Coaches and Board of Directors
Head Coach - Greg Armstrong
Born and raised in Charlotte, NC and swam for JMY in his youth under Hall of Fame Coach Franke Bell. Swam for UNC-Asheville from 1975-1976 (and still holds records). Transfered to Southeast Missouri State University were he swam from 1976-1980 and graduated with a BS in Education. Coached in Missouri, California and North Carolina before joining the Gators in 1988, and became head coach in 1995. ASCA Level 5 Certified. Greg and his wife Deannie have 4 children.
Groups Coached - Senior/Junior/Gatorine
704-678-1562
Head Age Group Coach - Barbara Franklin
Raised in Morganton, NC and swam for Morganton Swim Club. Swam for Appalachian State University. Coached South Point High School for several years before joining the Gators. Temporarily "retired" when her children were busy with sports and school. Re-entered coaching in 2001 as the head coach of Kings Mountain Aquatics. Rejoined the Gator coaching staff in 2002.
Groups Coached - Gator Bits / Lil' Gators
Director/Head Coach - Trey Taylor
Raised in Gastonia, NC and swam for Coach Greg Armstrong throughout middle school and High School where he medaled in multiple state and regional championships. Member of Ashbrook High School swim team from 2001-2005 (holds several records), and was part of a multi year relay team that achieved multiple state level medals under Coach Lloyd White. Joined the Gator coaching staff in 2008, still competes as a part of the Gator Masters program. Kerry O'Brien Grassroots Coaching Award Winner for USMS. One of less than 100 Level 4 Masters Coaches nationwide. ASCA Level 3 Certified. USMS National Coaches Committee, North Carolina Masters Swimming At-Large Member, USMS At-Large Director Southeast Zone
Groups Coached - Head Masters Coach, Senior/Junior
704-860-3731
Coach - Caro Lamarque
Recently joined the Gators Masters after relocating from Iowa. Coach Caro swam at Eastern Illinois University and recently graduated from St. Ambrose University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Coach Caro has been teaching swim lessons and coaching for over 10 years and is excited to work with the Gaston Gators!
Groups Coached - Gator Tots, Gator Bits
Coach - Kelly Tabor
Joined the Gators Masters in 2014 in preperation for Spring Triathlon. Though not from a Competitive Swimming background, Coach Kelly now swims regularly and even competes in Masters Meets. A love of Swimming and the Gators led to her becoming a Level 3 certified USMS Coach and an Adult Learn to Swim Instructor (ALTS). Coach Kelly encourages all to develop their love of the water, and reminds everyone that it's never to late to learn how to swim! Reach out at her email below if you are interested in ALTS.
Groups Coached - Masters / Lead ALTS Instructor
Coach - Sarah Smith
Joined the Gators Masters in 2020 to get back into shape and make new friends! Grew up in Indiana in a swimming family. Coach Sarah swam at Kenyon College (1999-2003) and was a part of 3 National Championships Teams (2000, 2002, 2003). Coach Sarah enjoys all things swimming and sharing that joy with others. Sarah's Husband and 4 Children are all also a part of the Gator Family!
Groups Coached - Masters
Board of Directors
Executive Officers
President - Jeff Hoyle
Treasurer - Sarah Smith
Secretary -
Past President - Kelly Tabor
Head Coach - Greg Armstrong
Members-at-Large
Director - Trey Taylor
Enthusiam Booster and Fun Bringer - Alison Turner
Erica Baird
