Swim Coaching Staff
Ryan Weathers
Coaching Operations Director
Ryan couldn't be more excited to share his 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."
Lisa McClay
Girls Co-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!
Geoff Wilson
Girls Co-Head 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."
Maura Christian
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.
Andy Walton
Assistant Swim Coach
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."
Eric Weathers
Assistant Swim Coach
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."
Emily McMenamin
Assistant 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.
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.
Tom Whelan
Assistant Swim Coach
Tom Whelan, originally from Warminster, PA, now lives with his family in North Wales. After volunteering as a coach at Nor-Gwyn Swim Club this summer, he was recruited to help coach NPAC while his daughter begins her first year as an 8&U. Tom is eager to join the talented coaching staff and contribute to the development of all the NPAC swimmers. After a career spent as an age group, high-school, and college swimmer at La Salle University, Tom will be calling upon his experience as a summer coach years ago in the Colonial Swim League and more recently at Nor-Gwynn. Tom works to instill a love of the sport when working with athletes in the pool and is thoughtful about teaching the proper technique to young swimmers that will build a foundation for improvement over the course of the season. By fostering a fun environment at meets and practice, Tom believes that swimmers will be most engaged and better prepared to achieve personal bests. These opportunities to drop time are the ones that keep swimmers excited and coming back for more! As an age-group swimmer, Tom will never forget lining the side of the pool cheering for relays as meets wound down. Whether taking part as a young swimmer cheering on the seniors that he looked up to, or competing as a senior swimmer and seeing the excitement of the younger kids as the outcome of the meet hung in the balance will forever be the best part of his years in the pool.
Off the pool deck, Tom enjoys keeping up with his children at home with his wife, Sarah. Hailey, his daughter is a member of NPAC, and two sons, Trevor and Chase, ages 4 and nearly 1, keep him busy at home. When not coaching or parenting, Tom likes to stay active swimming in the pool, taking a bike ride, or watching Philly sports games. One bit of advice Tom would offer any swimmer is to always stick with the sport. As an adult, Tom finds time to swim when he can, and he’s found that open-water swimming is one of the most rewarding athletic endeavors one can take on. While vacationing in Lake Placid, NY, Tom has spent many hours swimming in Mirror Lake, and to this day, it has been his favorite athletic experience by far. Without a lifelong background in swimming, he’d never know just how amazing swimming there could be.
Dive Coaching Staff
David Dian
Dive Coach
Water Polo Coaching Staff
Jacob Grant
Head Water Polo Coach
Jacob Grant began his coaching career in 2014 at Ohio University as the Women’s Club Water Polo Coach. After graduating in 2015, he moved to Pennsylvania to take over the Pennridge Women’s Water Polo Team. During his time at Pennridge, Jacob was recognized as the PA Women’s Coach of the Year in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2021, he joined the Men’s program as an Assistant Coach and was named Men’s Head Coach in 2023. In addition to his high school coaching experience, Jacob founded the Ridge Raptors club team in 2019, where he serves as Head Coach for Age Group, Men’s, and Women’s 18u teams. Jacob joined NPAC in the spring of 2024 and is now in his first season as the Head Coach for both the Men’s and Women’s Water Polo teams at North Penn.
Jacob’s own water polo journey started in high school at Mason High School in Cincinnati, Ohio, followed by playing club water polo at Ohio University. His favorite aspect of the sport is its unique combination of teamwork and versatility, where every player contributes on both offense and defense.
Outside the pool, Jacob lives in Ambler with his wife, Breanna, whom he married in 2023. He is the full-time Aquatic Director for North Penn. In his free time, Jacob enjoys watching movies, running, and cooking.
Jacob’s coaching philosophy focuses on fostering an environment where athletes grow both as players and individuals. He emphasizes teamwork, communication, accountability, and hard work—values that benefit athletes long after their playing careers end.
Dalton Weitzel
Assistant Water Polo Coach
Dalton Weitzel began his journey in aquatics at the age of 6, swimming for the Lansdale Frogs and playing water polo for K&M, which later became NPAC. His coaching career started in high school, assisting Jason Grubb with the summer water polo camp at White's Road Pool. Dalton now coaches NPAC’s age group and high school teams during spring polo.
Dalton’s coaching philosophy centers on hard work and dedication. He believes success in water polo requires both mental and physical effort, emphasizing that understanding positioning and strategy is just as important as speed and skill. He encourages athletes to bring their best effort to practice and games, following the motto: “Practice the way you want to play.”
Passion, hard work, and communication are core values Dalton instills in his athletes. For him, the most rewarding aspect of coaching is seeing players apply what they’ve learned in practice to excel during games. He describes moments like these as akin to scoring a goal himself.
As a player, Dalton’s favorite position was defensive hole set. He loved the physicality of the role and the satisfaction of denying close-range shots while setting up counterattacks. His favorite memory from his high school career is winning back-to-back state championships in his junior and senior seasons.
Outside of coaching, Dalton enjoys spending time with family, playing with his dog, fishing, working out, trivia, and all things sports-related.
Dalton’s advice to aspiring athletes is to work hard toward their goals while maintaining balance and having fun. A quote he often shares with his athletes is: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” – Tim Notke
Erin O'Neill
Assistant Water Polo Coach
Erin grew up in Lansdale, PA, where her passion for aquatics began with NPAC and K&M water polo. She attended North Penn High School, excelling in swimming and water polo, and went on to compete in both sports at Saint Francis University.
Swimming and water polo have been a major part of Erin’s life, and coaching allows her to give back to the sports that have taught her so much. She believes in the power of effort during practice, emphasizing to her athletes that hard work leads to success in competition. For Erin, the most rewarding moments in coaching come from watching her athletes grow through the program, succeed in high school, and see their practice efforts come to life in games.
Outside of coaching, Erin loves spending time at the beach, traveling, shopping for plants, and being with her family. One of her favorite aquatic memories is winning the water polo state championship in sudden death overtime during her junior year of high school. Her advice to aspiring athletes is to step out of their comfort zones and try new things, because you never know what you’re capable of until you try.
She’s inspired by the Vince Lombardi quote, “The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary,” and she strives to instill that mindset in her athletes every day. Erin is proud to be part of the NPAC water polo family and is excited to help her athletes reach their full potential.
