25 years in the swim community, Head Coach and CEO Dominique Banks is an experienced water safety instructor, Aquatics Director, two-time championship led High School Swim Coach, and one of the very few African American woman USA Swim Team Owners within Potomac Valley Local Swim Committee. Coach Banks established Accokeek Stroke Technique Swim Team in 2013 as a technique-based program created to assist swimmers in stroke refinement and provide a competitive edge. ASTS has transformed into the present-day nonprofit organization in Southern Area Prince Georges and Northern Charles Counties centered around not only technique and goal-oriented swimming but to provide an opportunity for the community to learn to swim. ASTS participates in community food drives, mentorship program opportunities, and scholarships for families that are enduring financial hardships. As the team continues to grow, the core mission will remain the same, “preparing swimmers in the life sport of swimming.”

Coach Ja'Nise Hyson has been involved in swimming for little over eleven years. She swam for her high school, Gwynn Park for three years; coached Temple Hill's Swim Team for two years and also served as a Lifeguard/Water Safety Instructor for two years at Allentown Splash Tennis & Fitness Park. Ja’Nise is coming off of an undefeated winter season as Oxon Hill High School Swim Team's Assistant Coach. Her goal is to assure that kids of all ages not only have fun in the pool but to also make sure that their swim techniques are consistent and correct. She loves the sport and is excited to be a part of team that inspires children to swim better with technique. "Being able to swim not only means having more fun at the pool but building self esteem to believe you can do anything."

Coach Heather is excited to be working with the Bronze Group this season.

She was a competitive swimmer for 14 years in Lake Erie LSC (Northern Ohio). She was a distance freestyle and butterfly specialist. 

She has been a USA Swimming coach for almost 20 years and a USA Swimming Officials for 10 years. She has been a PVS Zone Head Coach, PVS Zone Assistant Coach,and PVS Coach Rep.

Coach Heather believes every swimmer can be better and no one is perfect. She wants every swimmer to enjoy the sport of swimming while being challenged at practice. She looks forward to working with the ASTS Family.

Coach Orlando Morel started swimming lessons at the age of 12.  Within two years, Coach Orlando became a competitive swimmer with the Rockville Montgomery Swimming Club and at his local high school (Richard Montgomery). With his wealth of knowledge, he provided swim lessons and coached young children 8 years and under.  Coaching became second nature to him and he added instructing low to mid-level swimmers to his portfolio before the age of 18!  Coach Orlando loves imparting his knowledge unto the future generation of swimmers and is thrilled to be part of the ASTS family.

Coach Kyndra has sixteen years of competitive swim experience and swam at the collegiate level at  Chowan University varsity women’s swim team and Received Scholarship for   Freestyle, Breaststroke, and IM. Coach Kyndra has coached for Henry Wise High School in PG County. 

Coach David started swimming summer swim at 11 years old. Coach David swam all 4 years in high school at Frederick Douglass high school, placed 3rd in Maryland south regional championships in the 100 butterfly and 200 IM junior & Senior year, & placed 16th in the Maryland 1a,2a,3a State Championships in 100 butterfly and 200 IM senior year. He also swam NCAA division 3 for Virginia Wesleyan University, his events were 100 & 200 Breaststroke, 100 Butterfly, & 200 IM (previous school record holder for all 3 events). Coached for 2 years with Elite Rays swim club. Coach David was also a head coach for Oxon Hill high school, 3x boys county champions, 2x girls county champions. He was awarded Prince George’s County’s swimming Coach of the Year award the 2023-2024 season.

Coach Maria has been coaching with ASTS for almost a year now. But don't let the short time fool you, she's also been swimming competitively for over 14 years. So needless to say she's picked up quite alot in her overall experience in the sport of swimming. Coach Maria loves to inspire and motivate her swimmers so they reach their highest potential; but also having fun as well. In her spare time, Coach Maria enjoys photography, shopping, ice skating and spending time with family and friends. "Coaching is a new beginning for me; creating new memories within a sport that I love."

Juan Padilla's journey into swimming began when he joined his high school swim team under the mentorship of Coach Banks. Her guidance and coaching ignited Juan's passion for swimming, shaping his path towards becoming a lifeguard, swim instructor, and pool manager today.

For Juan, swimming is more than just a sport—it's a lifelong skill that he believes every child should have the opportunity to learn. His enthusiasm for teaching and coaching led him to join ASTS, where he looks forward to sharing his love for swimming with young athletes. Juan is dedicated to fostering not only technical proficiency but also a deep appreciation for the water, aiming to inspire confidence and safety in all his students.