Coach Paul Kraft brings a wealth of experience and a deep personal connection to the Lakers Swim Club, having been involved with the team across five decades—as a swimmer, assistant, and head coach. A former University of Michigan graduate, Paul began coaching with the Lakers while still a student and quickly earned a reputation for developing high-performing athletes, including future Olympic Trial qualifiers and collegiate standouts. His coaching career spans roles with Wyandotte, Lakeview, and the Ann Arbor Swim Club, and includes leading teams to significant turnarounds and state-level successes.

Beyond the pool, Paul holds a graduate degree in biochemistry and conducted research at Montana State University and Argonne National Laboratory. Most recently, he served as lead age group coach for Livonia Community Swim Club from 2017–2024, helping build one of the region’s most competitive age group programs. Now back with his home team, Coach Kraft combines science, strategy, and passion to develop swimmers of all levels, emphasizing fundamentals, fun, and lifelong learning both in and out of the water.

Hello everyone! My name is Coach Ian. I’ve had a long history of swimming! I swam with the Lakers Aquatic club from 2009 to 2019. I also swam for the SCS Sea Serpents, Fraser High School, and Wayne State University! I love doing distance freestyle, backstroke, and IM. I look forward to seeing you swim as gracefully as my favorite animal, a penguin!