RIPTIDES COACHING STAFF
Head Coach: Mike Godwin
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
I started as a lifeguard in high school. I have run pools in Goldsboro and Greenville. I have created 3 separate swim teams from scratch and 2 complete swim lesson programs. Although I have never swam competitively, I train and certify swim instructors to teach 6 different strokes.
2. How long have you been affiliated with Riptides?
Since it started. This is the third team I have created in my career but the first year-round program. I have handled the admin duties since the beginning of Riptides.
3. What would the swimmers be surprised to find out about you?
I never swam competitively. My high school was small and had no swim team.
4. What is your favorite stroke to swim? To coach?
Freestyle to swim, it's kind of like running with the myriad of different ways to practice (and I hate running). I love teaching Breaststroke, it's so complex but when broken down it can be so simple in its movements and rhythm.
5. What is your favorite part of coaching?
I'm motivated by accomplishment. Each day we should all accomplish something. I enjoy watching swimmers take what we give them and accomplish things they didn't know were possible.
6. What advice would you like to share with the Riptides team?
I want this team to understand that you can work hard, swim fast, and have fun. Swimming does not have to be over-serious or a 7 day a week commitment to be meaningful.
Age Group Coach (Blue/Silver): Shelby South
What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
I swam for a year round team during my elementary school years. I swam varsity all 4 years in high school and as I continued to college I chose to continue my swimming career with ECU Club Team.
2. What is/was your favorite swim stroke and event?
My coach used me as a versatile swimmer in high school but I enjoyed swimming the 200 Individual Medley and the 400.
3. What piece of knowledge did one of your coaches teach you that you use in your own coaching techniques?
The best piece of advice I took away from my high school coach was that even the smallest improvements whether it be in times or technique we still improvements.
4. What is your favorite thing to do when you're away from the pool?
Away from the pool I enjoy fishing, riding my bike through trails or finding new spots to explore.
5. Favorite food?
Ice Cream
6. Favorite beverage?
Root Beer
7. What is one thing you hope Riptide swimmers learn from you?
I hope the Riptide Swimmers take away a strong passion for swimming and a mindset to always push towards new goals.
Age Group Coach (Blue/Silver): Mackenzie Maye
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
I swam year round until my sophomore year of high school, then did HS team and am now on the ECU club swim team.
2. What is/was your favorite swim stroke and event?
Backstroke is my favorite stroke and my favorite events are 100 back and 200 free.
3. What piece of knowledge did one of your coaches teach you that you use in your own coaching techniques?
Never get lazy on your kick! If your arms are getting tired in a race, kick harder.
4. What is your favorite thing to do when you're away from the pool?
Spend time with friends and family.
5. Favorite food?
Anything from Chick-fil-A!
6. Favorite beverage?
I only drink water.
7. What is one thing you hope Riptide swimmers learn from you?
We want you to succeed. Pushing yourself can be the most challenging thing about swimming, but if you do that you will love the outcome.
Age Group Coach (Blue/Silver): Anna Lurito
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
2. What is/was your favorite swim stroke and event?
3. What piece of knowledge did one of your coaches teach you that you use in your own coaching techniques?
4. What is your favorite thing to do when you're away from the pool?
5. Favorite food?
6. Favorite beverage?
7. What is one thing you hope Riptide swimmers learn from you?
Age Group Coach (Green): Jariana Vazquez-Soto
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
2. What is/was your favorite swim stroke and event?
3. What piece of knowledge did one of your coaches teach you that you use in your own coaching techniques?
4. What is your favorite thing to do when you're away from the pool?
5. Favorite food?
6. Favorite beverage?
7. What is one thing you hope Riptide swimmers learn from you?
Masters Swim Club Coach: Krista Carr
1. What is your swimming background (year-round, high school, collegiate, etc)?
2. What is/was your favorite swim stroke and event?
3. What piece of knowledge did one of your coaches teach you that you use in your own coaching techniques?
4. What is your favorite thing to do when you're away from the pool?
5. Favorite food?
6. Favorite beverage?
7. What is one thing you hope Masters swimmers learn from you?