Damon Garrison
Practice Site Head Coach: Walnut Creek

Coach Damon is very excited to be coaching with the Marlins! He brings the experience of over 30 years of coaching swimmers at all levels of the sport from the developmental swimmer to the Olympic Trial Swimmer. He believes in developing the complete swimmer with HARD WORK in and out of the pool. Taking pride in many of his swimmers going on to academic honors including over 30 swimmers becoming their High School's Valedictorian and 100’s of his athletes swimming in college.

In the pool Damon's swimmers have excelled as well with accomplishments including State/LSC Championships, High School State Championships, High School All-Americans, NCAA All-Americans, NCAA Champions and Record holders, Zone Championships, National Age Group rankings (including two swimmers ranked #1), Sectional Champions, JR. National Finalists, National Qualifiers, and Olympic Trial Qualifiers.

A lifetime in the sport has taught him so many of the lessons swimming brings to the athlete.  But most of all he believes in the thing he tells his swimmers before they race, have fun!

Coach Damon has a passion for reading, traveling, and taking in the occasional concert.  He has proudly seen over 25 members of the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame live. He resides in Des Moines with his dog Mika who he is proud to show off photos of.

Clair Evans
Practice Site Head Coach: Waukee

Coach Clair has loved being a part of the DSMY Family and looks forward to future seasons with the team. She has over 20 years of swimming experience herself and 4 years of experience working in youth development and programming. Being in and around the water is where you can find her with a smile on her face! 

In the pool Clair likes to focus on well-rounded development of the swimmers. Her goal as a coach is to influence swimmers to become their best selves both in and out of the pool. From time management, perseverance, and dedication to goal setting, having fun, and trying your best, Coach Clair knows there is alot that can be learned on swim team and is committed to helping each swimmer get the most out of each season. 

Outside of the pool, you can find Clair hanging out with her kids at a playground, working on a jigsaw puzzle, or reading a book. She has 2 sons and currently resides with her family in West Des Moines.

Jason Walsh
Interim Practice Site Head Coach: Wellmark

I have been a part of swimming almost all my life. As a swimmer I competed from 6 years old through high school starting as the little brother following in his big brother’s footsteps. Eventually stepping away for a few years until my youngest son found his passion for the sport of swimming. Soon after he joined the Marlins, I found myself not only a swim dad but, a swim coach for the Marlins as well. Being a part of this team has been a blessing. Not only do I get to spend time with my youngest son, I have been able to help numerous kids achieve their goals in this sport. My coaching philosophy is simple, work hard, remember your fundamentals and most importantly HAVE FUN!