Jeff Berebitsky
Jeff is originally from South Bend, Indiana. In 2010, Jeff joined the team. Along with Jeff’s ongoing goal of taking down his high school swim times, Jeff is building toward the ultimate accomplishment of winning an event at Nationals at the age of 95. Jeff is currently producing a documentary that captured his effort to get 78 South Bend Riley high school swim team graduates, spanning seven decades (12 high school swim coaches), to compete at the 2018 US Masters Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis. His film is expected to be released in the Fall of 2021. Jeff holds a USMS Coaching Certification for Level I & II. You can find him coaching at Carmel, IU Natatorium, JCC, and Riviera. His favorite strokes are butterfly and freestyle. Lynne Bir
Lynne is originally from Columbus, Ohio, and has been swimming since the age of 7. She has been in the Indy Swim Fit/Indy Aquatic Masters program since 1995 and holds a USMS Coaches Certification for Level 1 & 2. She had previously coached with the Indy Swim Fit/Ft Benjamin Harris program and helped begin the Park Tudor Middle School Swim Team. Lynne loves to swim, but also loves to have fun! You will catch her laughing often at practice. Away from the pool, Lynne does Marketing for Athletic Annex and enjoys spending time with her three girls.Stephanie Borem
ASSISTANT COACH
Stephanie’s swimming journey started at 8 years of age in Northwest Indiana. A
fter high school, she headed south on I-65 to swim collegiately at UIndy, where she specialized in butterfly and sprint/middle distance freestyle. Never completely leaving the sport of swimming, Stephanie is an active triathlete, and completed the 2021 Chattanooga Ironman and several half Ironman races. Stephanie also coaches for both Brownsburg High School and Brownsburg Swim Club.When not at the pool, she is an Occupational Therapist for Brownsburg Community Schools. Stephanie and her husband, Jason, live in Brownsburg with their 2 children, Simon and Jude. Her daughter Jude recently transitioned from diving to swimming, and she couldn't be happier! Her son Simon can be found running down the football field or around the bases at Bishop Chatard High School. Stephanie and her family enjoy being active in their parish, St. Malachy Catholic Church.
Brian Cummings
LEAD COACH
A native of Indiana, Brian has been swimming longer than he can remember. He has been coaching for a number of years and coaches at Fishers High School, North Central High School, Warren Central High School - and wherever else he is needed. Brian is an ASCA / USMS Level III certified coach. Away from the pool, Brian enjoys working as a purchasing manager and spending time with his two sons.
Todd Dawkins
LEAD COACH
Todd, having swum competitively since the age of seven and having coached masters swimming since 1999 in both Indianapolis and Dallas, is currently an ASCA Level III Certified Coach. While he is keen to encourage and coach from the deck, Todd also enjoys writing workouts along with competing himself in both open water and pool events. Away from the pool, Todd is a husband, dad, pastor, and orthopedic medical sales representative.
Frank Duck
The high school swim team was ideal for me because there were "No Cuts"! Thrashing around on those early mornings as a teenager, coached by local legend Marge Fenstermaker, instilled a love of the sport and its supportive community. I have been connected with the program since the early 2000's, before it became an independent club, while competing in several triathlons and a couple swim meets each year. As a Coach, I strive to make every practice efficient and high-energy, while hopefully bringing a smile
Mel Goldstein
FOUNDER AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Mel has extensive swimming and coaching experience going back many, MANY years and his expertise is invaluable to our program. Having served on the first FINA Masters Congress in 1994, Masters swimming is Mel's passion. He also served as Treasurer for USAS, the National Governing body for all US Aquatic Sports, and was the first USMS representative to be on USAS. As far as USMS goes, Mel served as both Secretary and President for 8 years, was named 2001 USMS Coach of the Year, is currently the Club and Coach Development Director. And, in September 2012, Mel was inducted into the International Swimming Masters Hall of Fame.
The author of two books on Masters swimming, Mel is currently an ASCA Level V Certified Coach and coaches for IAM at the IUPUI Natatorium, Butler University, the Riveria Club, Fishers High School, and North Central High School. Mel’s favorite stroke is butterfly.
Jeff Halbert
Jeff is originally from Arkansas and began swimming in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago at the age of 12. He swam collegiately at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. Jeff has been with the program since 2004. He generally swims at IUPUI at 11:30, but will swim wherever or whenever there is a pool and lane space available. Jeff specializes in distance events including the 200 butterfly, 500 free, 1000 free, mile and 400 IM. He has also competed in various open water events over the years including Big Shoulders (2008, 2010-2012), USMS 25K (2008, 2011) and successfully completed a solo crossing of the English Channel in 2009. Outside of the pool, Jeff is an attorney with the law firm of Bose McKinney & Evans LLP and serves as general counsel to IAM. Mark Humphrey
LEAD COACH
Mark grew up swimming and coaching at Azionaqua Swim Club and Zionsville High School. He participated in regional triathlons in the 80's. The summer of 1990 he thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail then went to work for Galyan's Trading Company. After 14 years at Galyan's he went to Purdue (IUPUI) and received a BS in Construction Management. He worked in commercial construction management and residential renovation till 2019. For fun he participates in triathlons and ultra marathons. He lives in Pike Township with his wife, Ellen, and three dogs. They are almost empty nesters, their youngest of three children is a senior at Purdue.
Zoe May
Zoe’s passion for the aquatic world began as an adult after a foray into cycling at a competitive level. As she sought new ways to stay fit while reducing physical strain, she found swimming to be the perfect way to stay active, challenge herself, and, most importantly, have fun.
A graduate of the University of Indianapolis and an active marketing professional in the bike industry, Zoe brings a unique perspective to her coaching. She believes swimming should be as much about enjoyment and feeling good in the water as it is about improving skills. Her enthusiastic approach inspires swimmers of all levels to embrace the water, discover their love for swimming, and experience the simple joy of moving through the pool.
Originally from Upstate New York, Zoe's passion for aquatic fitness combines with her unconventional origin to create a fun and engaging environment for swimmers. Whether you're just getting started or looking to dive in with a fresh perspective, Zoe’s energy and enthusiasm will make every swim session something to look forward to.
Ed Merkling
LEAD COACH: Coaching Development
Ed was born and raised in northern Indiana where he swam competitively from age six to age eighteen on club and high school teams. He attended Ball State University where he graduated with a Physical Education major and Aquatics minor. Although he did not swim competitively at Ball State, he did pursue teaching and coaching of swimming. In 1993, Ed started his career at the IU Natatorium as a manager and in 1995 started the Indy Dolphins Swim Team. In 1998, he became the head coach of Roncalli High School and continued as the head coach of the Indy Dolphins while still serving as a manager at the Natatorium. During his tenure of coaching, Ed was fortunate enough to coach all levels of club and high school ranging from development through IHSAA State Championships and USA Swimming National qualifiers.From 2005 through 2012, Ed competed in triathlons ranging from sprint distance to full Ironman distance. In 2010, he qualified for and competed in the 70.3 Ironman World Championships in Clearwater, Florida and completed the Chicago Marathon. During this time, he trained and competed with Indy Aquatic Masters. In 2017, Ed retired from club and high school coaching to take on the role of Director of the IU Indianapolis Sport Complex overseeing the Natatorium, Carroll Stadium, and Tennis Courts.
None of this would have been possible without the support and patience of his loving wife, Bonni, of 31 years. They live on the southwest side of Indy and have two adult children.
Dave Olson
ASSISTANT COACH
Dave brings a lifelong passion for swimming to the team. He began swimming at age 6 in West Lafayette, specializing in Freestyle and Backstroke, and competed with the national age group swim team, state qualifier in high school. He also swam for one year at Wabash College before taking a 35-year hiatus from the sport. Inspired by cheering on his sister at the 2024 Spring Masters Nationals in the 1650, he returned to swimming with renewed enthusiasm. He has a love sharing his excitement for the sport with athletes of all levels. Outside the pool, he embraces a holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit, playing crystal singing bowls for meditation. He is supported by his wife, Brenda, and family.
Holly Pearsall
Holly is originally from Southern Illinois and joined her first swim team at the age of 7. She swam at Eastern Illinois University from 2004-2008 and served as team captain her senior year. She continued on at EIU as the graduate assistant Swimming & Diving coach for two years and then became the assistant coach at the University of Evansville. Her favorite events are the 100 Breaststoke and 200 and 400 IM.Tom Perrin
ASSISTANT COACH
George Quigley
PRESIDENT AND ASSISTANT COACH
Born in Indianapolis, George began his competitive swimming career in 1946 – and continues swimming competitively to this day. He also competed as a triathlete from 1982-1987. Among his many accomplishments, George has been a USMS National Champion, a USMS National Record Holder, and a USMS and World Top Ten Swimmer. He also completed the Ironman in Hawaii in 1984. George began coaching more than 20 years ago first as an age group coach in the 1950s and 1960s. He has been coaching Masters swimmers since 1991 and is an ASCA Level V Certified Coach. George coaches for IAM on Saturdays and throughout the week as needed at our various locations. His favorite stroke is backstroke.
Juan Salazar
Juan is a professional known for his managerial expertise, technical proficiency, and leadership in the swimming and sports sectors. He founded and successfully managed his own swimming club in Venezuela, overseeing operations, coaching, and event planning. Holding a B.S. in Physical Science with a Minor in Information & Communication Studies from California State University Chico and a Diploma in Sports Psychology from UCAB, he has combined academic knowledge with practical experience. A former member of Venezuela’s National Swim Team and the NCAA Division II National Swim Team, Juan has held leadership roles in the Venezuelan National Swimming Federation, the South American Swimming Confederation, and the Pan-American Synchronized Swimming Confederation. He has also contributed to sports development in Venezuela as Sports Director and Head of the Sports Psychology Department at the Institute of Sport in Anzoátegui. Fluent in Spanish and English, he continues to make a lasting impact on the sports world through his expertise and leadership.
Anne Schnieders
ASSISTANT COACH
A native of Indianapolis, Anne grew up swimming at one of our workout locations, the Riviera Club. Anne has been a Masters swimmer since 1998 and has earned several Top 10 times in her swimming career, as well as winning the 50 Back at the 2000 USMS Long Course National Championships and being on several All American relay teams. She has been coaching for 13 years, both Masters and age group teams, and is USA Swimming Level I Certified and USMS Level II Certified. Anne currently coaches at the IUPUI Natatorium and Five Seasons Sports Club. Her favorite stroke is anything other than breaststroke (and anything shorter than a 100!
Jim Shuck
With 5 older swimming siblings, Jim was competitive at an early age on Indy's southside. Jim swam for Doc Counsilman at Indiana University. Coaching began as a grad assistant at Butler University and then a Stroke Consultant for Fluid Mechanics Inc. He assisted at Ben Davis, Westside Aquatics, Southport, and University of Indianapolis before starting IUPUI Women & Men's Swimming & Diving programs, coaching 14 years. In 2024 he was inducted into the IUPUI Athletics Hall of Fame.
Swimming for "Doc's Team", an IU swimmers reunion at the 1996 USMS Nationals, Jim discovered Masters swimming is exceptionally gratifying. Now he competes in sprints, and in several sports for Team Indiana at the Transplant Games of America. Jim likes yoga, reformer pilates, and functional strength & mobility. Jim is USMS Level 1 certified, assisting the IAM Program with dryland & wherever needed on deck.
Kai Smith
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Kai grew up in the Center Grove community and began swimming with the Center Grove Aquatic Club at the age of 10. She continued swimming through high school and served as a team captain her senior year at Center Grove. Post-graduation she taught swim lessons, stroke mechanics and coached age group swimmers with Southside Indy Aquatics. Kai holds a USMS Coaching Certification for Level I. She is very passionate about lifelong fitness and helping athletes of all ability reach their individual goals. These days she participates in sprint triathlons, local CrossFit competitions, various running events and is currently serving as an ambassador for the 2023 OneAmerica Indy Mini Marathon. Kai has a love for all things swimming, but her favorite events have always been the 100 fly & 500 free.Rachel Stutsman
ASSISTANT COACH
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Rachel has been coaching IAM for two years and teaching Adult Learn-to-Swim lessons for three years. She is a certified ALTS instructor and has been swimming all of her life. She started swimming competitively as a 6 year old and has managed to compete at least once in every decade of her life thanks to the Masters program. She loves working with beginners because the change in skill sets is so dramatic.
Annah Van Gheem
Annah began swimming as an age group swimmer in Green Bay, WI at her local YMCA. She continued to swim through college at Butler University, bringing her to Indianapolis. After initially thinking college swimming would be the last time she ever jumped in a pool, it took less than a year away from the sport for her to jump right back in with IAM in 2022. Throughout her time as a Masters swimmer, Annah's found joy in the water through setting new goals, training "smarter not harder", and trying new things like open water swimming. She loves getting to share the sport with others including previously serving on the Wisconsin Swimming Board of Directors, coaching at the age group, high school and college levels, and teaching lessons as an ALTS instructor.Elizabeth Warren
Elizabeth (aka Eli) attributes most of her life to be directly affected by water. She is a lifetime Rivi (Riviera Club) rat, swam competitively for Rivi, North Central High School, and DePauw University. Three super-active children also keep her near water as they swim competitively for Rivi and Woodstock Club. She has a helpful, can-do spirit. If you are thirsty, she has water at the ready too, and she’ll share. If you need travel help, she has been to all states and 51 countries, and she can help you find water there. And if you see her, remind her she needs to stay in the water. Bruce Young
Growing up in Indy, Bruce began his competitive swimming career at age 7. His swimming accomplishments include Indiana State High School champion and Jr. National A finalist. Bruce swam at Purdue from 1975-79 where he was captain, school record holder and Big Ten finalist. He resumed competitive swimming in 2012 and is a US Masters National Champion and All American. He is a US Masters Swimming Level 3 Certified Coach, and has been an IAM assistant coach since 2021. Bruce has also been an Adult Learn to Swim coordinator and instructor since 2021. He and his wife, Jill, are proud parents of 2 daughters who are competitive swimmers - Rachel at Purdue and Hannah with Hamilton County Special Olympics where Jill and Bruce coach.