Our BLST coaching staff is dedicated to helping you reach your swimming goals and grow as an individual!
HEAD COACH/PROGRAM DIRECTOR: Melissa Woltz
Melissa began her aquatic career as a synchronized swimmer on her mom's team at the age of three. By age 9, she joined the Germantown Seahawks Swim Team (WI) and competed in both sports at the national level through high school before attending the University of Iowa. While at Iowa, she was a 2-time Big Ten Champion (1650FR, 200FL), 3-time NCAA qualifier, a 2-time NCAA All-American (1500FR, 200FL), and competed at the 2000 Olympic Trials in the 400FR, 800FR, and 200FL.
After earning a BA in graphic design at Iowa, she pursued her passion for coaching and worked with teams including UI Swim Camps, Iowa City Eels, Arizona State University, Sun Devil Aquatics, University of Northern Iowa, and most recently, BLST. Residing in Cedar Falls, Melissa and her husband Mike currently have three swimmers on BLST, Mason (15), Maelyn (12), and Madden (7)...but Millie (3) will surely follow in their footsteps soon!
ASSISTANT COACH: Erik Pinter
Erik grew up in Bloomington, IL swimming from a very early age through high school. He went on to complete one full season at Carthage College swimming freestyle. When his college career was cut short due to injury, he turned to coaching to continue his passion for the sport. He started with BLST in 2016. In addition to working with BLST he served as an Assistant Coach for the Cedar Falls High School Girls Swim Team in 2018.
Ema Lavigne, Assistant Coach:
Ema is in her second season coaching with BLST and is currently attending UNI. She is a junior and a member of the UNI Women's swim team. Ema coached on Mondays helping Erik with our pre-senior groups and also assists Coach Erik with Silver and Bronze groups as needed. On Tuesdays, she works with our Novice swimmers.
Abby McCorkle, Assistant Coach:
Abby joined BLST this fall and is currently attending UNI. She is currently a junior and a member of the UNI Women's swim team. She coaches on M/W/F helping with our Bronze swimmers and also assists Coach Erik with Silver and AG3 groups as needed. WELCOME COACH ABBY!
Amber Jacobs, Junior Coach:
Amber is starting her second season coaching with BLST and is currently a junior at CFHS. She is also a member of the CFHS Girls' swim team. During her HS swim season, she coaches on M/W helping with our AG3 swimmers and also assists Coach Erik with Silver and Bronze groups as needed.
Brady Hartsock, 'Helper' Coach:
Brady is in his third season coaching with BLST and is currently a freshman at DNH. He helps out on deck (while his younger siblings practice) and is earning valuable coaching experience. Brady will be on deck F/SAT assisting Coach Erik with Silver, Bronze, and AG3 groups as needed.
Maelyn Woltz, 'Helper' Coach:
Maelyn is in her third season coaching with BLST and is currently a 7th grade at Holmes Jr High. She helps out on deck (while her younger sister practices) and is also earning valuable coaching experience. Maelyn will be on deck T/Th assisting Coach Ema and Coach Melissa with Novice.
