AJ discovered a passion for swimming and coaching at an early age, inspired by his father, a part-time swim coach. Helping run practices ignited a lifelong love for the sport that has flourished over the past five years, including three years with Lakota Stingrays Swim Team.

With experience coaching swimmers of all levels, AJ focuses on fostering a love for racing and competition by emphasizing speed and race training throughout the season. He believes in the philosophy that the job is never done—there’s always room for improvement. This mindset encourages swimmers to embrace their natural progression within the sport.

What AJ enjoys most is interacting with swimmers of all ages and witnessing their successes. He’s not only dedicated to coaching but is also an avid swimmer himself, competing in Masters meets and enjoying various sports.

His coaching philosophy centers on being “the hardest working team that has the most fun.” By consistently challenging his swimmers and celebrating their achievements, AJ creates an environment where hard work and enjoyment go hand in hand.

Catherine is a dedicated swim coach with a passion for nurturing young athletes. After swimming in high school and lifeguarding through college, she embraced the opportunity to share her love for the sport with others. Since joining the Lakota Stingrays in September 2021, she has specialized in coaching middle-grade swimmers, where her approach combines skill development, competitive success, and plenty of fun.

Believing that "swimmers are kids first and athletes second," Catherine fosters an environment that balances hard work and enjoyment. Practices are structured to challenge swimmers while incorporating playful elements, such as the monthly Fun Day Fridays. This balance not only enhances swimming technique but also builds strong relationships within the team, creating a family-like atmosphere that makes the Lakota Stingrays truly special.

Outside of coaching, Catherine is a busy mom of three and works as a substitute teacher in Lakota.  She also leads her daughters Girl Scout troop and actively volunteers at her children’s schools. In her free time, she enjoys indulging in ice-cold Diet Cokes, planning beach vacations, exploring all things Disney, and spending quality time with family. Watching swimmers grow both as athletes and individuals brings Catherine immense joy, making every moment in the pool worthwhile.

Ashley has been passionately coaching for the Lakota Stingrays since 2021, inspired by a lifelong love for swimming and a desire to help others learn and grow. Ashley enjoys coaching all age groups but finds that her favorite age group is the elementary age swimmers.  Ashley thrives on the energy and enthusiasm of young athletes who are eager to improve while having fun.

In her coaching approach, Ashley creates a balance between skill development, endurance training, and competitive success. While dedicated to hard work, they also prioritize enjoyment, hosting a “Fun Friday” once a month with themed practices and music that keeps the atmosphere lively.

Building confidence in swimmers is a key focus for Ashley. Ashley emphasizes small, attainable goals, recognizing and celebrating each improvement—no matter how minor. Positive feedback is a foundation of her coaching philosophy, ensuring that athletes feel valued and motivated as they progress.

What Ashley enjoys most about coaching is witnessing the personal growth of each swimmer. From developing skills to building confidence and overcoming challenges, these moments of joy and resilience are incredibly rewarding. Fostering a supportive team environment where athletes learn the importance of teamwork and camaraderie adds to the fulfillment of coaching. Outside the pool, Ashley loves being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with friends. She also enjoys watching sports, further fueling her passion for athleticism and competition.