Meet the Coaches
Hey everyone and welcome to the Brace Family Y Summer League Swim Team... Home of the Barracudas! We are excited to have you join our family.
Coach Rachel started her career with the Y back in 2002 as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and swim team coach. Through the years, the Y has helped her shape the leadership skills she has today. Our swim team strives to not only develop each swimmer's stroke technique and build endurance, but to develop future leaders that embody the core values of the Y; Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Honesty, and Faith. The Y is for all. We invite you to join us in our effort to make others feel welcome and included regardless of beliefs, gender, cultural differences, etc. We have an amazing group of coaches and families that come together and have so much fun!
Here's a little bit about me - I grew up in Connecticut as a competitive gymnastic and by middle school shifted to volleyball, swimming, and lacrosse. I always loved being around water. I've been a lifeguard/swim instructor since high school and began coaching upon moving down to NC to attend UNCC. As I worked on my Masters Degree in Teaching, I decided to join the service and ended up serving as a combat medic in the Army Reserves for 8 years. I have 18 years and counting of teaching high school social studies and coaching various sports along with becoming a Y Lifeguard Instructor and integral member of the Brace Aquatic Admin team.
I look forward to sharing my experiences and passion poolside with you and your children!
Have any questions about joining us this summer? Please reach out to me directly.
Coach Susie is an experienced swim coach with 13 years in the field, having coached at Parkwood Middle and High School and at the YMCA. She is a certified Lifeguard Instructor and loves sharing her knowledge and experiences with others. Susie is a former high school women's rugby coach with five years experience. Susie loves the outdoors, is passionate, and always brings a smile to the pool deck! She is married to Todd (aka the best swim meet starter), and has three grown daughters all whom swam for the Y. Her oldest is now coaching for the Barracudas!
Hi! My name is Coach Emily! Emily has been coaching at the Y for nine years with an additional two years of coaching at the high school level. She absolutely loves swimming and helping people discover their love for the water as well. Emily has been around the Y her whole life, participating in camp, volunteering as a teen, and even being a member of our summer league swim team. When not at the pool, you'll find Emily working with the teen population as an advisor for the Y Leaders Club. Outside the Y, Emily is a 1st grade teacher at Rama Road Elementary School. When shes's not teaching or coaching, you can find Emily hanging out at the pool and taking trips to Charleston to visit friends and to relax by the water.
Coach Emily is an integral part of our coaching staff and key leader of our Winter Swim Team (two yrs in the making) and our Summer Swim Team. There isn't anyone else who dedicates herself more to the community, staff, and aquatics department then none other... COACH EMILY!
Hi! I'm Coach Peyton. This will be my fourth year coaching the Brace Family Y Summer Swim Team. Swimming has been a big part of Peyton's life. From second grade through high school graduation, Peyton was a year-round club swimmer and four year Varsity high school swimmer; being captain his senior year.
Outside of swimming, Peyton is a student at Appalachian State University; studying supply chain management. He also enjoys watching baseball and football in my free time. We are incredibly blessed to have Peyton returning as a coach. Peyton's swimming experience and personality allows him to shine with any age group he coaches!
Hi, I'm Coach Zoi! This is my third year summer coaching the Barracudas and I'm so excited to be back! Zoi was raised at the Y among the Brace community; playing most sports to include swimming. When she turned 16, she began teaching swim lessons at the Y. Zoi taught lessons and worked in Y Kids until 2016 when she left the Y to start her career as a Preschool Teacher. In 2024, Zoi returned to her Y family to coach swim team and has loved every minute of it! When Zoi's not teaching or coaching, she loves to read and hangout with her family and friends.
Fun Facts about Zoi - Coach Susie is her mom and her favorite color is purple (our team color!!)
We are SUPER excited to have Zoi on staff! Zoi brings a combination of patience and excitement to coaching staff. She is a mastermind of class management and connecting with each swimmer!
Alex is a collegiate athlete; currently swimming for Gardner Webb University. He grew up in the water with 15 years of competitve experience to include swimming for the Y Summer League Stingrays Team in 2013. That year he received the Coaches Award. He specializes in Fly and IM. He currently holds the 200IM record for the Weddington High School Men's Swim Team along with being a member of the currrent 200Med and 400FR relay records. We look forward to having Alex share his knowledge of the sport with our team!