Section II Championships (the most in Section II history) and three consecutive NYSPHSAA Championships from 2008 to 2010. His teams have been ranked #1 in New York State five times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2017, 2019)

Coach Dunham also spent seven seasons as the Head Coach of the Shenendehowa Girls team, where his athletes posted a 67-3 record and won Section II Championships in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. The girls' program reached #1 in New York State in 2011. Throughout his coaching career, Coach Dunham has mentored over 40 All-Americans, 17 State Champions, and over 50 swimmers who have earned more than 100 Section II titles. All of his teams have received the NYS Scholar-Athlete Award for academic excellence.

Coach Dunham’s coaching philosophy emphasizes motivating athletes to reach their fullest potential, strong teamwork, and cultivating a fun and inclusive environment for all swimmers, both in and out of the pool. 

Dave Washburn is in his 8th year coaching for the Piranhas and works with our Junior Groups. In addition, he is currently an Assistant Coach for the Shen Girls and Shen Boys Varsity Teams.  He has a long swimming career in the area as both a swimmer and a coach.  Most of Dave's swimming career was with the Albany Starfish as well as swimming varsity for the Guilderland-Vooheesville Boy's swim team where he was the Section 2 Champion two years in a row in the 50 Free.  Dave went on to swim in college at St. Bonaventure University specializing in the butterfly and backstroke events and received his BS in Finance.  After college, Dave starting coaching for the Heldeberg Aquatics Club (HAC) for the next 5 years.  After a small hiatus Dave returned to coaching for the Albany Starfish for the next 10 years where he had many zone qualifiers, top sixteen swimmers ,and swimmers that went on to swim at the junior and senior national level as well as qualify for Olympic trials.  He received the Adirondack Coach of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011. Dave's coaching style is primarily focused on maintaining technique especially when doing high endurance/performance training.  He believes good technique is a must and provides swimmers with the ability to go through the water as efficiently as possible. 

Dave currently works as a manager for the NYS Workers' Compensation Board.  He lives in Clifton Park with his wife Tina, and three sons, Jacob, Logan and Griffin.

Alyssa DiFabio is in her thirteenth year with the Piranhas Swim Club, Alyssa serves as the Age Group North Site Coordinator, where she leads both Age Group programs and oversees the Learn-to-Swim Program at the Shenendehowa Aquatic Center. Her dedication to swimmer development is evident in her hands-on approach, guiding athletes from their first strokes through advanced competition.

Leanne Archer is in her fifth season coaching the High School Group with the Piranhas Swim Club. A proud Piranhas alumna, Leanne swam with the club throughout high school and college, bringing firsthand experience, passion, and perspective to her coaching.

Leanne graduated from Bucknell University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. In addition to her coaching role, she works professionally in brand management at Unilever, where she combines strategic thinking and creativity—skills that also enhance her leadership on the pool deck.

Leanne is committed to helping high school athletes reach their full potential, both in and out of the water, drawing on her competitive background and professional experience to guide and inspire the next generation of swimmers.

Shawna Weaver  is in her 5th year as a coach with the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Piranhas, bringing a wealth of experience and passion to the team. She is also in her 6th year as the Head Coach for the Shaker Boys Varsity Swimming & Diving Team, where she continues to make a significant impact on the program’s success.

Shawna's swimming journey spans over 12 years, including 4 years with the Piranhas, and she also swam for Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School. Her firsthand experience as a swimmer gives her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the sport, which she brings to her coaching.

In addition to her coaching roles, Shawna is a full-time Pediatric Occupational Therapist, where she applies her knowledge and skills to support the development of children with a variety of needs. This background enhances her approach to coaching, combining her passion for swimming with a strong foundation in child development and wellness.

Shawna’s coaching philosophy focuses on building confidence, discipline, and teamwork while fostering a positive and supportive environment for all athletes. She is dedicated to helping her swimmers reach their full potential, both in the pool and in life.

Todd Striker is in his 12th year with the Piranhas, working primarily with our Intro/Mini and Age Group swimmers. Originally from western New York, Todd swam for York Central High School in Section V and competed with the MCC Marauders and FAST (Fairport), both USA Swimming clubs in the Niagara District.

He continued his swimming career at Alfred University, where he earned 10 All-American honors. Todd began coaching in 2003 and has worked with swimmers at the age group, high school, and collegiate levels.

In 2012, he was named Adirondack District Age Group Coach of the Year. Todd is also a proud inductee of both the Section V Swimming and Alfred University Athletic Halls of Fame. He’s passionate about helping swimmers discover how hard work and dedication lead to success in and out of the pool.

This is my second full year coaching the Junior Group with the Piranhas, and I also serve as an Assistant Coach for the Shenendehowa Varsity Boys Swim Team. My coaching journey has been shaped by my own experiences as a swimmer within both of these programs. I competed for the Shenendehowa Varsity Team from 2014 to 2019 and swam year-round with the Piranhas from 2014 to 2023. Being part of the Piranhas for over a decade has helped me grow not only as an athlete but also as a mentor, and it’s an honor to now give back to the team that played such a pivotal role in my development.

During my time at Shen, I was a four-time NYSPHSAA State Qualifier. In my senior year, I was a member of the State Championship-winning 400 Freestyle Relay and placed third individually in both the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke. These experiences helped shape my competitive mindset, my appreciation for teamwork, and my respect for the discipline required to succeed at a high level.

After high school, I continued my swimming career at the collegiate level. I spent three years at SUNY Geneseo, where I earned a B.A. in Geological Sciences, followed by one year at The College of Saint Rose as an MBA student. At Geneseo, I was named SUNYAC Rookie of the Year and earned First Team All-Conference honors in each of my three seasons. My time as a collegiate athlete reinforced the importance of resilience, time management, and having a strong support system.

As a coach, I prioritize technical development—focusing on stroke mechanics, starts, and turns as the foundation for long-term success and injury prevention. I frequently incorporate video feedback into practices to help swimmers visualize and refine their technique. I also believe strongly in the philosophy that “fun is fast.” When swimmers enjoy what they’re doing, they’re more engaged, more open to learning, and ultimately perform at a higher level.

Outside the pool, I enjoy staying active through sailing and hiking.

I’m currently in my second year coaching with the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Piranhas, where I work with the High School and Juniors groups at the South Site. I bring three years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for swimming to the team.

As a proud Piranhas alum, this role holds special meaning for me. I was a competitive swimmer for 17 years, competing for Shaker High School before continuing my collegiate career at Le Moyne College. My deep connection to the sport and firsthand experience as an athlete allow me to coach with both insight and heart.

In addition to my work with the Piranhas, I serve as the Head Coach of the Shaker Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Team. I’m dedicated to fostering not only athletic excellence but also personal growth in each of my athletes.

Outside the pool, I work full-time as a Social Media Strategist.

As a coach, I believe that building confidence and resilience is just as important as refining technique. I strive to instill in every swimmer the understanding that a strong mindset can make all the difference—in the pool and beyond.

This is Alison’s first year coaching the senior and high school groups with the Piranhas.

Alison brings enthusiasm and personal expertise to the pool deck. She believes that happy swimmers create fast swimmers, emphasizing the ability to work hard day in and day out while having fun. Alison is excited to give back to the environment she grew so much in and encourage her swimmers to appreciate the ups and downs. 

Alison graduated from Fairfield University in May 2025, a Division I student- athlete for all 4 years studying Communication, Marketing, Management, and Public Relations. Previously, she swam throughout high school for Shenendehowa and club for the Piranhas 2017-2021. Alison holds records for Shen and Piranhas, was the 2023 MAAC Conference champion in the 200 breaststroke, and earned the MAAC All Academic recognition each collegiate season. 

Off of the pool deck, Alison is working full- time in Talent Acquisition and Human Resources. She enjoys reading, going to concerts, spending time at a beach, and trying new restaurants with family and friends.

Bio and Photo Coming Soon

Bio and Photo Coming Soon!