Coaching Staff

 
 
Dirk Marshall
What is your favorite sports memory?
Men's 800 free relay, 1984 Olympics. In 1983, when Bruce Hayes won US Nationals in the 200 free in 1:49.99, he went out in 54.99 and came back in 55.00. So the next year the coaches had him anchor this relay, and he dove in a couple seconds ahead of the great Michael Gross of West Germany. Gross caught him on the first 100, but everyone who knew anything about how Hayes raced the 200 knew the final 100 was now going to be an amazing dogfight. It was an amazing race and Hayes and the US won, thus claiming the title Grossbusters. The announcers however did not know anything about swimming, so as Hayes and Gross battled it out, they kept telling us how the race was over and Hayes had no chance to win.
 
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Chris Evert. Dominant tennis player who was almost always not the better athlete on the court. She was relentless, however. During the first set she'd figure out how she could beat the other player, and then she'd win the second set 6-0. She didn't mess around.
 
What is your favorite vacation destination?
Wrightsville Beach, NC. Beautiful beach and only a couple hours from UNC football games and basketball games.
 
Favorite food a kid can bring to practice in order to receive favorable treatment.
You can't beat Kinsley Blair's carrot cake, so you may have to try bringing me tres leches cake.
 
What is your favorite part of coaching?
Watching (and coaching) fast sets in practice when you can see the group is engaged and feeding off each other's energy. I always envy the parents sitting in the stands in these moments, as they get to watch a pretty amazing show.
 
  What Animal would you be if you weren't human?   
Well, obviously a turtle. I'm old. I'm slow and lumbering on land. I'm pretty graceful in the water. If any swimmer thinks it would be funny to call me a turtle, he or she better be bearing tres leches cake.
Lisa Linerode
What is your favorite sports memory?
I have lots of favorite sports memories, but one that stands out is the NBA playoff game in 1995, Pacers vs. Knicks. Reggie Miller scored 8 points in 9 seconds including 2 back to back 3 point shots. In those moments, you believed anything was possible.
 
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
I don't have a favorite athlete. I just love pure athleticism, anyone, any sport, anytime, anyplace.
 
What is your favorite vacation destination?
The mountains.
 
Favorite food a kid can bring to practice in order to receive favorable treatment.
Homemade Baked Goods! Derbys are currently winning!
 
What is your favorite part of coaching?
Those magical moments when a swimmer begins to believe in themselves despite all doubt.
 
What Animal would you be if you weren't human?   
Polar Bear - I was mesmerized in high school chemistry learning their fur is made of hollow tubes that reflect light making it appear white. Also the best Coke commercial had cute polar bears that made the best sound of satisfaction. 
Janis Gebhart
Keri Goede