Coaches and Directors
Sharon's coaching philosophy is rooted in a deep belief in each swimmer's potential, not only as athletes but also as teammates and leaders. She values every member of the team, regardless of their experience level, and is dedicated to nurturing their strengths and fostering growth. With over 30 years of swimming experience, including coaching and officiating, Sharon brings a wealth of knowledge to the pool deck. Her extensive background as a Head Coach for USA Swimming, recreation, and high school teams has guided numerous swimmers to success at championship-level meets. Her athletes have competed in a range of prestigious events, including regionals, sectionals, age group, and senior state championships, open water state and zones, Futures, TYR Pro Series, and even the Olympic time trials.
Sharon is passionate about helping athletes grow their love for the sport through encouragement and support. For her, coaching the Woodstock Dolphins is about more than just swimming; it’s about building relationships, setting personal goals, and achieving them together. She eagerly anticipates the opportunity to support each swimmer on their path to success, fostering not just skill and achievement, but a lasting passion for the sport.
Sarah Lesniak's swimming journey began at the young age of 5, setting the stage for a lifelong passion for the pool. With a diverse background swimming for various USA club teams, recreational teams, and high school teams, Sarah honed her skills and leadership abilities. As a 4-year Varsity Swimmer and captain of her high school team, she exemplified dedication and commitment.
Continuing her swimming career at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Sarah contributed by organizing and managing university and high school swim meets, as well as teaching lessons to swimmers of various ages, demonstrating her versatility in the sport. Although she decided to focus on her academic career in college, Sarah's affinity for swimming remained strong.
Specializing in the 100 Breaststroke and the 50/100 Freestyle, strokes she has mastered over the years, Sarah transitioned to coaching and spent 8 years with the Round Lake Ducks, including 3 years as Head Coach. Her experience includes coaching athletes who have competed in regionals, sectionals, age group and senior state championships, open water state and zones, Futures, TYR Pro Series, and even the Olympic time trials. Now, she brings her expertise and enthusiasm to the Woodstock Dolphins.
Sarah's coaching philosophy is rooted in her belief that age is no barrier to success in the pool. She finds joy in working with swimmers of all ages, guiding them towards their goals through dedication and perseverance. Sarah also enjoys taking athletes out to train in the weight room and open water, enriching their overall training experience.
In Sarah's eyes, the sky's the limit. She encourages her swimmers to dream big, knowing that with hard work and determination, they can achieve anything they set their minds to.
John embodies the spirit of going above and beyond in all aspects of life, guided by the mantra, "Anything worth doing is worth overdoing!"
With an impressive coaching career spanning over 35 years, John brings a wealth of experience to the pool deck. His expertise includes more than two decades of coaching competitive swimming for both recreational and high school teams, and he holds certification as a USA Swimming coach. Throughout his career, John's coaching prowess has propelled swimmers to achieve remarkable success, with many reaching championship-level meets at Regional and State levels. His athletes have also competed in prestigious events such as sectionals, age group and senior state championships, open water state and zones, Futures, TYR Pro Series, and the Olympic time trials. Additionally, his dedication to their development extends beyond the pool, as he has facilitated the placement of numerous young athletes into Division I, II, and III collegiate programs.
Now, as he joins the Woodstock Dolphins, John eagerly anticipates building a successful partnership with the team and fostering a culture of strength and determination. With his guidance, swimmers can expect to reach new heights in their athletic journey. For John, it’s not just about swimming; it’s about pushing boundaries, surpassing expectations, and ultimately, swimming strong.
Joe Bein is a dedicated swim coach with over a decade of experience, known for his passion for the sport and commitment to athlete development. Beyond the pool, Joe is also an accomplished strength trainer, helping athletes build power and endurance in the weight room. Additionally, he serves as a youth coach for various sports, spreading his expertise and love for athletics to the next generation.
Joe has coached athletes who have competed in a range of meets, including regionals, sectionals, age group and senior state championships. His multifaceted approach to training and his dedication to fostering athletic excellence make him a valuable asset to any team.
Coach Thomas embarked on his swimming journey at a young age, starting with lessons and swiftly advancing through various recreational teams. His dedication led him to join the Dolphins for the 2018-2019 season, where he competed alongside the Huntley High School swim team until he wrapped up his competitive swimming career. Known for his prowess in the 100 backstroke and the 4x100 freestyle relay, Coach Thomas has a deep appreciation for these events. In addition to his swimming achievements, he has spent four years as a lifeguard and two years teaching swim lessons. When he’s not by the water, Coach Thomas enjoys hiking, exploring nature, and savoring the wonders of the world.






