Aaron Durrence – Site Director & Senior Coach, Audrey Moore

Email: [email protected]

I’m entering my 8th year with Machine Aquatics and my 2nd year as Site Director at the Audrey Moore location for the 2025–26 season. I currently lead the National and National Prep groups and have had the privilege of coaching athletes who have qualified for and finaled at the U.S. Open, NCSA Junior Nationals, and Sectional Championships.

During my first six seasons with Machine, I served as Audrey Moore’s Head Age Group Coach, where I focused on building a strong foundation for long-term success. I helped guide swimmers to championship and finalist performances at both the NCSA Age Group Championships and the PVS 14&Under Championship meets. In 2025, I was honored to be selected as an assistant coach for the NCSA All-Star team trip to London—an experience that reflected the impact I strive to have on high-level swimmer development.

I grew up swimming for Dynamo Swim Club in Atlanta, Georgia, and continued my career at the University at Buffalo, where I double-majored in Computer Science and Mathematics. While at UB, I was a conference record holder and finished my career ranked in the program’s all-time top 10 in the 100 freestyle.

My coaching philosophy centers around technical precision, accountability, and honesty. I aim to create a training environment that is challenging but intentional—built on consistency, attention to detail, and purposeful effort. I’m a goal-oriented coach who expects athletes to take ownership of their development and be honest with themselves about the work they’re putting in. I believe real progress is made in the day-to-day, not just on race day.

I also place a strong emphasis on team culture—rooted in consistent attendance and peer accountability. I want swimmers to support and challenge one another, raise the collective standard, and take pride in pushing the group forward. My goal is to prepare athletes not just to compete, but to help them develop values that will carry them forward in the next stage of life, both in and out of the pool.

Meg Schappert – Head Age Group Coach, Audrey Moore

Email: [email protected]

Hi! I’m Meg Schappert, and I’ve been coaching swimming for over 15 years, including the last 10 with Machine. I work with swimmers ages 8–18 and love helping them grow in and out of the water. My background includes coaching with USA Swimming and FINA, swimming Masters and Open Water, and even doing sprint triathlons and outrigger canoe paddling in Hawaii and Guam—so I pretty much love anything water-related!

I focus on teaching strong technique and helping swimmers understand the “why” behind what they’re doing. It’s so rewarding to watch them experiment, learn, and develop their own racing strategies as they grow. My coaching philosophy is all about building a solid foundation and having fun while pushing to be your best.

I studied journalism at the University of Missouri, but my heart has always been in the pool. I love all sports, and I believe competition teaches us so much—perseverance, strength, teamwork, and how to be a great friend and teammate. I’m excited to share that passion and help our swimmers not just become better athletes, but stronger, more confident people.

James Walsh – Senior Group & High School Prep Coach, Audrey Moore

Email: [email protected]

I have over two years of coaching experience with Machine Aquatics and the Burke Centre Stingers, along with more than a decade of experience as a swim instructor. My coaching philosophy emphasizes technique and tempo, focusing on helping athletes understand the “why” behind every drill and exercise rather than just the “how.” I believe this approach not only builds skills but also fosters a deeper connection to the sport.

I earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in History and Film/Game Design from the University of Utah, and I hold a Master’s degree in Digital Public History from George Mason University. My educational background allows me to communicate complex concepts with clarity and purpose.

Outside of coaching, I enjoy hiking, swimming, visiting museums and theaters, and staying active through futsal games and community pickups. I’m passionate about continuous learning and community involvement, both in and out of the pool.

Lynn Ann Nickley – Assistant Coach, National Prep Group, Audrey Moore

Email: [email protected]

I am Coach Lynnann and have been with Machine for 20 years, first as an age group coach, and later as the Site Director and National Coach at Audrey Moore Rec Center. I am currently working part-time and assisting with the National Prep group at AMR.

Having grown up in the Northern Virginia area, I participated in the NVSL and high school swimming and later coached for both. I am constantly researching the swim world for new methods and ideas to stay current. I am a strong believer in having excellent attendance at the practices to which you commit yourself. Dedication is very important to me as it builds an amazing group dynamic where everyone is successful, supportive, and reaches their goals.

I graduated from James Madison University where I received a BBA in Marketing and played field hockey and lacrosse. Currently, when not at the pool, I enjoy taking care of my granddaughters and hiking or walking with my husband.

Jack Gibson – Age Group Coach, Audrey Moore

Email: [email protected]

Hi, I’m Jack Gibson, this is my first year as a full time coach for Machine. I had a very rewarding journey in the sport as a swimmer, I started swimming at four years old in the NVSL for Old Keene Mill, eventually started swimming club for Machine and swam high school for Lake Braddock. 

I was able to continue my career on through college at the University of Delaware, where I finished my career in the schools top 10 all time in the 400 IM, 200 Breast and 100 Breast and earning a degree in History.

While in school at UD,  I was head coach of the Lane Lighting, a summer team in Wilmington, for three summers. This past year I served as Head Coach for the South Run Seahawks and Saint Stephens-Saint Agnes Middle School Team.  

I am extremely excited to be back at Machine now as a coach. Machine brought me so many great memories and experiences as an athlete and was fundamental in my success as a swimmer at the next level. I can’t wait to help pass down the knowledge and experience I have gained in my career to the next generation of Machine athletes.