The Fort Worth Swim School is a year-round swim school established by James Fike, a U.S. Nationals, Olympic Trials, and U.S. Open competitor, and passionate swim coach, with the purpose of delivering the best quality lessons to people of all ages and abilities, from learn-to-swim to stroke technique and Olympic development.  Our instructors have decades of experience in swimming.  Check out our bios below and feel free to call us at 817-456-0200 with any questions - we love talking about swimming!

For program information including pricing click here.

 

James Fike - Founder/Lead Instructor

James started swimming at the age of 5 for his summer league team.  His love of the water and the influence of great coaches lead him to The University of Texas, where he was a competitor at several U.S. Nationals and the 2000 Olympic Trials.  Since college he's worked in the business world, earned his MBA, and always spent most of his free time in the water or on the pool deck.  James has been the head coach for a summer league swim team of more than 200 kids and coached thousands of lessons for children and adults.  Over this time he's developed a successful methodology for teaching anyone how to swim with ease.  TFWSS is actually his second swim school.  He started one in Austin in 2008, and now that he's in Fort Worth with his wife and three kids, he's very excited to serve and foster the swimming community here.

James Teaches: Learn-to-Swim, Pre-Competitive, Competitive, Technique and Conditioning

 

Emily Mitamoto - Instructor

Emily was born and raised in Orange County, California where she spent many of her summers assisting for Orange County Junior Lifeguards. She is currently a sophomore at Texas Christian University majoring in Early Childhood Education in hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher upon graduation. She learned to swim at an early age and began competitively swimming at the age of 6. Emily was an age-group swimmer with Novaquatics in Irvine, California, continued to swim in high school, and is now putting her two passions of swim and teaching together! She is looking forward to meeting new families and teaching kids the fundamentals of swim!

Emily Teaches: Learn-to-Swim

 

Neely Ovenell - Instructor

Hey y’all!  My name is Neely Ovenell and I’m a sophomore nursing major at TCU.  I’m originally from Washington State and I love all things outdoors. I’ve had a passion for working with children since I was a little one myself.  I plan on pursuing pediatric oncology once I earn by BSN.  I look forward to teaching the next generation valuable survival skills and just how to have fun in the water!    

Neely Teaches: Learn-to-Swim

 

Alexis Peck - Instructor

Alexis is from Scottsdale and is a sophomore studying economics at Texas Christian University.  She started swimming at 2 years old and swam for her community pool’s rec team from ages 5-12.  She has worked as a lifeguard at her city pool in Scottsdale for the past four years.  At this pool she also teaches swim lessons, adult-learn to swim lessons, water aerobics, and has taught two summers of recreational swim team for ages 9-10. Alexis loves all things water-related and cannot wait to teach more children how to swim!  Her favorite stroke is backstroke, even though most people would not agree with her on this.    

Alexis Teaches: Learn-to-Swim

 

Haley Stefans - Sr. Instructor

Haley is from Chicago and is studying elementary education at the University of Texas at Arlington.  She wants to become a 2nd grade teacher after finishing her degree.  She started to swim at age four and has loved the water ever since!  She continued to swim competitively throughout high school. Her love for swimming continued as she started to teach swim lessons.  Haley has been teaching swim lessons for over eight years now.  She is a very patient and encouraging teacher.  She loves working with children and can't wait to teach them how to be safe and have fun in the pool!  

Haley Teaches: Learn-to-Swim, Swim Team

 

Ray Johanson - Sr. Instructor

Ray is from Fort Worth and is currently studying English and Early Childhood Education at TCC.  Ray started swimming at 2 years old and has loved swimming ever since!  She competed in recreational water polo and would swim across her family's lake in the summer.  She continues to love swimming and cannot wait to pass that love on to her students!

Ray Teaches: Learn-to-Swim

 

Kenedy Weakly - Instructor

My name is Kenedy Weakly! I’m a sophomore biology major at TCU, and I am planning to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. I’m from San Antonio, Texas. Being the oldest of seven children, I’ve always had a passion for working with kids and I am excited to teach the next generation important skills and how to have fun in the pool!

Kenedy Teaches: Learn-to-Swim