2025 GATOR COACHING STAFF

Swimming

Head Coach Ashley House Smith

Hello Gators! My name is Ashley (House) Smith and I am returning for my 8th year as Head Coach for the Gators. For over 20 years I have been coaching swimmers all the way from blowing bubbles to the national level. In my tenure I have coached 10 & Under swimmers to several state titles, coached middle school swimming for Sunman-Dearborn Middle School (SDMS) for 5 years, as well as assisted with East Central High School (ECHS) Swim team for a few years, and I coached with the Northern Kentucky Clippers for almost 3 years. I have been a swim lesson instructor for 19 years in both group and private lessons. Back in the day I was a competitive swimmer for East Central Swim Team (ECST), SDMS, and ECHS in Southeast Indiana; so I am a Northern Kentucky transplant for the past 9 years! In high school I was a state qualifier all four years and I also went on to swim in college at Baldwin Wallace College (now University) in Berea, OH. My parents were my coaches for most of my swimming career so I bring with me the experience and belief of work hard-play hard for success as a swim team family. My brother Kyle swam for Purdue University and Queens University and my youngest brother Grant swam for Arizona State University. I currently work for Erlanger Elsmere Schools as a School Psychologist. I live in Crestview Hills with my wonderful husband, Brady, 2 daughters (Aven-10, Finley-14), 2 sons (Mason-17, Zachary-18). My family and I are very excited to be back for our 7th season with the Gators!!

Assistant Swim Coach Karen Poulos

Hello Gators!  I am excited to officially be coaching this summer.  I grew up in Northern Kentucky with my parents and two older sisters. My childhood was filled with chlorine and swim meets all through college. All the students know I LOVE the University of Louisville and my other love is Star Wars. I now have quite the collection of baby Yoda memorabilia, and I enjoy a snuggle with my chihuahua, Luke Skywalker and rescue puppy, Ben Kenobi.

I swam for the Kenton County Clippers, Cincinnati Marlins, Bluegrass Swim Club and Notre Dame Academy. After high school, I achieved a BS in Exercise Science/Sports Medicine & Minor in Spanish from the University of Louisville. Afterwards, I received a Masters of Education from the University of Cincinnati in Public Health Promotion & Exercise Physiology. I am currently enrolled at Thomas More finishing my MAT. In 2018, I was awarded Florence Rotary Teacher of the Year.

I currently live in Edgewood, Kentucky with my son, Jackson, and my daughter, Samantha. I enjoy many activities outside of school, for example, teaching swim lessons, running, watching my children’s sports, reading, golfing and napping!

Diving Coaches:

Head Coach Emma Lemkuhl

Hello, I am Emma Lehmkuhl and I am the Dive Coach for this year. I dove for Five Seasons when I was younger, and I dove for Holy Cross and the University of the Cumberlands. I have been coaching diving for 5 years with summer clubs, high schools, and OhK Diving. Currently I teach at a local grade school and coach Covington Catholic and Notre Dame's team. I look forward to having a great season. Go Gators!