COACHING PHILOSOPHY
Tampa Bay Aquatics (TBAY) engages in a multi-level competition program with USA Swimming that, like our training program, attempts to provide challenging, yet success-oriented competitive situations for swimmers of all ages and abilities. The TBAY coaching staff is dedicated to providing a program for children that will enable them to learn the value of striving to improve oneself. Therefore, the coaches must be in total control in matters relating to training and competition.
The coaches are responsible for placing swimmers in practice groups. This decision is based on a number of factors including the age and ability level of each individual. Sole responsibility for stroke instruction and the training regimen rests with the TBAY coaching staff. Each level’s practices are based on scientific principles and geared to the long-term progress of that group. At meets, the coaching staff will conduct and supervise warm-up activities for all team members. After each race, the coaches will offer feedback regarding the swimmer’s performance.
We emphasize competition with oneself. Winning ribbons, medals or trophies is not our main goal. Even if a swimmer finishes first, but has swum poorly in comparison to his/her own past performance, he/she is encouraged to do better. The individual’s improvement is our primary objective. Sportsmanlike behavior is of equal importance to improved performance. Respect for officials, congratulations to opponents (others competitors), encouragement to teammates, determined effort, and mature attitudes are examples of behaviors praised and rewarded by the TBAY coaching staff. A swimmer is praised for improving his/her stroke or time. Swimmers are taught to set realistic, yet challenging goals for meets and to relate those goals to practice in order to direct their training efforts. Swimmers are prepared and encouraged to compete in all swimming events, distances and strokes. This policy promotes versatility and encourages the swimmer to explore his/her potential in the wide range of events offered in competitive swimming.
The coaching staff is constantly updating and improving the TBAY program. It is the athlete’s and parent’s responsibility to make the most out of the excellent opportunity this program provides for success in competitive swimming.
COACHING STAFF
Jason Bowes
High Performance Coach
Coach Jason's Email - [email protected]
Jason Bowes, Head Coach of TBAY, brings more than 25 years of high-level experience, integrity, innovation, and strong technical skills to his coaching position. Since moving to Tampa in 2007 to become Head Coach of TBAY, Jason has resurrected TBAY’s elite program in a short time. From starting a program for younger age group swimmers in Central Tampa, to organizing swim clinics for the community, Jason has built a strong swimming foundation for a younger generation. Jason’s swim clinics have provided the unique opportunity for over 300 swimmers from the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas to train with gold medalists and world record holders Aaron Peirsol and Garrett Weber-Gale. While under Jason’s leadership as Head Coach, TBAY has developed and cultivated multiple state record-holders and record-breakers, over 50+ State medalists, International record-holders, Olympic Trial qualifiers, All-American, Academic All-Americans, and collegiate-level swimmers at top university programs, including Notre Dame, Miami, Clemson, Texas, Washington University in St. Louis, NYU, Alabama, Davidson, Dartmouth, FIU, University of Pennsylvania, Siena, Columbia, College of Charlestown, Florida Gulf Coast, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Cornell, Fordham, University of Tampa, Bates, Boston College and Xavier.
Jason also serves as Head Coach of Tampa Preparatory School’s Swim and Dive Team, which has reached record achievements, including High School State Medalists, 5 Hillsborough County Swimmers of the Year, District Championships in 2009, 2010 and 2011 Regional Championships in 2010 & 2011, Top 5 at States in 2010 and 2011, and over 10 All-American awards.
In addition to TBAY and Tampa Prep team accomplishments, Jason has achieved personal recognition as the 2010 and 2011 Hillsborough Girls Swim Coach of the Year. In 2012, Tampa Preparatory Swim and Dive program received a Commendation from the Hillsborough County Commissioners office for their outstanding 2011 season. Jason also served as Assistant Coach for Team Florida during their 2009 and 2010 Southern Zone Championships.
Jason moved to the Tampa Bay area from one of the most respected swim programs in the country, North Baltimore Aquatic Club (NBAC), which has produced Olympians, National and World Record holders, including Michael Phelps, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Pelton. Jason also led the Pointe-Claire Swim Club in Montreal to the men's overall title at the 2006 Canadian Age Group Swimming Championships. In 2005, Jason was an assistant deck manager at the FINA World Championships and has written for Swim News Magazine International. Jason grew up in Montreal, Quebec Canada where he swam competitively; graduated from Loyola High School; and attended Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. He is a member of numerous coaching organizations and is certified as a Level 5 coach with American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA).
Today you will find Jason on the pool deck in Tampa Bay coaching future generations of swimmers to reach their goals both in and out of the water.
Clement Lachat
Head Age Group Coach
Coach Clement Email - [email protected]
Clement Lachat was born in Saint-Etienne, France and moved to the US in 2013. Coach Clement graduated from the University of South Florida in 2019. He is certified as a Level 3 coach with the American Swim Coaches Association. Clement started swimming at the age of 10 years old in his hometown where he developed his love for the sport of swimming.
He moved to Tampa in 2013 where he started swimming competitively for Tampa Bay Aquatics. Clement attended Plant High School and participated in the State Championships as a team captain in his senior year. He started coaching with TBAY in the summer of 2016 as an assistant to the Mighty Bucs and Lil Bucs coach. In the fall of 2017, he became the Lead coach for the Mighty Bucs and Lil Bucs groups where he now has the privilege of seeing these young swimmers develop. Over the last few years, Clement has had the opportunity of working with athletes of all ages and skills, ranging from beginners learning to swim to state champions and national-level athletes. Clement is a very positive and driven person who loves teaching kids his passion.
His goal is to keep the swimmers in a fun and safe environment where they can grow, improve, and reach their potential while enjoying being part of an amazing culture!
GO TBAY!
Fernando Sedano-Roman
Head Age Group Coach and Swimming Lesson Director
Coach Fernando's Email - [email protected]
Fernando Sedano-Roman is currently studying Psychology at the Interamerican University in Puerto Rico. Fernando received a full-ride scholarship to Interamerican and has led his team to the 2018 LAI Champions as a team captain. Fernando was born in Tampa Florida and started his swimming career at the age of 9 years old in Puerto Rico. At the age of 11, he made his 1st national team for Puerto Rico and since then has had the opportunity of representing Puerto Rico from 2011-2016 competing in various countries like Aruba, Barbados, Qatar, and Bahamas.
In 2012, Fernando moved back to Tampa and attended Tampa Prep. During his time at Tampa Prep, Fernando was team captain (3 years = Sophomore, Junior and Senior), lead his team to High School States all 4 years and, holds 4 school records. Fernando has been a part of the TBAY family since 2012 and is extremely excited to join the coaching staff. He looks to instil the same passion, love, excitement, and positive environment he grew up with and teach the next generation of TBAYnation members these same values.
Fernando is a proven leader, and incredible role model and will continue to bring his positivity, care, and motivation to every athlete he gets to work with. He truly enjoys helping others accomplish their goals and is looking forward to coaching AGP1 + 2 groups!
Alex Salazar
Assistant Coach
(Lil Bucs, Mighty Bucs Groups and Swimming Lessons)
Born and raised in Tampa, Florida, Alex proudly embraces his Cuban heritage. Currently, he is a student at Hillsborough Community College, pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine. At the age of 11, his passion for swimming was ignited, propelling him into the world of competitive sports.
Throughout his four years at Alonso High School, he was dedicated to swimming and representing the school with great pride. In his role as Captain of the swim team during his sophomore, junior, and senior years, he led by example both in and out of the pool. His specialties included the 500 Free, 200 Free, and the 400 Free Relay, pushing his boundaries and striving for excellence in every race.
Expanding his horizons beyond personal achievements, he ventured into coaching. For the past year and a half, he has been sharing his expertise with aspiring athletes, guiding them towards their own triumphs. This coaching experience has brought him immense fulfillment as he passes on his knowledge and passion for swimming to the next generation.
Savannah Savitt
Assistant Coach
(Swimming Lessons)
Savannah started swimming for TBAY under Coach Jason Bowes at the age of 9. Coach Savannah went on to attend High School at Tampa Prep where she was a 5-year letter winner, team captain, 5-time All-County performer, 3-time First Team All Tampa Bay Area Selection, 2-time Scholastic All-American, 15-time District Champion, and 9-time Regional Champion. Savannah currently holds 3 records at Tampa Prep: 100-yard breaststroke, 200-yard free relay, and 400-yard free relay.
Savannah then went on to receive a scholarship to swim at the University of Nebraska under US Olympian and Gold Medalist, Pablo Morales. Savannah excelled in the classroom and the pool at the University of Nebraska. While competing for the Cornhuskers, Savy was a 4-year letter winner, 3-time academic All-Big 10 selection, had 27 top 5 finishes, and is currently the school record holder in the 800-yard free relay. Savannah is looking forward to helping all the young swimmers achieve their goals.
Savy is excited to be working with the Mighty Bucs, Lil Bucs and, AGP1+2 groups and will instil the same core values she received as an athlete and a huge part of the TBAYnation Family!
Kylie Piche
Assistant Coach
Kylie has served as an Assistant Coach with TBAY since 2011. She works with Age group Performance 1+ 2, Lil Bucs and Mighty Bucs groups. Kylie grew up in Brandon, Florida, and began swimming competitively when she was 8 years old. Kylie attended the University of Tampa on a swimming scholarship from 2011 until May 2013. Kylie went to NCAA Division II championships in both years of college swimming, achieving 2 All-American awards. She is currently an elementary school teacher and dog mom to Dunkin. Kylie loves encouraging others to their highest personal level of achievement possible and learning valuable lessons along that journey.
Wyatt Foote
Assistant Coach
Wyatt works with Age group Performance 1 + 2, Lil Bucs and Mighty Bucs groups. Wyatt Foote was raised in Tallahassee, Florida and started swimming at the age of 6 years old. As a breaststroke and IM specialist, Wyatt began claiming age group state championship titles and holding records. Heading into high school, Wyatt claimed numerous district, regional, and state titles in the 200 Individual Medley and 100 Breastroke all four years. In addition, Wyatt placed 1st at the 2017 USA Swimming Futures National Championship in the 200 Breastroke and competitively placed at other national-level competitions
Wyatt was recruited to attend the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Swimming in a challenging NCAA Division 1 program, Wyatt was exposed to advanced levels of training and technique in and out of the pool that ultimately led him to be a 3x Western Athletic Conference finalist. Following his 1st year at the Air Force Academy, Wyatt decided to hang up the suit in order to pursue his professional military career. He made the Athletic Director’s Honor List all four years as well as the Dean’s Honor List and Commandant’s Honor List multiple semesters all while holding leadership positions that placed him in command of large groups of students/cadets.
Wyatt graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 2022 with a bachelor of science in Legal Studies and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant. He is currently stationed at MacDill Air Force Base awaiting his pilot training class date and has decided to dedicate his free time to assisting with coaching the little bucs, mighty bucs, and AGP1+2. Wyatt holds dear to his heart the priceless value that discipline and work ethic bring to one’s life. He will instil in each and every swimmer a love for the sport of swimming and the lessons it teaches for the road ahead.
Olivia Vignec
Assistant Coach
Catherine Vaughan
Assistant Coach
TBAY Board
Board President - Andrej Petrov
Treasurer - Allene Myers
Director of Operations & Safe Sport Coordinator - Jason Bowes
Technology Director - Nate Braun
Secretary - Emily Hutton
