Book Private Swimming Lessons with Coach Kathleen

As a local Olympian, I started swimming at 8 in North Carolina, and by 12, I had set every state record. I made my first national team at 15 and was proud to be on it for 10 years straight. From there, I went on to earn 5-time NCAA Champion at University of California, represent my country as an Olympian, and break both World and American records, including in relays.

Throughout my journey,

I’ve learned that success in swimming isn’t just about physical ability—it’s about mastering technique, building the right mindset, and setting clear goals. I’ve focused on perfecting all strokes and working on the details that make a big impact. Now, I’m passionate about helping athletes achieve their goals and reach their full potential in the water.

With my Olympic experience and years of competitive swimming at the highest levels, I bring a unique perspective to coaching. I don’t just focus on refining stroke technique. I also teach athletes how to build mental toughness, stay focused, and develop the mindset necessary to compete at elite levels.

Through personalized coaching, I help athletes improve their technique, understand the strategy behind each race, and develop the mental discipline needed to succeed. Whether it’s mastering stroke mechanics or visualizing race success, I work with each swimmer to tailor the plan that will best suit their goals and learning style. My approach is about more than just swimming; it’s about building the skills, focus, and confidence that will make you a more complete athlete, both in and out of the water.

A typical session will last around 60 minutes and is always tailored to your specific goals. We’ll start with a proper warm-up, focusing on activation and mobility to prepare your body for the session ahead. From there, we dive into the drills, which will range from basic technique work to more complex race simulation. Each drill is designed to target specific areas of improvement, such as stroke efficiency, starts, turns, or underwater work.

Video feedback will be used throughout the session to capture key moments of your technique, allowing us to instantly review and adjust during the workout for immediate visual feedback. Some sessions will also include mental training, where we’ll work on goal-setting and visualization techniques, which I credit a lot of my success to.

Each session is designed to challenge you but also provide the structure and guidance necessary to keep improving. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of what we’ve worked on, how to apply it, and where to focus next.

The best coach I’ve ever had was Coach David Marsh. What made him stand out wasn’t just his ability to coach, but the relationship he built with each athlete. From the time I was 14, he taught me the importance of trust and understanding between coach and swimmer. Coach Marsh pushed me to believe in myself, and the confidence he instilled in me showed in my performances. He earned respect through his actions, not by demanding it, and that created an environment where every swimmer felt valued and supported. What truly set him apart was his creativity, he constantly came up with innovative drills and practices that kept us engaged and challenged, allowing us to push our limits in new ways.

Athletes and parents should know that I’ve been through this process myself and truly understand what it takes to succeed. As an Olympic gold medalist, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of being an athlete firsthand. As a coach, I’m here to meet each athlete where they are, not just push them into a one-size-fits-all program. I believe in personalizing each plan to an athlete’s strengths while focusing on areas that need work. With years of experience and a deep understanding of what it takes to reach the highest levels, I’m committed to creating a plan that will help each athlete reach their full potential—whether it’s improving technique, mental toughness, or physical conditioning.