Coach Pizarro started recreational swimming when she was 9 yrs old and competitive once she was in middle school. She swam for the Bayamon Swimming Club, now called CABAY. Once she was transitioning to college, Coach Pizarro swam for the University of Puerto Rico. Her favorite stroke was butterfly and her best and biggest challenge was the 200 fly event. She loved sprint events as well.
She began her coaching career teaching swim lessons, and later on, coaching in the state of Kansas and Louisiana. Once her family moved to Florida, she began coaching the Lake Wales High School Swim and Dive team. During her 1st year with the LWHS swim team she identified the need for that town to have an all year around swim club. That is how she started this club. With the help of the Lake Wales YMCA and an amazing group of parents, this dream became a reality.
The Lake Wales Blue Marlins, now Blue Marlins Aquatic Club started with 4 swimmers, slowly increasing to 8, then 11 athletes. Now BMAC has over 40 swimmers registered and practicing on a regular basis. The team has also opened its doors to Master swimmers, starting the BMAC Master group.
Coach Pizarro's philosophy goes above swimming fast. She believes in teaching life skills helping her athletes grow as individuals and future professionals. She loves to learn from other coaches and enjoys every opportunity she has to shadow Olympic Coaches and Swimmers, like Ray Looze, Lilly King, Cody Miller, and others.
David VanGundy
Assistant Coach- Age Group
Email: [email protected]
Coach VanGundy was an Umpire for 18 yrs and coached youth soccer for 5. It was around 2019 when his oldest daughter join the Blue Marlins, that his interest for swimming began. He devoted his time to observe her practices and learn as much as possible, to understand what Isabella was doing. It was during a practice, that Coach Pizarro approached him and asked if he would be wanting to help. He shadowed for a while and continue learning and watching videos, and in 2021 accepted the Assistant Coaching position to help Coach Pizarro with the Lake Wales High School Swim Team.
His love for the sport grew even more, motiviating him to start all the certifications to become a USA Swimming Coach. As a USA Swimming Coach, Coach VanGundy continues to volunteer his time with the Blue Marlins helping our swimmers be better each day. When asked what his goals as a coach are, Coach VanGundy stated "To see the swimmers reach their personal and swimming goals. I also want to see them have fun while they are swimming." He also looks for perseverance and good attitude in
his swimmers.
Ciara Morales
Assistant Coach- Age Group
Email: [email protected]
Coach Ciara Morales was introduced to swimming at the age of six in her hometown of Carolina, Puerto Rico. She competed with the Gigantes de Carolina Swim Team for eight years, specializing in the 50- and 100-meter Freestyle and the 50-meter Butterfly. The unforgettable memories she made as a swimmer inspired her to introduce the sport to her own children from a young age.
After graduating high school, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from the University of Puerto Rico in Río Piedras.
In 2024, Ciara joined BMAC as both a parent and a master swimmer. She began volunteering with the team and now embraces the challenge of joining the coaching staff. Her goal is to help young swimmers improve their technique while ensuring they have fun along the way.
Javier Cabrera
Assistant Coach- Blue Marlins & Masters Group
Email: [email protected]
Coach Javier began his swimming career at age eleven with the Loyola Swimming Club, later transferring to Bayamon Swimming Club. His favorite events were the 400FR, 800FR, and 1500FR. He always enjoyed swimming long course distance events.
After graduating high school, Coach Javier put a stop to his swimming career until his 1st duty station with the US Army, where he was teaching some soldiers the proper swimming technique and survival water skills. In 2019, he started coaching for the Lake Wales Blue Marlins. He has stayed on top of the sports for years and now is using his experience and knowledge to help our younger Marlins.
Coach Javier's philosophy is to increase the knowledge of water safety while teaching his swimmers the proper technique. He also believes in teaching our young Marlins that no matter how hard things can be at the beginning; all they have to do is try!
Barette Fenessy
Junior Coach- White Marlins
Coach Barrett is a dedicated and disciplined varsity swimmer at Lake Wales High School. Known for her strong work ethic and organized approach to training, she leads by example both in and out of the water. Her favorite stroke is breaststroke, and she also has a passion for competing in the 500 freestyle. Barrett's love for the sport shines through in her daily interactions with our swimmers, as she encourages them to push their limits, stay focused, and find joy in every lap.
Dr. Jorge Lacen, MD
Volunteer
Dr. Jorge L. Lacen is a dedicated family medicine doctor based in Haines City, Florida. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE) and has been practicing medicine for over a decade, with 15 years of experience providing compassionate, comprehensive care to patients of all ages. While basketball has always been his main sport and personal passion, his family shares a love for swimming. His wife and two kids have been actively involved in competitive swimming for years, making sports and wellness a central part of their family life. Dr. Lacen is passionate about volunteering his time and actively supports our BMAC family in numerous ways, always going above and beyond to make a positive impact.
