Background:

Head Coach Aaron Opell began swimming for Newburgh Sea Creatures at age seven and continued to swim for the club until graduating from Castle High School and attending college at Indiana University. At Indiana, Aaron joined the swim team as a walk-on, but within his first year, he worked his way onto IU’s travel and Big Ten team after dropping ten seconds off his previous career–best times. Aaron continued to improve while swimming under Coach Ray Looze at Indiana. By his junior year, he earned a spot on the USA Swimming National Team in the 200-meter breaststroke, finished second at the U.S. Open in the 200-meter breaststroke, and competed at the Olympic Trials. As a senior at Indiana University, Aaron earned the title of Big Ten Champion when he won the 200-yard breaststroke and broke Indiana University’s record.

After completing his undergraduate degree in healthcare administration, Coach Aaron Opell earned his Master’s degree in kinesiology and sports management through Indiana University. While continuing his schooling, he swam professionally in competitions across the world. After deciding to retire from swimming, he worked as a volunteer assistant coach for IU where he greatly enjoyed coaching his teammates and working with his previous coaches.

When Aaron graduated in 2011, he moved to North Carolina to coach for SwimMAC under his previous coach Pam Swander and legendary coach Dave Marsh. This opportunity provided him with the ability to gain more experience coaching various age and talent groups from young teenagers to Olympic medalists.  Although Aaron greatly enjoyed his time in North Carolina, he moved back to Indiana in June of 2012 when his high school sweetheart and soon-to-be wife, Emily (Starrett) Opell accepted a teaching position in Indiana. Emily and Aaron got married>

These experiences have helped shape Aaron as both a swimmer and coach and give him personal insight into all facets of competitive swimming.  Having either seen or experienced individuals accomplishing goals at all levels, Aaron is confident that there is no better sport to teach children valuable life lessons than swimming.

Team Accomplishments:

Since Aaron joined the NSC coaching staff, the Sea Creatures have re-written the record books across all facets of the program. 

Team LSC Ranking:                    2012-13 = 20th                                 
                                                  2013-14 = 9th
                                                  2014-15 = 7th

Junior National Qualifications:   2012-13 = 6
                                                  2013-14 = 16
                                                  2014-15 = 25 +

The Sea Creatures have taken massive strides on the national stage as well.  Within two years, Newburgh has climbed 241 spots nationally in USA Swimming’s Virtual Club Championships. Having recently set two National Age Group records, Lilly King with the 15-16 100 breast record and Women’s 15-18 200 Medley Relay record, the Sea Creatures are making a statement that they are willing to compete with the nation’s elite clubs.

Fro