Asher Phipps - Senior Head Coach - NJ
Coach Asher leads the Senior and Platinum groups at Life Time Florham Park, serving as our Head Site Coach and setting the standard for high performance and technical excellence.
His coaching philosophy is clear:
"Technique and stroke efficiency are the foundation of limitless potential."
An ASCA Level 4 certified coach with a strong competitive swimming background, Asher brings elite-level experience and precision to every practice. He was selected as a coach for the 2017 New Jersey Swimming Long Course Eastern Zone Team, and has guided swimmers to achieve success at the state, zone, and national levels.
Asher’s leadership and impact have been recognized across the swimming community. He was named Swim Strong Coach of the Year, and his standout program drew national attention when SwimSwam’s “Practice + Pancakes” visited to showcase the energy, discipline, and technical focus of his workouts.
Beyond the pool, Coach Asher is a trusted mentor in the college recruitment process. He has helped numerous athletes continue their swimming careers at the collegiate level and is a go-to resource for navigating the recruiting journey—from identifying the right programs to communicating with college coaches.
Dedicated, knowledgeable, and deeply passionate about the sport, Coach Asher is committed to developing fast swimmers and even stronger individuals. His influence reaches far beyond the stopwatch—he builds champions in and out of the water.
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Abigail Clemson - Bridgewater
Swimming has always been a part of Abby's life. Abby swam competitively for 15 years
beginning at the Morris County YMCA/Greater Morristown YMCA, then Morris County
Swim Club. She was a varsity swimmer for 4 years for Randolph High School and
captain her senior year. She continued swimming through college with Rutgers Club
Swimming and still competes in meets today.
In 2015 Abby began teaching swim lessons for MCSC and advanced to running the
lessons program and then was one of the coaches for the team. Since then, she has
been a coach for summer swim teams, club swim teams and currently coaches at
Randolph High School.
Abby is passionate about the sport and is eager to pass that enthusiasm to her
swimmers. Her coaching style draws from her own experience, to be the best coach for
each of her swimmers. She understands the importance of continuously learning as the
sport evolves and from what other coaches do to improve herself. Abby’s goal is to help
each swimmer improve their technical abilities, achieve results, inspire them to reach
their full potential, and to work hard and have fun.
Denny Crowell - Red Bank
Coach Denny brings extensive experience to the deck, backed by a successful background as both a competitive swimmer and seasoned coach. His own swimming journey began at Jackson Liberty High School and Ocean County YMCA, where he earned First Team All-County honors, competed at the Meet of Champions, and qualified for YMCA Nationals.
Denny launched his coaching career at The Atlantic Club, where he trained and developed swimmers ranging from age 5 to elite-level 17-year-olds. His ability to build strong technical foundations and foster competitive growth quickly made an impact. He then continued his coaching journey at Freehold-Old Bridge YMCA, where he helped guide numerous swimmers to State and Junior Olympic qualifying standards.
Over the years, Coach Denny has consistently produced top-performing athletes. His swimmers have earned 1st-place qualifications at Zones, Sectionals, Junior Olympics, and even advanced to Junior Nationals.
Known for his energy, dedication, and commitment to athlete development, Coach Denny is passionate about helping swimmers reach their full potential—both in and out of the pool.
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Ayman Ahmed - Berkeley Heights
Coach Ayman is a dedicated Swim Coach and an accomplished former competitive swimmer with an impressive track record. As the former Head Coach of the Egyptian Swimming National Team, he demonstrates exceptional leadership, guiding swimmers to excellence in the pool. Ayman has over 30 years of coaching experience and has the proven ability to scale swimming programs through strategic partnerships, swim clinics, team training, and utilization of technical resources.
Having triumphed in iconic swims at a national level, such as 1st place at the Egypt National Championship and 2nd place at the International Nile River race (open water), Ayman brings a wealth of experience to coaching. His personal swimming achievements and numerous coaching certifications have committed to his excellence in coaching and safety. Ayman's passion for swimming extends beyond competition, fostering a culture of improvement and meaningful experiences for athletes under his guidance.
His leadership style emphasizes curriculum, instruction, relationship, comradery, performance, progression, and evaluation. With coaching experience spanning various roles, Ayman has consistently contributed to developing athletes, preparing them for higher levels of competition, and has coached swimmers to the Olympics.
Look for Coach Ayman to coach our Gold A, Platinum and Senior groups
Colin Reeve - Princeton
Coach Colin joins the Life Time Princeton Swim Team as Head Coach, bringing years of experience, proven leadership, and a deep commitment to athlete development—both in and out of the pool.
A lifelong swimmer, Colin began his career as a competitive athlete with the Hurricanes, later serving eight years as an Assistant Coach and earning Assistant Coach of the Year (2019–2020). In 2018, he became Head Coach of John Bapst Memorial High School, leading the team to record-breaking results, including a historic 2nd-place finish at PVCs, and was named Coach of the Year in 2022.
Most recently, Colin led the Mid-Maine Dolphins, reshaping the team culture through structured practices, clear expectations, and accountability. His approach shifted focus from a single standout athlete to recognizing the entire team’s achievements—resulting in measurable improvement across all swimmers and consistent program growth.
Colin holds a Biology degree from the University of Maine, has been a certified lifeguard since 2013, and has managed aquatic programs at Husson University, UMaine, and Bangor Parks & Recreation. His coaching philosophy—“technique before speed”—emphasizes injury prevention, long-term success, and purposeful training within a supportive, team-focused environment.
Irving Cenatus - Florham Park
Affectionately known as Coach Irv, he’s a fan favorite on deck—always spotted in his signature bandana and colorful socks. But beyond the fun style is one of our most accomplished and dedicated coaches.
As Life Time’s top Age Group Coach, Irv has developed numerous swimmers into Zone Qualifiers and Age Group Champions. With years of experience and an ASCA Level 2 certification, he brings a strong blend of technical knowledge, motivation, and mentorship to every practice.
A former collegiate swimmer at St. Peter’s College, Irv was also named an All-American in Water Polo, showcasing his versatility and competitive edge in the aquatic world.
Outside the pool, Coach Irv values time with family and friends—and his passion for building a positive team culture shines through in everything he does.
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Darren Milun - Florham Park
Coach Darren is a dynamic addition to the Life Time coaching staff, bringing over 12 years of experience coaching youth in competitive swimming, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He is certified as a USA Swimming and YMCA coach and official and holds an ASCA Level 2 certification.
A former collegiate swimmer at Florida State University, Darren was a standout athlete—setting school records in the 400 and 800 Freestyle Relays and earning NCAA Division I All-American honors in the 800 Free Relay. He proudly represented Team USA at the Maccabiah World Games twice: first in 1997 for swimming, placing 5th in the 50 and 100 Freestyle and 2nd in the 400 and 800 Free Relays; and again in 2013 for cycling, helping Team USA earn silver in both the 102k Road Race and the 40k Team Time Trial.
Throughout his coaching career, Darren has worked with athletes across all levels—from beginners to Olympians. He has had the privilege of coaching multiple Olympic athletes, including a gold medalist, helping them refine their technique, develop race strategies, and perform at the highest levels of international competition.
Outside the pool, Coach Darren is a devoted husband and father of three boys. He also brings a strong technical background to the team as a professional software engineer specializing in Microsoft technologies.
Passionate, experienced, and results-driven, Coach Darren is excited to help Life Time swimmers reach their full potential—both in the water and beyond.
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SungNi Wang Mukanda - Florham Park
Coach Sung Ni's passion for swimming runs deep, with a lifelong commitment to the sport as both an athlete and coach. His journey began with the Elizabeth Middle School swim team, where he launched his competitive career before continuing to develop his skills at William Paterson University.
During high school, Sung Ni played a key role in leading his team to a state championship title and consistently placed among the top five teams at the Union County Championships. Even as a student-athlete, he gave back to the sport—volunteering his time to coach stroke technique for younger swimmers at his former middle school.
Following his time as a swim instructor at The Gateway Family YMCA, Coach Sung Ni earned his ASCA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications and is currently completing the final phase of Level 3. His dedication and potential were nationally recognized when he was selected for the 30 Under 30 Coaching Grant, allowing him to attend the prestigious 55th ASCA World Clinic.
Coach Sung Ni brings energy, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to athlete development. We’re proud to have him on deck helping shape the next generation of swimmers—both in and out of the water.
Lucy Mendez - Bridgewater
Coach Lucy used to be a swimmer. Coach Lucy’s best events were the 100- and 200-meter breaststroke. She had excelled so much that she even qualified for Nationals and consistently medaled at the state level in that stroke. Swimming is an incredible sport that benefits both the body and mind. Coach Lucy’s favorite marine animal is the sea otter.
Look for Lucy Mendez to coach our Gold and HS Prep swimmers here at Life Time Bridgewater.
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Alejandro Valle - Bridgewater
Coach Alejandro has been swimming competitively since the age of 9. His best strokes were sprint/distance freestyle and butterfly. Over the years he has gained a lot of experience and is very much looking forward to sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with all the incoming swimmers.
Look for Alejandro to coach our Bronze and HS Prep swimmers here at Life Time Bridgewater.
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Ashraf Ibrahim - Berkeley Heights
With over three decades of experience in competitive swimming and coaching, Coach Ashraf brings a wealth of international expertise to Life Time Berkeley Heights. In 1980, Coach Ashraf participated in his first championship for Egypt and won the gold medal in 100 freestyle, silver medal in 200 freestyle, and bronze medal in 100 butterfly. He then went on to represent his country in the 1987 All-African Games and medaled in multiple freestyle and butterfly events at the national level.
After earning his professional coaching certification in 1994 (240 hours/near perfect score), Ashraf coached swimmers of all levels across top Egyptian clubs, including Alexandria Sporting Club, Smouha, and Al Ahly. Since relocating to the U.S. in 2013, he continued his coaching career in New Jersey and now serves as a full-time Assistant Coach at Life Time, working closely with Bronze, Silver, and Gold B swimmers.
Coach Ashraf is known for his technical knowledge, patient instruction, and commitment to athlete development.
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Megan Decker - Berkeley Heights
Coach Megan Decker is a seasoned swim coach and former standout swimmer who began her competitive career at age 7 in the summer program, in her hometown of Cranford, as well as at the Fanwood–Scotch Plains YMCA. A high school All American in the 100 yard backstroke, she earned a full tuition swimming scholarship to Villanova University. After gaining early coaching experience with local summer swim programs, she went on to lead Mount Saint Mary Academy’s swim team in Watchung, NJ, for 13 years. In her first season (2012–13), she guided the team to a NJSIAA state championship and continued to build a powerhouse program, capturing multiple state, prep, county, and conference titles.
In the 2021–22 season she received accolades of NJ.com Girls Swimming Coach of the Year and NJSIAA State Coach of the Year honors. In addition to coaching, Megan has been a preschool teacher in Chatham for the past 7 years, bringing her love of teaching and mentorship into the classroom. She and her husband currently live in Chatham, where they raised their four sons. She recently retired from coaching at the Mount to allow more time to follow her sons’ college lacrosse pursuits. She has continued pursuing her love of swimming and mentoring by offering summer swim lessons to children as well as adults.
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Sharon Friedman - Berkeley Heights
Coach Sharon has been a long time member of US Masters Swimming, USAT, and since 2018, a member of USAT Team USA Aquabike team and USA Swimming. Her achievements include multiple distance Age group podium finishes in long and short course triathlon; USAT Nationals, Ironman recognition as an All World Athlete, US Masters long course pool and open water Swimming, and most recently a top 10 finisher at the World Triathlon Long Course Aquabike in Townsville Australia for USA Triathlon’s Team USA.
Friedman holds a Masters of Science in Exercise Science and Health Behavior Promotion, and a minor in sports nutrition from Florida Atlantic University (2019). She is currently furthering her education in an advanced Sports Nutrition Behavioral CertificateProgram, Ayurveda for Women’s Health and USA swimming. Since 2019, Friedman has competed as a member of Blue Seventy Racing’s Competitive Team; part of an International Conglomerate of the Peak Athletic Collective with athlete members from all over the world. Other associations include a Cancer Awareness team as an Ambassador., (she is a multi time Cancer survivor ). She has worked with NJ Special Olympics Swim Team Members as a volunteer coach and instructor teaching stroke development and preparing swimmers for advanced competition. Coach Sharon was invited and joined USAT’s Triathlon Foundation team for her work in teaching, coaching and participation in triathlon for more than 20 yrs. She joined Lifetime in 2024 and is currently teaching Aquatics at all levels and working as an Assistant Swim Team Coach with the Developmental Swim Team. Friedman is a Mom to 2 grown young men and became a first time Grandmother in early 2024.
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Tracy DiFrancesco - Berkeley Heights
Tracy’s love of swimming started when she was 5. She swam for FSPY (Fanwood Scotch Plains) swim team from 1975-1988. She qualified for Nationals in both the 200 freestyle and the 100 backstroke. She also swam for the Scotch Plains Fanwood high school and was team captain senior year. She went on to swim at the college of William and Mary until 1991.Tracy graduated with a BA in Spanish and a minor in Government. Following William and Mary, Tracy spent 6 months studying at the University of Mexico City. Once returning to the US, she worked for AT&T and received an MBA in Marketing from Seton Hall University.
Tracy began competing in triathlons both sprint and international distance which she did for years until she married in 2002. Tracy is happily married and lives close to Lifetime. She is a mom to four boys who also share a love of sports.
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Laura Bai - Berkeley Heights
Coach Laura joined the Life Time Aquatics team in August 2023, after a 10+ year hiatus from the sport. However, swimming was Laura's passion for 15 years and she is excited to be back "home" on the pool deck. Laura's swimming career began with the Glen Ridge Gators in Bridgewater, NJ at the age of 5 and the bulk of her swimming career was spent with the Somerset Valley YMCA Dolphins (now known as the Greater Somerset County YMCA), where she was a YMCA National swimmer.
Bai attended Mount Saint Mary Academy for high school. During that time there, the MSMA Mountain Lions won the State Championship all 4 years and she won the "MVP Award" twice as well as "Athlete of the Year" her senior year. Laura continued to swim at Georgetown University for 3 years, where she won "Most Valuable Swimmer" in her freshman year.
Coach Laura came to us with experience doing private lessons for competitive swimmers from her high school days. Additionally, Laura started a swim program for children with physical challenges as a part of her Girl Scouts Gold Award in high school. She was also a coach for the summer swim team at Raritan Valley Country Club in college.
Laura is very excited to have swimming as a part of her life again and is eager to continue advancing the passionate and talented swimmers at Life Time!
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Zoe Stokes - Princeton
Zoe began her competitive swimming career at the age of 6. She swam for X-Cel Swimming before competing at the collegiate level.
At Colgate University, Zoe was a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies while a member of their Division 1 Varsity swim team. She is a 2-time record breaker in the 200-yard Freestyle Relay/ 400-yard Freestyle Relay and 3-time Patriot League Championship qualifier.
Off the pool deck, she was a member of the Colgate Student Athlete Advisory Committee and Co-Director of the Philanthropy subcommittee.
Look for Zoe Stokes to coach our Bronze swimmers here at Life Time Princeton.
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Sofia Harty - Princeton
Swimming has been a lifelong passion of mine, beginning at age 8 in Lake League and continuing through my years competing for Lakeland Hills YMCA. Those early experiences instilled in me the values of discipline, structure, and commitment—qualities that have shaped both my swimming career and my approach to coaching. I went on to compete for my high school and The College of New Jersey, specializing in the 100 and 200 backstroke, where I developed a deep appreciation for hard work, resilience, and the pursuit of personal bests.
As a coach, I find the greatest joy in sharing my love for the sport with others. I strive to help swimmers of all ages and abilities build confidence in the water, achieve their goals, and discover the fun and lifelong benefits that swimming can offer. For me, coaching is not just about technique and performance, but also about fostering growth, teamwork, and a true enjoyment of the sport.
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Jeffrey Beane - Berkeley Heights - Dryland
Jeffrey Beane (Coach Jeff) is a dedicated coach and former Division I athlete with a deep passion for sports and peak athletic performance. He earned his degree in Kinesiology from The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG) and holds multiple certifications, including Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), Certified Nutrition Coach, Track & Field Coach, and CPR.
As a former Division I track and field competitor, Coach Jeff combines firsthand athletic experience with professional expertise to deliver a well-rounded coaching approach. Beyond his work on the pool deck, he is a full-time personal trainer at Life Time Athletic in Berkeley Heights, NJ, where he has been training clients on the fitness floor for over five years.
Coach Jeff is committed to excellence in every aspect of his work, constantly expanding his knowledge to better educate and support the athletes he trains. He is grateful for the opportunity to inspire others and remains devoted to helping individuals reach their full potential both in sports and in life. Currently, he serves as the dryland coach for Life Time Berkeley Heights’ Platinum and Senior swim groups.
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Ryan Bennett - Berkeley Heights - Dryland
Coach Ryan has been a dedicated member of the Life Time team since 2021. He currently serves as a Certified Personal Trainer for our Bronze, Silver, and Gold B swim groups and also coaches Youth Basketball Sports Skills for players ages 9–11. Ryan began his Life Time career on the basketball courts and later worked in both the Kids Academy and Rock Wall, where his calm, friendly, and approachable personality quickly earned him the nickname “The Baby Whisperer.” His ability to connect with both children and parents led him to supervisory roles in both areas.
Ryan’s passion for fitness began in 7th grade when he was first introduced to a professional gym. From that moment, he dedicated countless hours to learning proper training techniques and maintaining a consistent workout routine. This commitment ignited a lifelong enthusiasm for health and performance, making a career in fitness a natural path for him.
Outside of coaching and training, Ryan can often be found playing pickup basketball or working out..where? At LT of course! He is thrilled to be the Dryland Coach at Life Time Berkeley Heights and looks forward to helping athletes strengthen both their physical and mental well-being
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Pat Kerrigan - Competitive Swimming National Support
Coming Soon- Florham Park
Alizee Brossier - Bergen County
Kristine Listwan - Bridgewater
Laszlo Csefan - Princeton
Julia DelNero - Red Bank
Joe Lembo - Berkeley Heights
