Coaching Staff
Carissa (Cari) is a dedicated swim coach passionate about developing young swimmers. Currently the lead coach of the 13-14 age group at Countryside YMCA, she brings a wealth of experience from teaching and coaching various teams. Cari is OHSAA certified, USA Swimming licensed, Safe Sport certified, and YMCA Swim Coach certified, ensuring a safe and effective training environment.
As a mother of six competitive swimmers, including two who swim college, two for Lebanon High School and four for Countryside YMCA, she understands the commitment needed for success in the sport. Cari’s enthusiasm and expertise not only inspire her athletes to excel in the water but also help them grow as individuals. She believes that swimming should be both fun and fulfilling, fostering a lifelong love for the sport.
Rick brings over a decade of competitive swimming experience, having swum for Crestwood Swim Club, Kettering Recreation Center, and Kettering Fairmont High School.
With a professional background in physical therapy, exercise physiology, and biomechanics, Rick has spent years supporting swimmer health and performance across multiple programs. From 2008 to 2020, he provided physical therapy care and performed preliminary physicals poolside for athletes with the University of Cincinnati Swim Team, Sycamore Swim Team, Blue Ash YMCA, M.E. Lyons YMCA, and Mason Manta Rays. He served as the team physical therapist for both the Milford Swim Team and Washington Township Sharks from 2014 to 2020.
Rick joined the Lebanon High School Swim Team as an assistant coach in 2024, bringing not only technical expertise but a strong commitment to athlete well-being and development.
He lives in Lebanon, Ohio, with his wife, Christina. They have three children who are all active in athletics. His sons are LHS swim team alumni: Cole currently swims and serves as treasurer for the Ohio University Swim Club, while Carson competes with the Ohio University Golf Club. His daughter, Zoe, currently competes in LHS swimming, soccer, and track & field.
Rick believes that swimming should be fun and grounded in consistent skill development and personal growth. His coaching approach helps athletes progress while enjoying the journey both in and out of the pool.
Erik’s passion for swimming began at age 8, training with Renton Area Aquatics, Kent Area Dolphins, and Husky Swim Club. He went on to compete at the collegiate level for the University of Washington from 1985 to 1989 and continues to pursue his love for the sport today as a dedicated U.S. Masters swimmer.
As a certified OHSAA and YMCA official, Erik brings a wealth of technical knowledge and on-deck experience to the team. His greatest joy in coaching comes from helping young athletes discover their potential and achieve personal goals, both in and out of the water.
A proud father of three daughters, one a current swimmer and one a Countryside YMCA Torpedoes and Lebanon High School swim alum, Erik understands the importance of fostering not just competitive skill, but a lifelong love for the sport. His coaching philosophy emphasizes performance, personal growth, and the development of well-rounded individuals.
Professionally, Erik works in the field of leadership development and recently earned his doctorate in intercultural leadership development. He is passionate about coaching people to become healthy, effective leaders and helping them live out their full potential.
You’ll often find Erik in the water himself, proudly sporting his silver swim cap, modeling the same dedication, humility, and passion he seeks to instill in every swimmer he coaches.
