Coach Beverly has been with the Green YMCA Barracudas since the team’s very first season in 2005 and has served as Head Coach since 2013. GYB has grown into a program that welcomes swimmers of every level—from beginners to athletes competing at Nationals, including a YMCA National Champion.

A lifelong swimmer herself, Coach Bev began competing at age 7 with the Wilmington Aquatic Club (WAC) Sea Tigers in Wilmington, DE. She went on to compete for the Salem Co. YMCA Dolphins (NJ) and Kent State University, where she was part of the Golden Flashes’ Swimming & Diving team. Coaching has been part of her journey since she was 14, with experience spanning gymnastics, swimming, and diving across YMCA, high school, and university programs.

Her coaching philosophy is simple but powerful: promote leadership, respect, and honesty—and when it comes to swimming, technique comes first. 

Just as important as speed in the water is the team culture on deck. Coach Bev believes in shaping athletes who make good decisions, treat others with kindness, and celebrate the success of teammates. She believes that swimming is about building character and strength as much as building speed.

Coach Bev takes pride not only in developing fast swimmers but also in guiding confident, resilient young people who carry their poolside lessons into every part of their lives.

Background & Education
Coach Mike is a graduate of Kent State University, where he competed as a member of the Kent State Swim Team. His lifelong dedication to swimming began at the Cuyahoga Falls YMCA and carried through high school and college, where he was both a varsity swimmer and water polo player.

Coaching Career
With more than 47 years of coaching experience, Coach Mike has built a legacy of developing athletes in and out of the pool. He began his career in 1971 with the Cuyahoga Falls YMCA and Maplewood Park Rec Club. Since joining the Barracudas in 2010, he has played a key role in mentoring swimmers at every level of the program.

Coaching Philosophy
Coach Mike believes that swimming is only one piece of a swimmer’s journey. “If all I teach my swimmers is to swim fast, then I have not done a good job. Every swimmer has something unique to offer the team, and my role is to help them discover and grow that special quality.”

Beyond Coaching
When he’s not on deck, Mike enjoys computer games, yard work, swimming, and scuba diving.

Coach Melissa Colston

Hometown:  Maximo, OH

College: Undergrad: University of Akron, University of Akron Swimming & Diving

              Grad School: Kent State University

Coaching with the Barracudas Since:  2017

Coaching Philosophy:  Hard work pays off when you work hard!

Hobbies:  Taking care of my hours, reading, being outside, doing things with my kids, and coaching.