Coaches and Directors
Head Coach/Swim Team Coordinator
Tony Gallagher has
been the Head Coach/Swim Team Coordinator for the Tiger Sharks
since 2013, after being the Head Developmental Coach and Head Age
Group Coach from 2009-2013. After making stops as an assistant
coach at
Head Age Group Coach
Originally from Munster, Indiana, Head Age Group Coach, Dustin Thompson, began his swimming career at the age of eight with the Munster Swim Club. He has accumulated numerous age group and high school swimming state championships in the freestyle, butterfly, and IM events. After high school, Dustin attended Penn State University, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering. At PSU, he competed in the butterfly and IM events, in addition to being team captain his Senior year and National Qualifier. Thompson was named a Coach for the 2012, 2013, 2014 10 & Under Illinois Zones Team, and 2015 and 2016 Head Coach of Illinois Zones Team. Coach Dustin looks forward to leading PPD's age group program, focusing on stroke technique, swimming smart, and having fun interactions in and out of the pool.
Lead Group Coach/Age Group & Senior Coach
Coach Matt Elliott started swimming when he was eleven years old, for the Downers Grove Swim and Racquet Club summer team. He went on to swim for Downers Grove South High School, Hornet Swim Club, and Illinois College his final two years. Matt started coaching when he was fifteen, at his summer league team. During the 2024-2025 seasons, Coach Matt had served as the Head Coach for Life Time Swim Team in Schaumburg.
In Matt’s free time, he spends a lot of time working out and hanging out with friends.
Age Group/Senior Coach
A former Hoffman Hawk, Coach Seth has a lengthy background swimming in the area at the club and high school level, as well as at Western Illinois University. As a member of the PPD coaching staff, Seth has been an important part of the development of the age group swimmers. Seth has an amazing support staff with his wife and family allowing him to coach and work full time as an Enrolled Agent with the accounting & tax firm BJS & Associates, LTD. He has volunteered for some time now and is looking to give back to the sport that he loves.
Age Group Coach
With over thirty years of coaching experience, Coach Patty Saccone brings knowledge, passion, and leadership to the PPD Tiger Sharks. A lifelong swimmer and four-time Ironman finisher, Patty is also an accomplished long-distance athlete who has conquered the iconic Escape from Alcatraz swim. Her athletic journey began as a collegiate softball player, and she brings that same competitive drive and team-focused mindset to every practice.
Coach Patty has spent more than twenty years as a college professor, known for her thoughtful, disciplined, and supportive approach to helping individuals grow and succeed. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the encouragement and inspiration she received from her own coaches. She is deeply committed to creating a positive and inclusive environment where every swimmer feels valued, empowered, and motivated to keep improving, regardless of their starting point.
Age Group Coach
Coach Emily Snyder has been involved with the Tiger Sharks since 2021 as a parent and volunteer and is thrilled to start coaching this season with the White 2 and Blue 2 groups. She currently works as an adjunct professor at Harper College, but also taught high school and middle school Social Studies for over ten years and worked in advertising as well. A former swimmer from rec leagues and YMCA programs in Central Illinois, Coach Emily is excited to combine her loves of swimming and teaching while working with the Tiger Sharks. She lives in Palatine with her husband Brad, Tiger Shark swimmers Luke and Will, and their dog, Bailey. In her free time, she enjoys reading, kickboxing, cooking, boating, volunteering and watching her favorite sports teams.
Senior Coach
Coach Abby Maoz joined the PPD Tiger Sharks in the summer of 2025. Abby is a former Division I swimmer from LSU with years of competitive experience and a deep passion for the sport. As a dedicated coach, she focuses on building strong fundamentals, developing confident mindsets, and fostering a love for swimming in every athlete she works with. Drawing from her time at LSU Swimming, she brings energy, patience, and a technique-driven approach to help swimmers reach their full potential. Coach Abby is thrilled to be a part of the Tigersharks team to help inspire the next generation of swimmers.
Age Group Coach
Larry brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to our team, with a notable background in swimming, track, cycling, yoga, and meditation, alongside a strong foundation in teaching.
In the world of swimming, Larry's achievements are nothing short of impressive. He has successfully coached one Swimming World National Championship team, 14 high school state championship teams, 5 NISCA National Championship teams, and 2 Masters state championship teams. His coaching has also been instrumental in guiding numerous All-American athletes to achieve state records, including overseeing the first boys' high school sub-3-minute 4x100 yard freestyle relay.
Larry’s expertise and success have earned him invitations to speak at prestigious State, National, and World swim clinics, and he has been featured in popular swimming how-to videos.
Now, Larry is excited to channel his extensive experience and passion into helping every member of our team reach their full potential—especially his daughter. His favorite quote, "There is never a good time to practice a bad habit," reflects his commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
We are thrilled to have Larry on board and look forward to the positive impact he will bring to our team.
Age Group Coach
Coach Eva Walanski’s swimming career started with the Palatine Tiger Sharks in 2013, before moving to the Cary Barracudas from 2016-2022.
Eva has both coaching and teaching experience as a Junior Varsity coach for the Cary-Grove High School Swim Team 2020-2024. She has also worked as a lifeguard, and lessons instructor, teaching swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Coach Eva is currently studying at McHenry County College, pursuing a Nursing degree. She looks forward to helping the PPD swimmers reach their goals and have fun, while learning about the amazing sport of swimming.
Age Group Coach
Currently a junior at Conant High School Sam Borre started her swimming career with the Schaumburg Barracudas at seven years old and ultimately made the transition to the PPD Tiger Sharks at nine. Coach Sam has been with the PPD Tigersharks ever since and has grown up with the program. She has competed at the Regionals, State, and Zones levels in the past, and is currently a member of our the Senior 1 training group. Sam looks forward to getting to know all the swimmers and helping them grow as athletes on the PPD Tigersharks.
