Coaches and Directors
Since 2013, Coach Carlos Mejia has been the heart and soul of the Wahoos of Jacksonville, guiding swimmers toward excellence in the pool and beyond. His journey in the United States coaching scene began in 2008 when he took up a position at the YMCA in Ponte Vedra. In addition to his work with the Wahoos, Coach Carlos lends his expertise to the Providence Swim Team and the Harvest Swim Team during the fall season. Throughout his career, he has nurtured and developed swimmers who have pursued their swimming aspirations at the collegiate level.
Vision for the Future
Coach Carlos is driven by a vision to create an expansive, year-round swimming program that serves the community's needs, particularly for those who cannot afford swim lessons or participation in a swim team. His commitment to making swimming accessible to everyone underscores his dedication to the sport and the community.
Coaching Achievements
- Competitive Qualifiers: Coach Carlos has mentored numerous swimmers who have qualified for prestigious competitions such as FLAGS, Senior Champs, Sectionals, Junior Nationals, and Zones.
- Record-Breaking Success: Under his guidance, high school swimmers have shattered numerous records since 2009.
- Collegiate Achievements: Five of his swimmers have expressed an interest in swimming at the collegiate level, and all have successfully pursued this path.
Swimming Background
Coach Carlos's passion for swimming ignited during his high school years, where he was instrumental in helping his team secure the state championship title for five consecutive years. His prowess in the pool extended to the international stage as a member of Ecuador's national team, where he won three gold medals in the 100 Breaststroke, 4x100 Free Relay, and 4x100 Medley Relay. In 1996, he became Ecuador’s National Champion in the 200 Breaststroke.
Personal Life 
Coach Carlos is married to Stacy Jarvis-Mejia, and together they have three children: Ethan, Monica, and Ian. All three children share their parents' love for swimming and contribute to the family's mission of positively impacting the community through the sport.
Coach Carlos Mejia's story is one of passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to fostering a love for swimming. His influence extends beyond the pool, inspiring the next generation to reach their full potential both in and out of the water.
Early Beginnings
My passion for swimming started in 6th grade, where I swam competitively through high school. The discipline I gained shaped my future endeavors.
Professional Path
After completing my education, I became an elementary school teacher and eventually the Dean of Students at the River City Science Academy, guiding students to reach their potential.
Coaching with the Wahoos
In 2021, I began coaching the Wahoos swim team. It's rewarding to see swimmers grow and achieve their goals, combining my love for swimming with teaching.
Family and Personal Life
I’ve been happily married for 19 years to my high school sweetheart. We have two kids, Maebry and Bryson, who swim with the Wahoos. Our shared love for swimming strengthens our family bonds.
Looking Forward
As I continue in education and coaching, I am dedicated to fostering growth and success for my students and swimmers, eagerly embracing future opportunities.
With
over a decade of coaching experience, Coach Morgan is a dynamic
leader who brings enthusiasm, expertise, and a profound knowledge
of swimming to every athlete he mentors. A proud alum of Oral
Roberts University, Morgan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sport
Management and a Master’s degree in Sport Administration.
Morgan has been instrumental in the success of the Jenks Trojan Swim Club for over 13 years, holding roles such as Assistant Coordinator and Age Group Head Coach. His leadership helped guide the Jenks High School Swimming program to 11 state championships, fostering a culture of excellence and reliability. Beyond his club and high school achievements, Morgan has twice served as a Zones coach for Oklahoma Swimming, collaborating with top age group swimmers in the state.
His coaching philosophy emphasizes discipline, growth, and forming strong connections with athletes and their families. Morgan is passionate about helping swimmers achieve their potential both in and out of the pool and is celebrated for his dedication to team culture, personal development, and long-term success.
Morgan and his wife, Kathy, are eagerly anticipating their move to Florida, where he looks forward to advancing his coaching career.
Nicole LaReau is a proud native of Jacksonville, having spent her formative years immersed in the vibrant swimming community across the city. Her passion for swimming began early, as she competed on various teams, honing her skills and cultivating a lifelong love for the sport. During her high school years, Nicole was a dedicated member of the Providence swim team, where she distinguished herself with her competitive spirit and camaraderie.
Academic and Professional Journey
In 2019, Nicole graduated from the University of Florida, where she pursued her dual passions for language and literature, earning degrees in both English and Spanish. Her academic achievements reflect her dedication to broadening her horizons and understanding diverse cultures through language.
Life Beyond the Pool
Although her competitive swimming days have evolved, Nicole continues to embrace her love for the water through open-water swimming and participating in Master’s workouts. These activities allow her to maintain her connection to the sport while enjoying the serene beauty of nature.
Outside of her aquatic endeavors and professional life, Nicole is an avid reader who finds solace and inspiration in the written word. She also practices hot yoga, which complements her swimming routine by enhancing her flexibility and mindfulness. At home, Nicole delights in the company of her beloved dogs, whom she loves to spoil with affection and care.
Nicole LaReau exemplifies a balanced life, seamlessly integrating her professional aspirations, personal interests, and the joyful companionship of her four-legged friends.
My name is Sara, and I am thrilled and grateful to join the Wahoos family as a coach. My swimming journey began at the age of 11, and my passion for the sport continued through high school, where I proudly earned a spot in the state championships with my high school team.
I started my coaching career at just 15 years old and have had the pleasure of teaching kids how to swim for over nine years. Whether guiding young swimmers through basic strokes or cheering them on at championship meets with some of the fastest kids in the state, it has been an incredible experience to witness young athletes achieve their goals in both swimming and life.
What I love most about the Wahoos team is their deep commitment to each swimmer and their individual aspirations. My goal as a coach is to empower every swimmer to feel confident in their abilities and to support them as they grow into the people they are meant to be. I am eager to bring my experience and enthusiasm to the Wahoos and look forward to an exciting season ahead!
I discovered my love for swimming during my time with the Flying Fish Swim Team in the summer league. It was there that I realized swimming was not only an enjoyable activity but also deeply entwined with the spirit of teamwork. My journey with the Flying Fish also marked the beginning of my coaching career, igniting a passion for teaching the sport I cherished. The most rewarding aspect of coaching is devising innovative methods to teach each stroke in a manner that resonates with each individual swimmer. Witnessing their faces light up as they master a stroke and become enthusiastic about teaching their teammates is truly fulfilling.
Commitment and Growth
In high school, I intensified my dedication to swimming by training year-round with North Florida Swimming. This experience honed my skills and prepared me for further academic and professional pursuits. I later graduated with a degree in Health Science from the University of North Florida, equipping me with a comprehensive understanding of health and fitness, which I bring into my coaching.
Coaching with the Wahoos
Today, I am honored to coach with the Wahoos, expanding my impact within the community. I am deeply passionate about adaptive swim lessons and am committed to my development as a year-round coach. My goal is to make swimming accessible to everyone, fostering an inclusive environment where all swimmers can thrive and reach their full potential.
Dela Baldwin bio
My name is Dela Baldwin. My husband Jeremy and I have 3 wonderful
children, 2 of which swim for and work closely with the Wahoos of
Jacksonville swim team. I swam competitively growing up, through
high school, and now enjoy swimming Wahoos Masters. I have a B.A.S.
in Business Management with a concentration in supervision and
management. My previous experience includes personal relations,
direct-to-consumer marketing, and business ownership. I joined
Wahoos formally in September of 2023 to help grow our company
reach, manage projects, and assist with overall company
development. Since joining Wahoos we have been able to partner with
many companies to create opportunities and unique experiences for
our Wahoos. I am excited for each season as we continue
to grow together!
Stacy is one of the esteemed owners of Wahoos of Jacksonville, Inc., where she has played an integral role since its inception. Initially, her contributions were more administrative, leveraging her extensive experience and skills. Before dedicating herself full-time to Wahoos, Stacy spent over 12 years at the University of North Florida (UNF), where she worked in various capacities.
A Passion for Education and Coaching
During her tenure at UNF, one of Stacy’s most cherished roles was advising and teaching incoming freshmen, as well as guiding student-athletes. Her dedication to education is underscored by her Master’s Degree in Education, which equipped her with the knowledge and expertise to mentor and inspire young minds.
Transition to the Water
In 2019, Stacy transitioned from behind-the-scenes work to taking on a more hands-on role in coaching and teaching swimming. This shift has brought her immense joy and fulfillment. She is passionate about helping swimmers become stronger and more competitive, and her enthusiasm is palpable at swimming meets, where she can be found energetically cheering for every swimmer.
Teaching and Certification
Stacy also has a love for teaching children how to swim, fostering both skill and confidence in the water. Her commitment to coaching excellence is reflected in her certifications. She is currently a certified USA Swimming Coach and holds a Level 1 certification as a Swim Whisperer in the Wahoos’ Adaptive Swim Program.
Stacy’s journey from an administrative role to a vibrant coaching position highlights her dedication to the Wahoos community and her unwavering passion for swimming and education. Her contributions continue to make a significant impact on both the swimmers and the broader Wahoos family.
