09/07/2026
Coach Jason has been immersed in the sport of swimming for nearly his entire life. His journey began at the age of six with the Reading YMCA and the Denver summer swim team, where he quickly developed a deep connection to the water. Like many lifelong swimmers, he experienced a period of burnout, but his love for the sport was reignited in high school when he became a founding member of the Cocalico High School swim team. That experience not only renewed his passion but also shaped him as a teammate and competitor. One of the defining moments of his swimming career came in 2005, when he helped lead a dedicated group of just five swimmers to a second-place finish at the state championship—a remarkable accomplishment that remains a proud memory.
Fueled by that high school experience, he continued his swimming career at Shippensburg University, where he competed throughout all four years. Collegiate swimming further solidified his discipline, deepened his technical knowledge, and strengthened his understanding of the athlete experience from both a physical and mental perspective.
Coach Jason began his coaching career with the East Cocalico summer program, where he spent several seasons learning how to effectively communicate with and motivate young swimmers. His passion for developing athletes soon took him to an assistant role with the Reading YMCA, followed by a return to his roots as an assistant coach for the Cocalico High School swim team. After stepping away from coaching for a brief period, he found his way back to the deck with ACE Swim Club, where his enthusiasm for the sport has only grown stronger. Being part of a team again—helping athletes improve, grow, and enjoy swimming—has reignited his purpose as a coach.
His coaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that great swimmers are not just fast—they are focused, well-rounded, and deeply connected to the process. He emphasizes a balanced approach that includes technical precision, consistent effort, and a genuine enjoyment of the sport. For Coach Jason, success isn’t solely defined by times or medals. It’s about watching swimmers develop confidence, build resilience, and discover a lifelong appreciation for the water. He strives to create an environment where athletes are challenged, supported, and encouraged to celebrate both big victories and small, personal wins.
Outside of the pool, Coach Jason leads a full and vibrant life with his wife Elena and their daughter Arya, who is already showing signs of becoming a future swimmer herself. He still enjoys getting in the water whenever he can, and his other passions include weightlifting, golfing, and spending time outdoors. His favorite way to unwind is by sharing quality time and new experiences with his family. A bit of an adventurer at heart, one of his ultimate bucket list goals is to go diving with great white sharks. He’s also a big fan of a perfectly cooked steak, and when it comes to swimming idols, he’s always admired the talent, versatility, and fearless racing style of Ryan Lochte.
Looking ahead to the season, Coach Jason is focused on building a team culture that values what he calls “Excellence through Precision, Effort, and Passion.” He hopes to guide swimmers to not only reach new personal bests but also to fall in love with the journey itself. Whether an athlete is chasing championships or simply learning the ropes, he believes every swimmer has the potential to grow, thrive, and contribute to something bigger than themselves.
