Coaches and Directors

Coaches and Directors
Coaching Staff
Paul Root Head Coach

Paul Root was named head coach of the Arizona Dolphins in July of 2019. Paul has been coaching in Phoenix since 2011, in a variety of capacities, Paul has coached at every level from rec league as the head coach and aquatics director at Moon Valley Country Club, Paul was the head coach for Phoenix Christian High School where he coached 1 athlete to athlete of the year. Paul spent 6 years with Phoenix Swim Club where he served as site director and head developmental coach. While with PSC Paul coached a multitude of state champions and sectional finalists. From 2016-2020 Paul was the inaugural head coach for men’s and women’s swimming at Arizona Christian University where he has had success on the individual level with All American finishes in relays and individual events. Also on the team side with top 12 finishes nationally as a team. 

Paul and his wife Katie have 3 children and live in Phoenix.

Tayla Lovemore Verrado Site Director
Tayla has always had an innate passion for swimming since she was a little girl growing up on the beaches of Durban, South Africa. After graduating high school with academic and sporting honors, she committed to swim for Indian River State College, the NJCAA historic champions where she went on to break multiple NJCAA national records. 
 
After her two years at IRSC, she transferred to Florida State University where she went on to complete her undergrad and postgraduate degrees in environmental science. During that time, she won bronze at ACCs, achieved academic and sporting all-American honors as well as being voted the MVP for the 2018 season. She went on to compete professionally: medaling at World University Games in 2019, breaking South African/African records, racing in multiple Fina world cups and Fina world Champs (both long course and short course) as well as competing in season 1 & 2 of the International Swimming League. 
 
Over the years, Tayla has coached in South Africa, Florida, South Carolina as well as done swim clinics all around the U.S. Her love for swimming, and the everchanging science behind the sport, drives her desire to grow as a coach and find new and interesting ways to develop a strong and happy swimmer.
Alice Martin Head of Development -Anthem
Thalia Tate Assistant Coach - Verrado
Board of Directors