Chris took over the role of Head Coach & Owner of GCSTO in the summer of 2021 after the unfortunate passing of previous Head Coach, Owner, Mentor, and Friend, Steve Nye. This will be Chris’ 9th season with the Senior Team and 13th season, overall, with GCSTO (2011). During his time with the Senior Team, his swimmers have bettered more than 60 team records and qualified for meets ranging from Age Group State Championships to the USA Olympic Team Trials. Prior to working with the Senior Team, Chris was part of the Age Group coaching staff (Head Age Group Coach and Head Level 2 Coach). While working with the age group swimmers, he coached numerous Age Group State Qualifiers and Finalists as well as Age Group Zone Qualifiers. His athletes broke multiple team records within their respective age groups.
As a swimmer, Chris began his career at age 11 with the Vacationland Swim Club in Sandusky, OH. He was a finalist in the 100 Fly at the 1998 USA Swimming Junior National Meet. He was also a finalist at the Ohio High School State Meet in the 100 butterfly and three relays during his Junior and Senior years. Chris was a two-time High School All American his senior year (100 Fly and 200 Medley Relay). After high school, Chris swam at The Ohio State University, where he was a four-year letter winner and competed at the Big Ten Championship Meet in each of his four seasons.
Chris currently works as a Compliance Consultant for Nationwide and lives in Pickerington, OH with his wife, Rachel, and their two children, Ryan and Brynn, both of whom also swim for GCSTO.
Sophia was born and raised a Buckeye as she is originally from Gahanna but spent most of her years living the Army kid lifestyle. Every couple of years the family would get orders to move. Starting over in a new place was not the easiest, but she adapted by participating in many sports. Sophia spent most of her childhood with her grandpa at the pool or on the court shooting hoops.
Sophia has seven years of teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding. As a child, she swam for GCSTO and her middle school team. Her experience with lifeguarding, swim lessons, and her time as an athlete highlights her dedication to water safety and skill development in young swimmers. Through her commitment, Sophia not only ensures a safe swimming environment but also fosters a love of the water and for the sport of swimming, encouraging students who are ready to transition from swim lessons to joining the swim team with confidence. Sophia will also be an assistant coach with GCSTO’s Level 1 swimmers, so swim lessons students will recognize a friendly face with Sophia (along with other instructors) as they move from swim lessons to swim team!
Outside of the pool, Sophia became a licensed esthetician in 2020 and is still currently in the esthetics business. When she is not on the pool deck or providing beauty services, Sophia stays active outdoors with her dog, Piper. She also enjoys travelling and activities that stimulate a creative process.
