Our East Y Swim Team is ready to Rock It behind new head coach Jeff Collins! Coach Collins started his YMCA coaching career in Wooster, OH, where he also built a disability swim team through the Adaptive Sports Program of Ohio. He coached in some very big swim meets including the CanAms and the Paralympic Trials. He also coached at the Y in Massillon, OH and spent the last decade coaching high and middle school programs in Colorado. And now, Coach Collins is putting his many years of experience and expertise to work with our athletes in the YDC United program!

Originally from Lakeville, Minnesota, Alayna began swimming competitively at 8 years old and continued swimming through college at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her main events in college were the 100 Butterfly, 200 Butterfly, and the 400IM. Through college, she swam and coached the Calvin College Age Group Swim Team. 

Alayna moved to Madison to receive her Masters in Social Work and fell in love with both the city and the team. She is also working as a School Social Worker in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District. 

This is Alayna’s ninth year as the Head Coach for YDC United – West.

Hi, I'm Ilya! I am originally from Michigan, and have also lived in Illinois and Minnesota. I settled in Wisconsin after attending UW-Madison and graduating with a degree in Economics and Philosophy. I swam competitively year round for 13 years, and have previously coached at Golden Valley Country Club in Minnesota, where I coached for 3 summers. Other than swimming, I enjoy reading and movies, especially when it comes to predicting the Oscars. 

Hey everyone, I’m Coach Ellie and this is my first season coaching for YDC! Over the summer I coach the Goodman Waves and I’ve been with them for five years. I just graduated from the University of Minnesota and I’m excited to be back in Madison for the next year. I can’t wait to meet you all, let’s get swimming!

I have worked for the West Y for 14 years. During this time I have been a swimming Instructor and trainer, a swimming instructor supervisor and a lifeguard and lifeguard instructor. I have been coaching YDC United for 4 years.

Hey I'm Coach Felix!! I've been swimming competitively and or coaching for the last 13 years. This is my third year assistant coaching for YDC and in the summers you'll find me coaching for Monona Swim & Dive. My main strokes are butterfly/freestyle but I enjoy all of them. I look forward to every season and to seeing new and familiar faces. Never hesitate to say hello when you get the chance!! :)