Exciting Coaching News

We are beyond thrilled to announce several new additions to our staff for this upcoming season!

We have created a new coaching role within CRA, a Head Developmental Coach who will work to oversee our Mini Dragon, Explorer, and Voyager programs while also leading our Voyager and Senior Prep Silver program. This position is being filled by Coach Jessica Higgins. Previously, Jess coached with the Boston YMCA Bluefins swim team from 2021-2023 as well as the YMCA of the North Shore from 2016-2021. Jess has worked with every age group, from novice to national levels.

Coach Jess swam at the YMCA of the North Shore through her age group career which spanned eight years before starting swimming collegiately at Regis College. During her four years at Regis she specialized in backstroke and was team captain her final two years. Jess was also named student athlete of the year twice, holding multiple team records and a finalist at the ECAC championship meet. 

Coach Jess will be joining us full time starting on September 11, but you will have the opportunity to meet her in a Zoom call this Monday night at 6:00 PM (invite in the email attachment) as well as at our Age Group bonding event this upcoming Saturday. Below is a note from Jess sharing her excitement to join the team;

My name is Jess, the newest coaching addition to CRA, and I am looking forward to working with the Charles River Aquatics coaching staff, swimmers, and families! I have always enjoyed the sport and was fortunate to have a long swimming career. During my time in college, I was able to help train young swimmers and that was where my passion for coaching blossomed. I have been coaching for the last 10 years working primarily with age group level athletes. I look forward to a great season and am excited to get to know each swimmer and family! 

We have also hired a new Explorer Coach to lead that program. We are excited to have Marissa Adamo join our team after her experience leading the 11-12 program at Gator Swim Club. Marissa will also be assisting Coach Ryan with our Senior Prep Gold program.  Marissa brings great energy and enthusiasm to the sport of swimming and we look forward to her bringing the Explorer program to new heights because of her passion for the sport. Below is a note from Marissa sharing her background that led to her joining our CRA Family;

Previously, I was the Head Coach for the Tailgator Group at Gator Swim Club, focusing on foundational skills and instilling a love for swimming in children aged 8-12. I also provided private coaching for the BAIT Swimming program, teaching swimmers from age 8 through high school.

I graduated from Bentley University with a degree in Marketing and Communications, where she was recruited for sprint freestyle events and later competed in mid-distance events at a Division II varsity level. I was a two-time consolation finalist in the 50, 100, and 200 freestyle at the NE-10 Conference. Before university, I swam competitively at the Randolph YMCA and Morris County Swim Club in New Jersey. I continue to swim with masters programs at Bentley University and Charles River Aquatics, while working full-time in marketing at SharkNinja Inc.

Lastly, we are thrilled to add Coach Kelly Barker to our Age Group staff. Kelly will be assisting with our Voyager, Junior, and Senior Prep Silver Groups this season. Below is a note from Kelly about her experiences and her excitement to join CRA;

I grew up in Westwood and swam for the New England Barracuda's as a child and Ocean State Squid in Middle School and High School.  I was also a lifeguard, swim instructor and coach for the Westwood Recreation department when she was in High School.  After college I began coaching for New England swimming with an area club team in 2005.  Over my long span of coaching, I primarily spent my time in the Age group program.  I absolutely love coaching young swimmers and have a passion for teaching stroke technique and development. I have coached several swimmers in the age group program who have gone on to Junior National, and National level meets as well as Olympic Trials. Kelly is super excited to begin coaching with our groups next week. 

Since her role as the Assistant Coach at Bentley University continues to expand, Coach Noelle will take a step back as a lead coach. However, we are very excited that Noelle plans to stay with CRA and she will assist both our Junior and Senior Prep Gold groups.