Coaches
Our Coaching Team
Guiding swimmers with passion, purpose, and proven expertise
Coach Jack brings more than 30 years of competitive swimming and coaching experience to the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins and has played an integral role in shaping CGBD's competitive program for more than two decades.
Before joining CGBD in 2005, Jack coached throughout the Hampton Roads swimming community, including significant coaching roles with Typhoon Aquatics and the Fort Eustis Aquatic Club, along with experience with several other programs in the region. Those years allowed him to work with athletes across every stage of development and helped shape the training philosophy and athlete-centered approach he continues to bring to the pool deck today.
Jack also brings the perspective of an accomplished elite swimmer. During his own competitive career, he earned Top 16 national rankings, was a National Championship finalist, and competed at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials. His experience competing at the highest levels of the sport gives him a unique understanding of both the physical preparation and mental commitment required for athletes pursuing ambitious goals.
Since joining CGBD, Coach Jack has worn many hats and has been instrumental in developing the team's senior and national-level programs. Throughout his career, he has coached athletes who have advanced to some of the highest levels of swimming, including swimmers who have qualified for the USA Swimming National Junior Team, U.S. Olympic Trials, and the 2007 FINA World Championships. He has also helped countless athletes progress through age-group, senior, sectional, national, and collegiate swimming.
While Jack has a passion for developing high-performance athletes, his impact extends well beyond times and championship qualifications. He believes strongly in teaching swimmers how to train, compete, take ownership of their development, and understand the process required to reach long-term goals. Many of the lessons learned through his program are designed to prepare athletes not only for their next championship meet, but also for collegiate swimming and life beyond the sport.
Coach Jack is equally passionate about developing coaches. Throughout his career, he has mentored younger coaches, shared his knowledge of training and athlete development, and helped coaches grow into leadership roles of their own. His decades of experience provide an important resource for CGBD's coaching staff and help ensure that knowledge is passed from one generation of coaches to the next.
Outside of the pool, Jack is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He enjoys mountain biking, surfing, off-road triathlons, and camping. He lives in Williamsburg, Virginia, with his wife, Irene, and their two dogs.
With decades invested in Hampton Roads swimming and more than 20 years with CGBD, Coach Jack brings an extraordinary depth of competitive experience, coaching knowledge, athlete development, and mentorship to the Blue Dolphins.
Coach Jihan brings decades of experience in competitive swimming, coaching, aquatic programming, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement to CGBD. She serves as CEO of the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins and Dolphin Swims, overseeing the competitive team, learn-to-swim programs, and the organization's administrative operations, while continuing to coach and work directly with swimmers and families.
Her coaching career began with Eastern Express Swimming and Typhoon Aquatics before she joined CGBD in 2005. During her years with the Blue Dolphins, she has served in numerous roles, including Head Developmental Coach, Age Group Coach, Assistant Office Manager, Accounts Manager, Lessons Site Supervisor, and Director of the Dolphin Swims SwimAmerica Program. After taking time away from coaching to raise her family, she returned to CGBD in 2019 and was named Director of the SwimAmerica program in 2021 before moving into her current leadership role.
As CEO, Jihan manages the extensive administrative and operational responsibilities that keep CGBD and Dolphin Swims running. In addition to overseeing programming and staff, she works closely with families, facilities, community partners, and outside organizations and coordinates many of the behind-the-scenes operations for both the competitive team and lesson programs.
Jihan is Swim Angelfish Special Needs Certified and USA Swimming Para Swimming certified, providing her with specialized training to work with swimmers with physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges.
She also serves as CGBD's primary liaison for outreach, scholarship, and community partnership programs across both the competitive team and Dolphin Swims. Jihan coordinates special programs with community organizations and develops partnerships designed to expand access to swim instruction, water safety education, and competitive swimming throughout the Hampton Roads community.
Her commitment to expanding access and inclusion extends beyond CGBD. Jihan serves on the Virginia Swimming Board of Directors as the Disability Chair and DICE (Diversity, Inclusion, Community & Equity) Chair and is a member of the SwimAmerica Advisory Board with the American Swimming Coaches Association. Her leadership and community impact were recognized in 2024 when she received the CAA Community Impact Award.
A lifelong swimmer, Jihan grew up competing in New Jersey and Middle Atlantic Swimming and still holds several pool records. She continued her swimming career at the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a degree in Marine Resource Management, and she later earned a Master of Science in Marine Science.
Before becoming a full-time coach and aquatic professional, Jihan worked at Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut and the Virginia Aquarium, including work in marine mammal rescue. Her background in marine science, animal care, education, and community programming continues to influence her approach to leadership and service.
Beyond the pool, Jihan is an active community leader. She serves as Vice President of the Hampton Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and sits on the board of Pugs U Gotta Save, a dog rescue organization.
Jihan lives in Smithfield with her husband, children, and their three dogs. Whether she is managing the organization behind the scenes, coaching on deck, supporting staff and families, developing new programs, or building partnerships that make swimming more accessible, she is passionate about creating opportunities for swimmers and families to learn, grow, compete, and develop a lifelong connection to the water.
Coach McKenzie joined the CGBD coaching staff in 2017, bringing with her a lifelong connection to the program. A former swimmer under Coach Jack and Coach Steve, she spent 11 years training with Typhoon Aquatics and CGBD. Before transitioning to coaching full time, Coach McKenzie was a dedicated middle school teacher, a background that enhances her ability to connect with and motivate swimmers of all ages.
Today, Coach McKenzie works with athletes across the spectrum — from young summer league swimmers to those in the Senior program. She is a passionate and purposeful coach, committed to helping athletes unlock their full physical and mental potential in and out of the water. In addition to her on-deck coaching, she plays a vital role within the organization as a Virginia Swimming delegate, meet entry coordinator, and Strength and Conditioning Coach.
Off the pool deck, Coach McKenzie enjoys outdoor adventures with her husband, Jake, and their daughter, Sloane — especially hiking, biking, and camping.
Coach Steve has long been a passionate advocate for swimming — both as a competitive sport and as a lifelong path to fitness. A high school and collegiate All-American, he qualified for the 1972 Olympic Trials, marking the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the sport.
Coach Steve first joined CGBD in the 1980s, where he was instrumental in developing Senior and National Team swimmers. He returned to the program in 2000 as a full-time Age Group Coach and quickly rose to leadership roles, becoming Age Group Head Coach and Team Administrator in 2001, and ultimately Head Coach in 2008.
With decades of experience, Coach Steve has guided countless swimmers to success. His athletes have included nationally ranked Top-16 swimmers, Junior and Senior National qualifiers, National Age Group record holders, and Olympic Trials participants. In recognition of his leadership, he was named Age Group Coach of the Year in both 2006 and 2007, and has served as a Zones Coach for Virginia Swimming.
Coach Steve continues to lead the CGBD program with integrity, deep technical knowledge, and a strong belief in the power of swimming to transform lives. He lives in Yorktown, Virginia, with his wife, Sandy.
Kaelyn Thackery
Dolphin Coach
Email: coachkaelynt@cgbdswim.org
Coach Kaelyn brings a wealth of experience as a dedicated educator and accomplished swim coach. Hailing from Hampton Roads, her local roots have instilled in her exceptional leadership skills and a profound love for the sport. With lots of expertise in water safety instruction and a proven track record of coaching competitive swimming, Coach Kaelyn's impressive resume includes CGBD coach and supervisor of Dolphin Swims, tenure as Head Varsity Swim Coach at Phoebus High School, and Assistant Coach at Warwick Yacht for the past three summers. Additionally, she has taught photography at Phoebus High School for two years, showcasing her creative and student-centric approach in both academic and athletic settings. Currently, Coach Kaelyn continues to make a positive impact on the community by joining the special education program in York County.
Coach Isaiah has been around the pool for most of his life. He grew up swimming in the GPSA summer league alongside his two younger brothers and has since transitioned from athlete to coach and instructor, sharing his experience and love of swimming with the next generation.
Isaiah has experience coaching summer league swimming and has become a leader within CGBD's Dolphin Swims program, where he serves as a SwimAmerica Certified Site Supervisor. In this role, he works directly with swimmers while also leading and supporting our instructional staff and helping oversee the daily operation and quality of our lesson program. His experience as both a swimmer and instructor gives him a strong understanding of swimmer development—from those first skills and early confidence in the water through preparation for more advanced aquatic programs.
Isaiah is an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Coach and a SwimAmerica Certified Site Supervisor. He is also Swim Angelfish Special Needs Certified, providing him with additional training and tools for working with children and adults with physical, cognitive, and sensory challenges. His training allows him to adapt instruction to meet individual swimmers where they are and help create a positive, supportive, and successful learning environment.
Outside of aquatics, Isaiah has experience working alongside his dad running a small business in Hampton Roads, where he developed additional skills in leadership, responsibility, communication, and working with people.
When he's not on the pool deck, Isaiah enjoys playing guitar and drums and spending time with his family.
We are excited to have Coach Isaiah as an important part of CGBD and especially appreciate the leadership he brings to Dolphin Swims, our instructors, and the next generation of Blue Dolphins!
Coach Melissa brings a strong background in competitive swimming, learn-to-swim instruction, coaching, aquatic management, and leadership to the Coast Guard Blue Dolphins.
Melissa began her time with CGBD as a Dolphin Swims instructor and advanced into a Site Supervisor role, where she helped oversee daily lesson operations, supported instructors, worked with families, and maintained program and safety standards.
From 2023–2026, Melissa lived in Germany with her family, where she coached for three seasons with the Kaiserslautern Kingfish. She worked with swimmers ranging from beginners through senior varsity athletes, coached multiple clinics, and helped swimmers progress to championship-level competition.
While in Germany, Melissa also served as a Supervisory Recreation Specialist/Lifeguard Supervisor at the Ramstein Aquatic Center. She supervised a staff of more than 25 lifeguards and six front-desk employees while helping manage operations for two pools and their swim lesson programs. Her experience included staff development and scheduling, water safety, programming, facility operations, and administrative and financial responsibilities.
Melissa is an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Coach and a SwimAmerica Certified Site Supervisor. She also holds certifications as an American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, and CPR/AED & First Aid provider.
Her leadership experience extends beyond coaching. Melissa previously served as Treasurer for Colony Pool Recreation and Civic Association, helping manage the finances and operations of a community pool serving more than 200 members. She has also held management and administrative positions outside of aquatics.
As an active-duty military spouse, Melissa has had the opportunity to work with swimmers, families, coaches, and aquatic professionals in different communities. Those experiences have given her a broad perspective on swimmer development and aquatic programming.
Coach Melissa brings a wealth of experience to the pool deck and enjoys helping swimmers develop their skills, build confidence, work toward their goals, and find a lifelong love of swimming.
Coach Havana brings a wonderful combination of competitive swimming experience, coaching leadership, and a professional background in education to CGBD.
A Newport News native, Havana grew up swimming in Hampton Roads and competed for Warwick High School. She also has a long history with the Glendale Gators summer team, first as a swimmer and now as their Head Coach.
Her commitment to her swimmers and the greater swimming community was recognized in 2024 when she received the Kei Lamberson Outstanding Coach Award for her dedication to her team and community.
Havana has also spent many years coaching at Riverside Wellness, adding to her extensive experience working with swimmers of different ages and ability levels throughout Hampton Roads.
Outside of the pool, Havana is just as committed to working with young people. She holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Christopher Newport University and currently works as a second-grade lead teacher in Newport News. Her background as an educator is a tremendous asset on deck, giving her a strong understanding of how children learn, communicate, build confidence, and respond to different teaching styles.
Whether she is in the classroom or on the pool deck, Coach Havana loves helping young people learn, grow, and reach their potential. We are excited to have her experience, leadership, and passion for teaching as part of the CGBD coaching staff!
Coach Cameron is a familiar face within the CGBD family, having grown up in the program as a former Coast Guard Blue Dolphins swimmer. He now brings that experience and connection to the team into his role as a coach.
Cameron has several years of coaching experience with the James River Country Club summer league program, where he has served as an assistant coach. He has also spent several years working with Dolphin Swims, where he has grown into a leadership role within our upper-level lesson program. His experience teaching developing swimmers has given him a strong foundation in stroke development, technique, and helping athletes build confidence in the water.
This season, Coach Cameron will work as an assistant coach within our Dolphin Tier and will also help support our Midday program.
We are excited to have a former CGBD swimmer continue giving back to the program and helping develop the next generation of Blue Dolphins!
Dave Green is a former firefighter with the York/James City County Fire Department who found his passion for swimming later in life. Since then, he has built a strong coaching background, working with Masters swimmers and military recruits. Dave brings a disciplined, supportive approach to the pool, shaped by years of public service and a commitment to helping others grow. His coaching style emphasizes confidence, technique, and continuous improvement for swimmers of all levels.
Coach Stephanie has been part of the Hampton Roads swimming community for many years. She spent seven years swimming for SEVA, three years with CGBD, and four years swimming for York High School. Swimming is also a family tradition for Stephanie—her dad coached with both SEVA and CGBD for many years.
Stephanie loves teaching kids and especially enjoys watching swimmers gain confidence, develop new skills, and have fun along the way. Her years as a competitive swimmer give her the ability to connect her own experiences in the sport with the swimmers she now teaches and coaches.
Stephanie is an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level 1 and Level 2 Certified Coach and a SwimAmerica Certified Site Supervisor. She is also Swim Angelfish Special Needs Certified, providing her with additional training to work effectively with children and adults with physical, cognitive, or sensory challenges and to adapt instruction to meet the individual needs of each swimmer.
Outside of the pool, Stephanie is currently in college majoring in Accounting. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and going to the beach.
We are excited to have Coach Stephanie continue sharing her experience, enthusiasm, and love of swimming with our CGBD and Dolphin Swims families!
Vicky has loved being in and around the water from a young age. She earned her American Red Cross Swim Instructor certification while her family was stationed at Caserma Ederle in Italy and has now been teaching swimming for more than 13 years.
As a mother of three boys, Vicky has always made water safety the foundation of her teaching. She especially loves working with babies and young children and believes that developing proper body position and comfort in the water creates the foundation for everything that follows. One of her favorite moments as an instructor is seeing a child successfully back float independently for the first time and watching the confidence that comes with mastering a new skill.
When Coach Dave introduced Vicky to SwimAmerica, she immediately connected with the program's emphasis on water safety, strong fundamentals, and progressive skill development. She knew its values and teaching philosophy closely aligned with the way she had always approached her own students.
Today, Vicky serves as a SwimAmerica Site Supervisor, helping support both swimmers and instructors while maintaining a safe, positive, and effective learning environment. She is also ASCA Level 1 and Level 2 certified and brings more than a decade of teaching experience, a passion for swimming, and a genuine commitment to helping every student become safer and more confident in the water.
For Vicky, teaching swimming is about much more than learning strokes—it's about giving children and adults skills, confidence, and a respect for the water that can last a lifetime.
Raymond has been teaching swim lessons for over 4 years. He has been swimming since he was a kid and and enjoyed various types of aquatic activities, including being a lifeguard for over 13 years. Raymond loves seeing kids improve their skills and overcome challenges in learning to swim. Some of his favorite things to do include listening to music and playing games.
Coach Toni has dedicated much of her life to aquatics, coaching, teaching, and helping young people grow through the sport of swimming. Her journey has taken her from military service to the pool deck, with each experience strengthening her commitment to developing confident, capable swimmers and strong young people.
Coach Toni served four years in the U.S. Army as a 68J Aircraft Fire Control Repairer. Her military experience helped shape the discipline, resilience, leadership, and work ethic she brings to the pool deck today.
Swimming has remained an important part of Coach Toni’s life. She has spent many years involved in aquatics, including approximately 10 years coaching with Fort Eustis. She enjoys working with swimmers at different ages and stages, helping each athlete develop skills, confidence, and a love for the sport.
When she’s not on the pool deck, Coach Toni enjoys Royal Caribbean cruises, traveling to new places, spending time with family, and making memories along the way.
For Coach Toni, coaching is about much more than swimming faster. She believes every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow. Her goal is to help young people develop perseverance, confidence, and the ability to face challenges—lessons they can carry with them long after they leave the pool.
Jas grew up swimming year-round with CGBD, where she was coached by Steve Hennessy and had the opportunity to compete at Age Group Championships right here in Hampton Roads—a highlight of her swimming journey.
With over seven years of experience in childcare, she brings a strong foundation in youth development. Ready for a new chapter, Jas saw the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for working with children and her lifelong love of the water. Joining the team is a dream come true, and she’s excited to give back to the next generation—just as others once did for her.
Keegan has been connected to the water for as long as he can remember. He began swimming at the age of six and has enjoyed over a decade of competitive experience. He continues to pursue his passion through USA Swimming and Masters Swimming. Now stepping into the role of coach and instructor, Keegan is excited to support and inspire younger athletes as they develop their own skills and confidence in and around the water.
You may recognize Coach Evan from the pool deck in more than one role! Evan is a member of CGBD's Senior program and also works with our Dolphin Swims lesson program as a SwimAmerica Certified Instructor.
As a swimmer, Evan brings years of competitive swimming experience into every lesson. He understands firsthand how important strong fundamentals, good technique, confidence, and a love of the water are to a swimmer's long-term development.
One of the things we love about having our athletes involved with Dolphin Swims is the opportunity for our youngest swimmers to learn from the athletes they may one day look up to on the competitive team. Evan gets to share what he has learned through his own swimming journey while helping the next generation take their first steps in the sport.
We are proud to have Evan representing CGBD both as an athlete and as a SwimAmerica instructor!
Coach Bella is a member of the CGBD National Team and a SwimAmerica Certified Instructor with our Dolphin Swims lesson program.
Bella brings the knowledge and experience she has gained through years of competitive swimming to our youngest and developing swimmers. From building confidence in the water to learning the fundamentals that will eventually become strong competitive strokes, she has the opportunity to help swimmers at the very beginning of their swimming journey.
For CGBD, developing athletes means more than developing fast swimmers. We want our older athletes to have opportunities to become leaders, mentors, teachers, and positive role models within their swimming community. Working with Dolphin Swims gives Bella an opportunity to share her love and knowledge of the sport while making a difference for younger swimmers.
We are proud to have Bella representing CGBD as both a National Team athlete and SwimAmerica Certified Instructor and helping inspire our future Blue Dolphins! 💙🐬
Coach Lua is not only one of our CGBD National Team swimmers, but she is also part of our Dolphin Swims instructional staff as a SwimAmerica Certified Instructor.
Lua brings her experience as a high-level competitive swimmer directly into her lessons. She knows that every successful swimmer starts with the basics, and she enjoys helping younger swimmers develop their skills, become more comfortable in the water, and celebrate each new accomplishment.
Having National Team athletes like Lua working in our lesson program is an important part of the CGBD family. Our youngest swimmers have the opportunity to learn from athletes who have progressed through competitive swimming themselves—and our older swimmers have an opportunity to become teachers, mentors, and leaders within their team.
We love watching Lua grow not only as an athlete, but also as a coach and role model for the next generation of Blue Dolphins!
