Jeff Faikish

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Director of Competitive Swimming and Diving

Jeff became the Head Coach of NPAC in 2012, following an eight year year stint as the Head Assistant Coach of Central Bucks Swim Team. He is a USA and ASCA (American Swimming Coaches Association) certified coach who brings 20 years of experience training age group, high school, college and elite swimmers, including Olympic Trials and Junior National qualifiers. 

For Jeff, coaching is about more than teaching proper stroke mechanics, fast starts, hard finishes and race strategy; it’s about instilling the all-important life skills of goal-setting, perseverance, resilience and positive thinking that young swimmers can carry with them long after they’ve hung up their goggles. And it’s also about having fun. To see NPAC on deck at practice and meets is to see a team that not only knows how to win, but also knows how to rock a really good time.

Swimming has been at the center of Jeff’s life since childhood, when he was a standout age-group freestyler for Nor-Gwyn Swim Club and NPAC. Jeff continued his career at NPHS, where he was primarily a utility freestyler with a passion for the 200 free, but he prided himself on his ability to compete in all events--sprint, middle and long-distance. He led NPHS’ 1997 team to a PIAA state championship during his senior year and was named an All-American in both swimming and water polo. Jeff earned a B.S. in Sports Psychology in 2004 from IUP. A four-year member of IUP men’s swimming team, he led by example and eventually joined the coaching staff. 

 

Lisa McClay

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Girls Head Coach

Lisa’s affiliation with NPAC dates back to 1971, when the team formed and joined the then-new SAL. As a member of NPHS girls’ swim team, Lisa excelled in the 100 fly, achieved “All American” status in 1976 and went on to compete for the University of Pittsburgh. Lisa served as NPAC’s head girls’ coach from 1979 to 1984, and after taking time off to raise two children, returned to coaching in 2006. When she’s not on the pool deck, Lisa works as a dental hygienist. She enjoys her new role as “Grammie” to granddaughter, Hailey, and loves spending time near a larger body of water—the ocean!

 

 

 

 

Maura Christian

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Boys Head Coach

Maura's journey began in the water, swimming for 13 years with Hatfield Sharks, NPAC, and North Penn High School, mastering swimming from a young age.

But Maura's influence extends far beyond the pool; she also serves as a fifth-grade teacher at Walton Farm Elementary School.

Her coaching path began as an Assistant Coach for the Hatfield Sharks summer swim team, she fine-tuned her skills and passion for guiding swimmers. Today, she leads as the head coach for the Sharks.

Maura's coaching style is a mix of passion, mentorship, and dedication. She's not just a coach; she's a role model. Her dedication to sportsmanship and fostering a sense of team community is paramount to her.

 

 

Brian Faikish

Assistant Swim Coach

With over two decades of coaching experience, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to NPAC Swim Team.

Brian's journey in the world of aquatics began as an NPAC and Nor-Gwyn age-group swimmer. He excelled in the water and later emerged as a freestyle specialist, eventually captaining the NPHS boys' swim team. His dedication to the sport continued during his time at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he swam as a distance freestyler. 

Throughout his career, Brian has been at the helm of numerous successful swim teams. As a coach, he served as both an assistant and head coach of the NPHS boys' swim and water polo teams from 1995 to 2005. Under his leadership, the swim team secured an impressive six PIAA state championships and four second-place finishes. The water polo team also thrived, capturing three state titles and finishing as runners-up four times.
Brian's coaching journey extended beyond NPHS. He coached the NPAC from 1995 to 2000 and returned in 2006 to work with swimmers of all ages throughout the year. 

With a B.S. in Environmental Science from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and an M.Ed. from West Chester State University, his expertise extends to the classroom. As a biology teacher at NPHS, Brian continues to inspire and educate young minds.
In his limited leisure time, Brian devotes himself to his family; his wife, Mary, and four sons: Sean, Ryan, Aidan, and Brendan. His caring nature extends to his seven nieces and nephews as well.

 

Ericka Makaron

Assistant Swim Coach

 

Ericka's coaching journey began in 2015 when she joined NPAC after coaching UDAC's pre-team and 10&Us for four years. She was once an age-group swimmer at Quakertown YMCA, excelling in backstroke and freestyle events.

Ericka's coaching philosophy is simple yet profound: she believes in making swimming an enjoyable experience, even in the face of challenges. To her, swimming is not just a physical sport; it's a mental one as well. Ericka emphasizes the importance of setting goals, working hard, and having fun. For her, swimming is an opportunity to build lasting memories while enjoying the journey with friends.

She motivates and inspires her athletes by instilling values of dedication, teamwork, and perseverance. Her coaching career's most memorable moments are the smiles on her swimmers' faces when they achieve their desired times, a truly rewarding experience. The most fulfilling aspect of coaching, in Ericka's eyes, is building strong relationships with young swimmers and watching them grow into high school graduates.

Outside of the pool, Ericka enjoys reading, refurbishing furniture, shopping, and maintaining an active lifestyle. She is happily married to her husband, Mike, for 18 years, and they have three wonderful sons. 

Ericka's words of wisdom to aspiring athletes are simple yet powerful: "Work hard, and you'll see your goals and dreams come true." Her inspiration comes from Theodore Roosevelt's quote: "Believe you can, and you're halfway there."

 

Mike O'Neill

Assistant Swim Coach

Mike's journey into the world of coaching began in an unexpected way. Having been an age group swimmer for NPAC during its AAU Team days, he developed a deep connection to the club. His coaching career began nearly two decades ago when he was coaching soccer. At that time, he was approached by the then President of the Aquatic Club, who asked if he would consider coaching swimming. It turned out to be a pivotal moment that set him on a path to becoming a dedicated and passionate coach.

In his coaching, Coach Mike instills three fundamental values: hard work, honesty, and self-belief. These principles serve as the foundation for personal growth and success in and out of the pool.

For Coach Mike, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is the smiles on his athletes' faces. Knowing that he has played a part in their growth, both as athletes and as individuals, is what makes his work truly fulfilling.

Coach Mike's favorite strokes are Breaststroke and Freestyle, two disciplines he swam during his own athletic career.

Outside of the aquatics world, Coach Mike enjoys spending quality time with his family and relaxing at the beach. Photography is his passion and profession, making him an expert at capturing moments. Mike is a father of three daughters, all of whom are swimmers and polo players for NPAC. Their household has seen its fair share of animals, from fostered kittens to pigs, bunnies, and now a turtle. He also has three beloved grandchildren who live in North Carolina, and he cherishes every moment spent with them.

A simple yet profound piece of advice: "Believe." He also shares a quote that inspires him and his athletes: "May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears."

 

 

Mike Gambale

Assistant Swim Coach

Michael Gambale is a native of Waminster, PA, and his coaching journey began with a deep love for aquatic sports. He swam for William Tennent and Lafayette College, and later coached William Tennent for a brief period in his twenties. He also coached the Corpus Christi swim team for two years.

Mike continues to expand his expertise. He's currently pursuing a personal training certification with ISSA and consistently ranks in the top five for his age group in various masters swim events.

Coach Mike focuses on refining technique and using drills to help swimmers identify areas for improvement. He motivates athletes by instilling self-belief and emphasizes teamwork, effective communication, and sportsmanship.

A standout moment in Coach Mike's career was when his high school relay team broke the 400m Freestyle Relay record. Later, as a coach, he helped another relay team break his own record. For Coach Mike, the most rewarding aspect is boosting swimmers' confidence, an asset that extends beyond the pool into their everyday lives.

Coach Mike holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and two Master's degrees in Education and User Experience Design. He's currently pursuing his third Master's degree in Digital Psychology with the aim of earning a Ph.D.

Coach Mike has two children, Nick and Jane. Jane is involved in volleyball and Girl Scouts, while Nick plays the cello in the La Salle College High School orchestra.

Coach Mike advises aspiring athletes to connect with their teammates and be open to helping each other. He quotes Henry Ford, saying, "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young."

 

Dan Dunigan

Assistant Swim Coach

Dan, originally from Lansdale, PA, started his coaching journey inspired by a coach who gave back to the sport while Dan was an NPAC swimmer over 40 years ago. After his college swimming career at LaSalle University, he felt a strong obligation to give back to the sport he loves.

After a 20-year hiatus to focus on parenting and support his children in swimming and water polo, Dan has returned to coaching. He previously coached NPAC for nine seasons from 1994-95 through the 2002-2003 seasons.

Dan's coaching philosophy is built on helping athletes understand their potential and nurturing their desire to reach it. He places great emphasis on building athletes' self-confidence, both inside and outside of the pool. To motivate and inspire athletes, he believes it's essential to understand what drives each individual, as motivations can vary widely among athletes. Key values in his coaching approach include hard work, perseverance, and ensuring that athletes have fun along the way.

A standout coaching achievement for Dan was guiding his team to a remarkable victory against Upper Dublin, winning by nine points despite being projected to win by only four. This experience left him feeling nervous yet accomplished. The most rewarding aspect of coaching for Dan is witnessing athletes achieve their goals, especially when those accomplishments stem from hard work and determination. Dan's favorite stroke is Butterfly, the stroke in which he won the 1990 PIAA State Championship.

Outside of aquatics and coaching, Dan enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking in National Parks, traveling, and occasionally playing golf. He is a food enthusiast and enjoys cooking, especially for others. Dan has been married since 1997 and has two children, Caroline and Danny, both accomplished swimmers and water polo players, along with two cats, Jack and Nigel.

Dan's favorite aquatic-related memory from his own time as a swimmer was being inducted into the NPAAA Hall of Fame as both a member of the 1990 PIAA State Championship Boys High School Swimming and Diving Team and as an individual.

Dan's advice to aspiring athletes is to focus on what's important and not to dwell on what others are or aren't doing. "If it's important to you, you will find a way. If not, you will find an excuse." A quote that inspires him and he'd like to share with his athletes is: "If you have a lane, you have a chance."

 

Marianne Miller

Assistant Swim Coach

Marianne's love for aquatic sports began at seven years old, when she started her competitive swimming journey for the Lansdale Swim Team and by the age of ten, she began diving.

Making Waves for Over 30 Years! Marianne has dedicated over three decades to coaching. She embarked on her coaching career at the age of sixteen, and her expertise has only grown over the years. She spent the past thirty years coaching at the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club, where her commitment to nurturing young athletes truly shines.

Marianne holds an impressive array of coaching certifications and has honed her skills through ten Break Out Clinics with former Olympians. Her passion for learning and improving her craft sets her apart as a coach. Marianne’s favorite swim stroke is backstroke due to its unique technical demands and the grace it brings to the sport.

Marianne's Winning Approach: Her coaching philosophy revolves around knowing her athletes personally, capitalizing on their strengths, and improving their weaknesses while ensuring that everyone is having fun. Marianne motivates and inspires her athletes to perform at their best by encouraging them to step out of their comfort zones and try new skills. She emphasizes the importance of both individual excellence and teamwork. Encouraging and helping teammates and fostering a sense of consideration for one another are core principles of her coaching style.

Marianne finds the most rewarding aspect of coaching to be witnessing the transformation of young swimmers who start out unsure and progress to become state champions or even earn a place in the Olympic trials. 

Outside of aquatics and coaching, Marianne enjoys a fulfilling life with her family, which includes three children, twelve grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Marianne's Golden Advice: For aspiring athletes, Marianne offers a valuable piece of advice: "Work on good technique. With good technique comes speed." This wisdom encapsulates her coaching philosophy and her dedication to nurturing the next generation of aquatic champions.

 

Nick Villareal

Assistant Swim Coach

Nick’s coaching experience includes swimming for McDaniel College Swim Team and leading the West Reading Swimming Association as the head coach. 

Nick has several years of experience in instructing swimming, both in formal and informal settings. His expertise spans from imparting fundamental water safety skills to providing comprehensive guidance on the four competitive swimming strokes.

Nick's coaching philosophy goes beyond the confines of the pool. He places significant emphasis on refining swimming techniques while also instilling essential life skills. Communication, sportsmanship, and conflict resolution are central to his coaching philosophy, aimed at preparing young athletes for the challenges they'll face in their future endeavors.

One of Nick's most cherished coaching moments was when a young athlete he was coaching achieved the unexpected, securing a spot in the county championships. These moments serve as a testament to the dedication and hard work put in by both Nick and his team.

Beyond his coaching duties, Nick is a tech enthusiast who not only explores computer literacy but also enjoys the restoration of retro video game consoles. He also finds solace in the great outdoors, relishing activities such as hiking and family camping adventures in the Canadian wilderness. If Nick could choose a superpower, he would opt to maintain his 19-year-old swimming shape while being able to eat whatever he wanted!

To young, aspiring athletes, Nick offers valuable advice. He encourages them to stay committed to sports, not just for the physical benefits, but for the invaluable life skills they provide. Youth sports, he believes, open doors to a brighter future, regardless of where the journey takes them. Nick's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that coaching is not solely about winning; it's about personal growth and the power of teamwork.

 

Ryan Weathers

Assistant Swim Coach

Ryan couldn't be more excited to share my knowledge, skills, experience, and passion for the water with the NPAC family. Ryan was a water baby at the Phoenixville YMCA before beginning his competitive career at Methacton Aquatic Club at the age of 7. During his middle and high school years he returned to Phoenixville for the winter season but swam with Nor-Gwyn/NPAC in the summer months. Ryan received his Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology from West Chester University where he was a 25-time All American and National Champion swimmer for the Golden Rams, he also met his wife Julie there who was a teammate. 

Ryan has coached at the club, high school, collegiate, recreational, and open water levels across multiple organizations for over 25 years; most notably West Chester University and Arcadia University (Head coach 2010-2013). He is lifeguarding/First-Aid/AED and CPR instructor certified, has an Emergency Medical Technician certification, and was a professional rescuer and open water competitor for the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol for 13 years. 

Ryan is also the proud parent of NPAC swimmers, Cameron, Ella, and Samuel.  On a more personal level, Ryan would surf all day if he could. Luckily, his family loves the beach as well. 

The best advice Ryan can give to any athlete is to stay consistent and find ways to make it fun. A philosophy to live by, "All things are possible."

 

Geoff Wilson

Assistant Swim Coach

Geoff Wilson, originally from Worcester, PA, is returning to NPAC this year. He began his coaching journey by coaching water polo at Germantown Academy before joining NPAC in 2003, where he dedicated several years to coaching Water Polo, SAL, and USA Swimming.

Geoff’s coaching philosophy emphasizes teaching proper technique and safety, particularly at the age group level, as the foundation for future success in the pool. Geoff motivates and inspires his athletes through positive reinforcement, fostering a cohesive team experience, and providing unwavering support. The most rewarding aspect of coaching is witnessing the kids achieve their goals and go beyond. The smiles of young athletes who accomplish their goals or have amazing swims are unforgettable moments.

A standout achievement in Geoff's coaching career was his role in transforming PVAC Boys and Girls swimming. In just three years, he took a small and less accomplished program to become one of the largest teams in the league and a championship contender.

His favorite strokes are freestyle, backstroke, and IM, as they reflect his own successful swimming experiences and his ability to effectively teach these skills to the swimmers he coaches.

Beyond coaching, Geoff enjoys personal fitness, running, and participating in Tough Mudder competitions. His hobbies include reading rock and roll biographies and tackling home improvement projects. Geoff is married and has two children, aged 21 and 16, as well as two large Goldendoodles. If he could have any superpower, it would be invisibility!

Geoff fondly recalls being part of talented swimming teams throughout his life, cherishing the memories and friendships created through swimming. Notable moments include training at the US Olympic Training Center and various achievements, such as being a college scholarship athlete and a US Masters Swimming Nationals qualifier.

For aspiring athletes, Geoff offers the advice to never let anyone tell them they can't do something. He encourages them to explore various activities, be it sports, music, or art, from a young age, as you never know what you might excel at if you don't try something new.

An inspirational quote that resonates with Geoff and his coaching approach is, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got."

 

Emily McMenanamin

Junior Swim Coach

Emily is an exciting new addition to the NPAC coaching team, and she's all about bringing energy to the pool! 

Emily's swimming journey started when she was just 5 years old, and she's been a part of the NPAC family since she was 11 and a swimmer on NPHS swim team. Now, she's making her coaching debut, and she couldn't be more thrilled about it!

Emily has a real passion for coaching. She started helping her coaches out with younger swimmers when she was 12, and it ignited her love for the sport and teaching.When it comes to coaching, Emily's focus is on personal goals. She believes that what matters most is helping swimmers reach their own unique aspirations. It's all about pushing individuals to be the best they can be.

Emily’s favorite events in the pool are the 100 fly and the 100 free. Outside of the pool, Emily loves spending time with her friends and family.

Words of wisdom: "Never limit yourself to just one thing; try to improve in all ways." She's dedicated to helping her swimmers grow not only in the sport but in life.

 

 

 

Dive Coaching Staff