After graduating from the University of North Florida in 2007, Shawn began his coaching journey with the UNF collegiate women’s team and the club team, North Florida Swimming, that trained on the campus. Following his time at UNF, Shawn coached at YMCA of Florida’s First Coast, YMCA of Central Florida, and the Blue Eagle Swim Team (Nazareth, PA) before joining the Loggerheads. He coached swimmers at all levels, from beginners to some of the nation’s top elite athletes.

Coach Shawn’s success led him to an ASCA Level 4 certification, placing him among the top swim coaches in the nation. He led several swimmers to reach goals beyond what they could’ve imagined, including anything from age group titles and state records to qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Many of his swimmers went on to finish their swimming careers in the NCAA.

There were so many things about Shawn that made him special to his swimmers. He was motivated, inspirational, and committed to the work we all needed to do, but he was also fun and friendly to everyone. Shawn perfectly balanced his competitive drive with his love for swimming. He cared about promoting the sport of swimming beyond all rivalries, extending well wishes and friendship to the competition. He would do anything to get his swimmers to go fast, whether that meant putting on a pink tutu, coaching in a Santa suit, or using Star Wars logic in his unique coaching style.

It’s really hard to describe Shawn with words, but it might be easier to explain in terms of walking into practice early and seeing something like this:

Continuing His Work

“We are a multidisciplinary 501C3 that offers a multitude of training such as life guard training and certifications, CPR, Nutrition , parenting skills, Water Safety “pool/spa/hot tubs,to underserved communities.

We are disciplined and innovative in our training efforts, meaning we address nutrition as it relates to obesity , financial literacy and other standing socially challenging issues.”