Coaches Corner

We are here to support your needs. If your questions are related to workouts, meets, events, goal setting, and other swimming related needs, please contact one of the coaches. For all questions related to administrative, such as dues, safety, or policy issues, please contact one of the board members.

Coaching Staff

Mike O'Brien

Head Coach

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Coach Mike began his ARAC career as a swimmer, in the Gold group as an 8 & under, and spent his entire swimming career here at ARAC. He was named an Assistant Coach in 2006 and was named head coach in 2014. Coach Mike also serves as Head Coach of Sacred Heart Academy and is an Adjunct Instructor at Southern Connecticut State University. He is a graduate of Southern Connecticut State University, earning a B.S. in Recreation and Leisure studies, with a concentration in Community Recreation and Youth Development. Additionally, he also is an employee of the Orange Park and Rec Department.

Ashley DeCosta

Developmental Coach

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Ashley DeCosta is beginning her first year with ARAC. Before ARAC, Ashley had several years of coaching experience with local clubs and high school teams in the area. Most recently, she served as Site Manager of Gateway Sports and Pools out of Albertus Magnus College in addition to serving as Assistant Coach of Trumbull Pisces Swimming. She was Aquatics Director at Wings Over Water School of Swimming, while also serving as Head Age Group Coach of Oxford Swimming. Additionally, she served as an aquatic fitness instructor, Assistant Coach of Cougar Aquatics Team, and Assistant Aquatics Director at Faulkner Physical Therapy. Ashley is a resident of West Haven, and a Division I Swimmer out of Central Connecticut State University.

Brittany Hicks

Developmental Coach

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Brittany is in her 2nd year with ARAC.  She came to us from the Milford YMCA where she taught swim lessons for over 13 years and was the Aquatics Director.  She also has coaches two previous swim teams, working mainly with 8 and under swimmers.  Additionally, she has been to Futures and Jr. Nationals as a coach.  As a youth, Brittany even swam for ARAC.

Megan Garner

Developmental Coach

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Megan comes to us finishing off a great 4 year career swimming at SCSU, where she holds multiple school records! Megan joined our ARAC family in the spring of 2020!  

Erin Kennedy

Developmental Coach

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Erin is starting her first year at ARAC!  She served as the Aquatics Director at Healthtrax in North Haven for two and half years, and has taught swimming lessons in Wallingford, Hamden and North Haven for the past 10 years.  She also swam competitively as a youth and for all four years on Cheshire High School's nationally recognized team. 

Board of Directors

Kelly Bodie

President

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Allison Beers-Jacheo

Vice President

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Sharon Belfonti

Treasurer

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Heather DiBerardino

Assistant Treasurer

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Jennifer Scofield

Registrar/Secretary

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Ilisa Delpo

Committee Coordinator

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