Coaching staff

 

Jc Riley - Lead Coach

Bison Founder and Lead Coach, JC has a history with championship swimming.  In addition to serving as Lead Coach here at Bison Aquatic Club; he and his wife Kara operate Victory Swim Academy.  JC has served as an Assistant Coach for the four time NAIA National Champion OBU swim team under the mentorship of legendary coach Dr. Sam Freas.  He also led the Deer Creek HS swim team to the 2017 HS Men's State Championship.  As a high school coach, JC was also awarded the COAC conference's Coach of the Year award in 2019 for both his men's and women's team.  He consistently works with some of the fastest swimmers in the area.  This includes athletes who competed in the 2016 Olympic games and who represent their country on the world stage each year.  Under his direction, Bison swimmers are consistently some of the fastest in the area with many each year qualifying for USAS elite level competition.

JC and his wife Kara have two children, Halee and Ruthie.  JC has many years of experience working with young people as a coach, and as a youth pastor.  He holds certifications as a USA-Swimming coach as well as a certified AAU Swimming coach.

Jc's passion is researching instruction and propulsion techniques so that he may help athletes achieve their best athletically, personally and  spiritually.  Both in, and out of the water.

 

 

 

Ray Podoba - Assistant Coach, Edmond (Ages 13-15)

Ray has been around the sport of swimming since he was young. He began competing as an age group swimmer at six years old. Ray competed at the AAU and USAS level for years before joining his high school swim team in Racine, WI, and later competing at the college level in both swim and soccer at Carthage College in Kenosha, WI.

Ray has been a part of the Bison family for eight years, first as a parent, then stepping into a coaching role five years ago. He has coached all ages and levels, and focuses helping all swimmers grow to their highest potential. 

Full time Ray works as an entrepreneur and is involved with multiple different businesses.

 

 

 

Ruthie Riley - Assistant Coach, Edmond (Ages 13-15)

 

 

 

 

 

Abigail Palmer - Assistant Coach, Edmond (Ages 12&Under)

Coach Abbie began taking swim lessons at 9 years old, before she joined a club team where she swam throughout middle school. Abbie took a break from swimming until her Sophomore year at Yukon High School where she joined the high school swim team, and later joined Bison where she finished out her high school career competing at both a high school and club level.

Abbie has been a part of the Bison family since 2020, and officially joined our coaching staff in the summer of 2022.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aydan Howard - Assistant Coach, Edmond (Ages 12&Under)

 

 

 

 

Stephanie Koolman - Head Site Coach, Lawton

I began swimming at a young age for club swimming in Pennsylvania. Eventually I moved onto a highschool team when I was in 7th grade that allowed me to grow into a more serious athlete who swam for California University of Pennsylvania. 
I then continued after college while I was teaching full time in Arizona and soon found myself in Oklahoma due to a military move. Luckily, I stumbled upon Bison Aquatic Club's need for a coach in the Lawton area. Swimming has always been a major part of my life and I am truly blessed to be able to harness the love for the sport in other athletes. I began coaching for Bison in summer 2023 and now look forward to every moment I step out onto the deck with my swimmers. 
 

 

 

 

Leslie White - Head Site Coach, Ft. Gibson

Leslie began swimming at the age of 12, from an early age she showcased an early talent and dedication to the sport.

She was an athlete at Fort Gibson High School where she graduated with four state championships. 

After high school, she continued her swimming career at Oklahoma Baptist University, where she competed in both the NAIA and NCAA DII divisions. Her hard work and perseverance paid off as she became a national champion in the NAIA division.

In 2020, Leslie returned to Fort Gibson High School, stepping into the role of head coach, where she has been instrumental in developing high school swimmers and fostering a love for the sport. In 2021, she began coaching for Bison Aquatic Club, further expanding her impact on the local swimming community.

Leslie believes in creating a positive and encouraging environment, focusing on both technical skill and personal growth.