Dan comes from a lifetime of competitive swimming experience starting at the age of 5 with EASC Sea Demons up through College and Masters. Never far from the pool, he was excited to return and share his love of the sport with future generations.  

 

As the head coach of the team, Dan is responsible for daily programming of all tier groups and management of team functions. Primarily, Dan works with Tiers I and II, but you'll see him throughout all of practice providing feedback to all swimmers and communicating closely with other coaches. 

 

Coaching Cornerstones

• Teach life skills/values and hard work through sport of swimming
• Provide a space for swimmers to gain self-confidence and self-motivation towards their goals
• Provide a fun environment for making friends and fostering social growth

Dan has a Bachelor's degree in Communications and Theatre Arts from Monmouth College (Monmouth, IL).

 

Dan resides in Frankfort, IL, with his wife Meghan, and four children - Nolan, Delaney, Eamonn, and Arlo. Here are some fun facts about Dan:

• Loves the outdoors/camping/hiking with family
• Has a goal of visiting all 60+ National Parks by age 50
• Enjoys live music and concerts/festivals
• Board game enthusiast (Huge collection and growing)
• Enjoys movies, video games, D&D, and other "nerdy" things

Coach Gunnar joined the NAC Sharks in the fall of 2023. 

Gunnar comes from a life filled with competitive swimming, starting at age 6, with the Tinley Park Thunder, and continuing into high school, swimming with the Tinley Park Titans. While also in high school Gunnar has competed at the varsity level in swimming as well as baseball and football. 

Gunnar is currently enrolled at Trinity Christian College (Palos Heights, IL), participating in baseball as a pitcher and infielder. As a current student, Gunnar is expecting to graduate in the spring of 2025 with a degree in Physical education, with the ability to teach grades K-12. 

As an assistant Gunnar has the ability and knowledge to work with all tiers, giving encouragement, and feedback, and demonstrating proper communication skills with all athletes and coaches.  

Coaching Cornerstones:

• Provide a safe and educational environment that fosters student-athletes growth, both within the athlete and and with one's own social growth.

• Foster a productive and healthy team environment focusing on uplifting and encouraging teammates both through healthy competition and through words of encouragement to other teammates. 

• Educate student-athletes on the importance of lifelong physical activity as it relates to health with the effects on one's mental, social, and physical health. 

Gunnar is a resident of Tinley Park, IL; living with his dog Hank