
Michael Scott Verwest
Head Coach
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Coach Mike swam as a youth for Fort Myers High School and with
Fort Myers Swim Association . He received his bachelor's
degree from Florida Atantic University and his M.D. from
University of South Florida College of Medicine. He is a ASCA
Level 2 coach, and certified by Swim Lessons University as a
Learn-To-Swim Professional. He has been certified by the
American Learn to Swim Teachers as a Certified Stroke Technician.

JUAN CARLOS PICON
Coach
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A former competitive swimmer, Juan started swimming at 4 years
old and swimming team (Bogota, Colombia) from ages 8 – 18
years. At age 10, winning national and international merits. At age
14 - 22, Juan began teaching swim lessons at the Club Campestre
Internacional (Colombia) and became the head coached for the swim
team.
At age 27, Juan moved to the United States, attending the
University of Nebraska at Omaha and working as lifeguard ,
lifeguard instructor and American Red Cross swim instructor (all
levels). He became part of the Omaha Masters swim program as
participant wining some merits and became assistant coach in 2002
to 2014.
Juan has worked in finance for almost 25 years. Currently, he is a
Regional Branch Manager and Assistant Vice President for Wells
Fargo Bank.
Juan is a certified USA Swimming Coach and Certified USA Master
Swimming Coach

Christol Elisabeth Leishure
Coach
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At age 10, I took an interest in swimming and
began competing. Growing up, I swam for Cape Coral High School swim
team as a four-year varsity swimmer, competing in county, district
and regional events. It is the love of swimming that has led me to
coach after high school. I currently student at FSW. Christol
is a certified USA Swimming Coach

KATRINA LYNN GALLARDO
Coach
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Coach
Katrina (Kat or Kate) started swimming at the late age of 14 and
was able to join a division A high school swim team that earned
three out of four undefeated seasons with personal gains of most
improved, mvp, and team captain awards. Her love of swimming
inspired her to become a swim instructor at the YMCA and an
assistant coach to a local U.S.S team. After graduation she swam
for GVSU competing mainly in the 100 and 200 breaststroke as
well as the occasional IM. She continued to swim competitively
through Masters swimming and the occasional sprint triathlon.
During her career in healthcare she decided to pursue other
opportunities in higher education and return to her teaching roots.
While earning bachelors degrees in biomedical science and Spanish
she taught age group lessons specializing in swim team prep.
Katerina is a certified USA Swimming Coach.