Coaches and Directors

Coaching Staff
Emily Swett Head Coach

Emily began coaching for CKATs in the fall of 2017. She started swimming competitively at the age of 6 in Rochester, NY where she swam for both the local YMCA and several USA club teams. She swam for Brighton High School where she was a 4-time state qualifier and MVP and then went on to compete for Amherst College in Amherst, MA where she competed at the Divison III NCAA championship meet each year and was a 6-time Division III All-American. 

Emily primarily coaches the more senior athletes and has coached athletes that have attended Speedo Sectionals, Western Zones, Futures and Speedo Junior Nationals. She also serves as the head coach for both Cody High School swimming and diving teams. 

She is currently working on completing her PhD in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University, manages numerous vacation rentals in the Cody area and is a Cody City Councilmember. She also currently serves as the General Chair for Wyoming Swimming, as a member of USA Swimming's LSC Development Committee, on the board for Forward Cody, Park County Travel Council, Shoshone Recreation District and Cody Public Art. 

When she's not coaching at the pool, she enjoys traveling internationally, getting outside with her husband and dogs, and spending time with family and friends.  

Amber Boysen Head Coach
Mindy Butcher Coach
Tess Donham Coach

Tess Hopkin begin her swimming career as a CKAT when she was six years old. She continued to swim for CKATS and Powell Pirahas while in elementary and middle school. She joined the Cody High School swim team in 1995 and continued swimming all four years of high school. She was one of the team captains in 1998. 

When Tess moved to Billings, Montana to attend college she began working at Billings Athletic Club and was appointed the Swim Director in 2000. She loved teaching kids and adults how to swim. During her summers she was the head lifeguard at Big Splash Waterpark. 
 
When Tess moved back to Cody in 2004 she began taking her daughter Tayleigh to the Cody Rec. Center and began teaching her swim lessons. When Tayleigh joined the CKATS in 2012 she found herself wanting to get back into teaching and coaching kids how to swim.  Tess loves watching the CKATS progress and grow into proficient swimmers. She enjoys coaching the "goldfish" and loves seeing them progress year after year. More importantly she loves that they love swimming!
 
Makayla Getz Coach

Makayla Getz brings over 14 years of competitive swimming experience to the team, where she previously excelled in the 200 backstroke and 400 individual medley. A former NCAA Division I swimmer, Makayla knows firsthand the dedication and discipline it takes to succeed in and out of the pool.

Her passion for coaching comes from helping swimmers grow—not just in their athletic abilities, but as confident, goal-driven individuals. She loves seeing athletes crush their pre-season goals and discover what they’re truly capable of achieving.

Outside of the pool, Makayla works full time for the University of Wyoming Extension as an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Missouri State University and later her Master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership from Tarleton State University. When she’s not coaching or working with her community, Makayla enjoys camping, hiking, and preparing for her newest adventure—welcoming her first daughter in March.

Amber Hedges Pool Coach

Amber is a dedicated and passionate swim coach. Having spent many years in the water as a competitive swimmer, she has developed a deep love for the sport that she now brings to every practice. Coach HP’s philosophy centers on creating a team culture that is both fun and electric, where swimmers feel inspired to push their limits and support their teammates. She believes that the love of swimming is the greatest motivation for success and a lifelong appreciation for the sport.

Outside of the pool. Amber enjoys spending time outdoors and with her family  riding dirt bikes, camping, and paddle boarding.

 
Matt Warner Coach
Board of Directors
Bryan McKenzie President
Mindy Butcher Board Member
Mary Sims Board Member