Coach Kelly George Walton began her journey as a swimmer at Deerbrook Swim and Tennis Club in Medford, NJ at the age of 4 and was swimming on their competitive team by the age of 8. In high school, Coach Walton expanded her knowledge of aquatics as an open water lifeguard, swim instructor and counselor at YMCA Camp Ockanickon Outdoor Education Camp in Medford, NJ.

 

Coach Kelly moved to Orlando, FL in 2001 to attend the University of Central Florida where she obtained a bachelor of science (B.S.) degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) and was an active member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Coach Kelly went on to earn her Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree in Exceptional Student Education (ESE) from University of Central Florida in 2010. Coach Kelly also earned a graduate certificate in Severe and Profound Disabilities (SPD) from University of Central Florida and an additional graduate certificate in Educational Leadership from Stetson University.  Coach Kelly provides training to other local educators by continuing to be actively involved with University of Central Florida’s College of Education as a demonstration teacher and helping to mentor new teachers and coaches.

 

Coach Walton started teaching and coaching swimming at Celebration High School in 2005 and is currently the 12^th grade Dean of Students at CHS. Coach Walton is one of the CHS Varsity Swimming and Diving coaches and has also coached track and field, soccer and weightlifting during her tenure at CHS. Coach Walton has been coaching the Celebration High School Swimming and Diving program for 16 years and has been honored as Orange Belt Conference Coach of the Year in 2015, 2016 and 2017. Coach Walton has also served on the Special Olympics Osceola County Board of Directors and has volunteered and coached a variety of Special Olympics sports and programs over the years.

 

Coach Kelly George Walton and Matthew Walton, her husband, founded the Celebration Cyclones Swim Team in 2018. Coach Walton currently acts as the Executive Director of CCST and is actively involved with coaching and all aspects of the team. Coach Walton is passionate about providing opportunities for ALL athletes to achieve their highest potential. Coach Kelly places a lot of emphasis on community outreach and believes in promoting a sense of belogning for everyone.  Coach Kelly and Coach Matt welcomed their son, Benjamin, in 2019 and are excited to watch him continue to grow and learn. Ben loves the pool and is naturally a water baby.

Ernesto Alvelais (Coach E) began swimming competitively at a young age in Chihuahua Mexico at the Club Campestre. His first coach “Manny” taught him and his teammates how to dive, turn and streamline using hoola hoops, a technique that he still employs today. He swam in city, regional and state competitions. During his teenage years he swam during the academic year and lifeguarded during the summers months. His biggest influence when it came to swimming and coaching was Leo Cancellare a legendary West Texas swim coach and school principal that encouraged his swimmers to Work Hard, Swim Fast and Have Fun. He continued to swim at a high school, club and collegiate level. Ernesto’s son started swimming for the Cyclones and he voluteers as a coach when available.

Coach Felipe Costa is a Celebration High School Alumni who is home from college this summer. Felipe has swam competitively for 10 years. He was part of the CHS swim team from 2018-2022; he won the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) 4A state title in 2021 in the 100 yard backstroke. He is currently swimming for Indian River State College. We are so happy to have him on deck with us. Felipe will be with us until he heads back to college and hopefully be a summer figure for years to come.