Coaches and Directors

Coaches and Directors
Coaching Staff
Brandon Modrov Head Coach

The 2023 - 2024 season is Coach Brandon Modrov's 16th season with Hauppauge. He is also or has been the swim coach for the Hauppauge High School Girls, Boys and Junior Varsity swim teams. Brandon is a lifelong resident and graduate of Hauppauge High School and Rider University. Brandon is also an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor and Water Safety Instructor.

As a swimmer, Coach Brandon was a National Championships qualifier in the 100 Yard Breastroke and was the Senior Met record holder in the 100 Yard Breast.  While swimming for Division 1 Rider University he was the first male swimmer to be selected Rider University Athlete Of The Year. He was also a two time Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Swimmer Of The Year.  Brandon was the
Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference record holder in the 100 Breast and 400 IM. He also was the Rider University recorder holder in the 100 Breast, 200 Breast, 200 IM, 400 IM, 200 Free Relay, 400 Free Relay, 800 Free Relay and also held Rider University pool records in the 100 Breast, 400 IM, 200 Medley Relay, 400 Medley Relay, 200 Free Relay and 400 Free Relay.

Katie Dugan

Groups: HS Blue

The 2023 - 2024 season is Coach Katie's 10th season with Hauppauge.  Katie coached for the Sachem Swim club for over six years before coming over to Hauppauge.  Katie was also the Head Swim coach of the Sachem East Girls Varsity Swimming & Diving team and the middle school team.

As a swimmer Katie was a member of the Sachem Swim Club for 14 years. While a member of the team she qualified for JO’s, Senior Mets and Zones on a yearly basis. Coach Katie was also a member of the Sachem Varsity Swim team for 5 years, where she was an All-County/All-League swimmer and is still a part of the 400 Freestyle relay record at Sachem North.

After graduating from Sachem Katie went on to East Carolina University where she received her degree in Communications and minor in Sports Studies. She was a member on their division I swim program all four years and enjoyed her experience as a Pirate!m  In 2010 Katie graduated from Dowling with her Masters in Childhood and Special Education.

Katie is looking forward to a long and successful career with the Hauppauge Swim Club. She is excited for the future of the team and to work alongside coaches she respects.

Jeffrey Chu

Groups: Gold

Coach Jeff joined Hauppauge in 2021. He is currently a coach for the Hauppauge Middle School and Smithtown Hauppauge Varsity Boys Swimming and Diving teams. Prior to joining the coaching staff he has served as a USA Swimming Official since 2009, and has officiated at hundreds of swimming meets including the Open Water National Championships and US Paralympic Swimming Team Trials.  He is presently the Secretary of the Metropolitan Swimming LSC, a chair of the Metropolitan Swimming Open Water and Governance Committees, and enjoys open water swimming. 

Jeff previously coached at the Three Village Swim Club under Head Coach Barry Roffer, working primarily with the Junior group. He coached for Stony Brook University, a Division I Women's and Men's Swimming and Diving Program, under Head Coach Dave Alexander. He also coached for North Shore Swimming, working with groups 1.5 through 5 under Head Coach John DeMarie. As a coach, Jeff has been selected for the Metro Zone Team and the Empire State Games. He also has been selected for the US Delegation to the Giochi della Gioventù, an Olympic-style multi-sport youth games held under the Comitato Olimpico Nazionale Italiano (Italian National Olympic Committee). 

As a swimmer, Coach Jeff swam for the Three Village Swim Club starting at age 4, and was a team record holder in the 200 Butterfly. He also swam for Ward Melville High School, held the team record in the 100 Butterfly, and earned All-State Honors. In college, he swam at Johns Hopkins University and was a NCAA B qualifier in the 200 Butterfly, and later at Stony Brook University where was team captain and America East Conference medalist.  He majored in Neuroscience and Public Health, and minored in Adapted Aquatics.  Coach Jeff has been a volunteer with the American Red Cross since 2001, including as former member of the Disaster Action Team, Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor Trainer.

Sean Montalvo

Groups: HS Blue, HS AG 3

 

The 2023 - 2024 season is Coach Sean’s 14th season with Hauppauge. Sean is also the Smithtown Girls Varsity Swimming and Diving Coach, Huntington/Harborfields Boys Varsity Swimming and Diving Coach and the former Middle School Swimming and Diving Coach at Half Hollow Hills. 

 

Sean has been involved in Coaching and instructing swimming for over 25 years. He is the current Head Swim Coach and Head Swim Instructor at Centerport Yacht Club. In the past Sean was an Owner/Manager for Saf-T-Swim Swim Schools for 20 years. While there he helped develop their developmental Swim Team and was the Head Coach for every swim school for 10 years. He coached at University Swimming Farmingdale before coming to Hauppauge. He has also been Head Coach for Summer Swim Teams at Southward Ho Country Club In Bay Shore and North Fork Swim Club In Matittuck. Sean also taught lessons and was a Swim Team Coach at Ivy League School. Sean has also been a youth travel soccer coach for over 10 years and has also coached travel baseball in the past. 

 

As a swimmer Sean swam for Central Islip Aquatics for Coach Rick Ferriola who is now the Head Coach at Long Island Express as well as for the Three Village Swim Club for then Coach Barry Roffer. Sean also was a 6 year Varsity Letterman and 4 year Captain at Central Islip High School and also played 4 years of Varsity Soccer and was a 3 year Captain. Sean went on to play soccer at Suffolk Community College.

Brenna Dowd
AG2 Lead Coach and Private Coaching Lessons Coordinator
 
Brenna returns to Hauppauge Swim Club for her second season after spending the past few years in Maine as a lead age group coach for the Gators. During her time there she had the opportunity to represent Maine Swimming in a USA swimming Women Coaches in Governance program. 
 
Brenna grew up swimming on Long Island for Connetquot Swim Club and Sachem East High School. While at Sachem East, she received all league recognition, and competed in the state qualifier championships meet all 4 years. In 2013, she went on to swim and became team captain of the Ithaca College Women's Swimming and Diving team where she helped lead the team to 4 Conference Championship titles. Personally, she achieved All-State and All-Conference honors, earning the title of E8 Sportswoman of the Year in 2015. During her time there she held the top time in the 1000 yard freestyle and is still ranked in the the top 5 times in Ithaca College history for the 1000 yard freestyle and the 1650 yard freestyle. 
 
After graduating in 2017 she reconnected with urSwim, a Long Island based swim school and aquatic management company, where she had previously taught swim lessons. She assisted in developing a year - round indoor swim school program and expanding the company to Connecticut. Today Brenna helps with urSwim's business growth and development as the Chief Operating Officer, as the company franchises nationwide.
Brandon Gilmore

Groups: HS Senior, AG 1, 2, 3

The 2023 - 2024 season is Coach Gilmore's 3rd season with Hauppauge.

Emma Cleary

Emma is at the helm of Tiger Sharks Swimming, driven by her leadership and vision to elevate it as the top-tier competitive swim program in Commack. Her coaching philosophy prioritizes holistic athlete development, emphasizing technique-based training and nurturing champion swimmers who embrace a comprehensive path to success. Emma instills core values of community, character, and excellence, shaping well-rounded individuals who excel both in the pool and in all aspects of life.

Currently in her third season as a coach at the SYJCC and second season as Head Coach of the Tiger Sharks, Emma's commitment to the program is unwavering. Her journey at the JCC spans over a decade, where she initially started as a swim instructor, later taking on roles as a lifeguard and Assistant Aquatics Director for Camp Wonderland.

Emma's personal experience as a swimmer began at a young age with the SYJCC Sharks and extended to the varsity level with Kings Park Swimming. Beyond the pool, she is also an American Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor, showcasing her dedication to water safety and education.

In addition to her extensive aquatic background, Emma has served as the Pool Director for LuHi Summer Programs, where she oversaw and managed a swim lesson program catering to over 1250 campers.

Emma's educational pursuits are equally impressive, holding a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education. Her passion for teaching extends beyond the pool, as she is a full-time sixth-grade teacher when not on deck.

Emma's diverse expertise, unwavering commitment to athlete development, and dedication to building connections within the JCC community make her an invaluable asset in elevating Tiger Sharks Swimming to a top-tier program while nurturing exceptional individuals.

Tommy Loos

SYJCC Groups: AG2 (Lead), AG1, AG3, Blue (Dryland)

Tommy is a driving force in the world of competitive swimming, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to his role as a swimming coach. With a coaching philosophy that centers on comprehensive athlete development through fundamentals, Tommy prioritizes technique-based training and the cultivation of champion swimmers who follow a well-rounded path to success as they progress through the sport. 

Having served as the Head Coach of the urSwim IHTA program, Tommy demonstrated his leadership prowess by overseeing all age groups, ranging from 2 to 12 years old. His coaching sessions were instrumental in shaping swimmers at various skill levels, from beginners in "Learn to Swim" to those entering the world of competitive swimming. Tommys swim program at IHTA focused on not only developing swimmers athletic abilities but also on nurturing a sense of community excellence and character development outside of the pool. Tommys commitment extended beyond the pool, as he managed a dynamic team of instructors and efficiently handled camp financials, ensuring smooth operations.

Tommys coaching journey also encompassed the Connetquot Central School District, where he took on the role of coaching the Junior Varsity Team. Over the years, he fine-tuned his coaching skills, focusing on stroke development and conditioning for middle school-aged swimmers. His contributions were not limited to practice sessions; he provided valuable feedback to swimmers during officiated meets and achieved remarkable success, leading the team to an undefeated season in 2015.

Tommys passion for swimming extended to his own athletic pursuits. Starting swimming at the age of 13, he rose through the ranks of the Connetquot Swimming and Diving club, as well as swimming with the districts junior varsity and varsity swim teams. Tommy also swam for the peer-run Binghamton University Swim Club throughout his tenure at the university, from which he received a BS in Biomedical Engineering and a BA in Chemistry in May of 2022.

With a rich and diverse background in swimming and coaching, Tommy is a valuable asset to the swimming community. His unwavering commitment to athlete development, dedication to water safety, and passion for teaching make him a standout figure in the world of competitive swimming. Tommys journey has shaped him into a coach who not only nurtures champion swimmers but also instills values of character, community excellence, and overall excellence, fostering well-rounded individuals who excel both in and out of the pool.

The 2023-2024 season is Coach Tommys 1st season with Hauppauge. 

Shaun Besch

Groups: HS AG2, AG2 JCC

The 2023-2024 season is Coach Besch's 1st season with Hauppauge. 

Shaun Besch is a dedicated swim coach from San Antonio, Texas. With a deep-rooted passion for swimming, Shaun's journey in the sport started at age 9, and saw him become a Texas state champion, an All American, and a competitor at the national level. He was recruited to the swim team at Rollins College in Orlando, Florida.

Harnessing four years of coaching experience, Shaun specializes in nurturing advanced swimmers. His coaching encompasses a meticulous focus on stroke correction and tailoring extensive training programs to suit each swimmer's unique needs. Rooted in a philosophy of unwavering dedication, precise technique, and personalized growth, Shaun empowers athletes to maximize their potential in the water. His approach emphasizes not only refining strokes and setting personal objectives but also instilling a culture of competitive excellence while extracting valuable life lessons from the sport.

With a background in psychology, Shaun underscores the significance of the mental aspect of swimming. He approaches training and competition holistically, fostering a competitive yet nurturing environment that encourages athletes to develop a healthy relationship with the sport.

Beyond the pool, Shaun leads a multifaceted life as a recording musician and a pioneering researcher in industrial psychology. His diverse interests and expertise further enrich his coaching approach, bringing a holistic perspective to his role as a swim coach.

Alexandra Hicks

Groups: HS Senior, HS AG2

The 2023-2024 season is Coach Ally's 3rd season with Hauppauge. 

 

Natalia Giunta

Groups: SCCC League Blue, Green, Level 4

The 2023-2024 season is Coach Natalia's 2nd season with Hauppauge. 

Sean Napolitano

This is Coach Sean's 2nd season with Hauppauge. Coach Sean coaches both AG1 and AG2 at the JCC Tiger Sharks, Smithtown Aquatics "Swim League" program at Suffolk County Community College and  AG groups for Hauppauge Swim Club.

Sean is a Hauppauge Alumni who swam for the Hauppauge Swim Club from the age of 8, Hauppauge Middle School’s Swim Team, a 4 year Hauppauge Boys Varsity Swimmer where he was part of the All League Team, All County Swimmer and made the State team in 2020. Sean  is currently majoring in Elementary Education.

Coach Sean specializes and thrives in developing younger swimmers, preparing them for the next levels of competitive swimming. During the summer he assists in running the Swim Program at Smithtown Landing Country Club where he helps foster the kids love of the pool and the sport of swimming. Sean also lifeguards and offers private lessons over the summer. Away from the pool, he enjoys football, WWE and watching the Rangers!

Nicholas Napolitano

This is Coach Nick’s 1st season with Hauppauge. Nick assistant coaches the AG1 and AG2 and private lessons at Hauppauge along with swimming lessons with Smithtown Aquatics Swim League at SCCC. He also volunteers his time to help coach Hauppauge Middle School’s Swim Team.

Nicholas is a Hauppauge Alumni who swam for the Hauppauge Swim Club since the age of 6, Hauppauge Middle School’s Co-Ed team and a 4 year Hauppauge Boys Varsity Swimmer where he was part of the All League team. Nick is currently majoring in Secondary Education with a concentration in History. 

Jillian Ragano

The 2023-2024 season is Coach Jillian's 2nd season with Hauppauge. Jillian leads the AG1 group, co-coaches the AG3 and Senior groups, and assists with the AG2 and Gold groups at Hauppauge.


Along with working at Hauppauge, Jillian helps coach AG1, AG2, and AG3 at the SYJCC and helps out with the swim lessons at the Smithtown Aquatics program. 

Over the summer, Jillian runs the preschool swim lessons program at Smithtown Landing Country Club where she helps the kids feel safe in the water as well as teaching them the basics of learning to swim and float. She lifeguards over the summer as well, and intends to continue to keep up with her education on water safety.

Her hardwork and commitment is shown equally throughout her academic career. Jillian graduated a year early from Smithtown High School West to get ahead on her studies to become a physical therapist. She is currently majoring in Biology/Kinesiology. 

Board of Directors