Head Coach Jimmy Zhao started swimming as a youth in China. He eventually swam as a professional for six years, proficient in all four strokes. He was fortunate to train in the same facility as Olympic champion and former Chinese national swim team captain Sun Yang as well
as the latest Olympic champion and 100 meters freestyle world record holder Zhanle Pan. Outside of the pool, Jimmy is a father, a husband, a software engineer, and a YouTuber. He was an assistant coach with STAR during the 2024-25 short course season.

Coach Jimmy made the natural progression from athlete to coach once his professional swimming days were completed. He has been a swim coach for over 10 years, coaching people from the ages of 5 to 65. In his words, “The sheer joy of sharing the magic of swimming with others is something I deeply cherish. Being a coach has provided me with the perfect platform to disseminate my love for this sport.” His coaching philosophy focuses on guiding athletes through an unforgettable journey in swimming—building skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of swimming—while maintaining a strong, results-driven approach.  

The results from last season were clear. Every swimmer in the groups that he led dropped time in multiple events throughout the short course season, culminating with a blizzard of personal best times at the regional meet. The athletes really connected with Coach Jimmy by the end of the season and appreciated what he helped them achieve. We are looking forward to seeing what he will bring to all of our practice groups this year and beyond.

Experience & Personal

Coach Wendy previously coached STAR from 2011-2013 when her children began swimming with STAR.  Her two kids are now in college making it a good time to return to coaching. She swam in high school and one year in college. She returned to swimming once the Stoughton pool opened in 2004 while pregnant with her daughter. For the past 18 years, Wendy has been swimming with the Master’s group in the mornings. Coach Annie was a swimmer on STAR when Wendy coached previously and now has also joined the Master’s swimming group!