Our Coaches

Chris Hadden is extremely excited to be the Head Coach/Co-owner of the Buckeye Swim Team. Chris founded the United Swim Association (USA) in 2009 and the Central Ohio Premier Swim Club (COPS) in 2003. He has coached successful programs in Florida, Louisiana, the Washington, DC area, and Columbus, Ohio since 1995. Chris was a featured speaker at the 2013 World Coach’s Clinic in New Orleans. He was also featured on the United States Swimming’s Website under “Coaches You Should Know” for the September 2013 issue. Chris was voted the 2012 Ohio Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year by his peers. Chris spent three years with the National Champion Curl-Burke Swim Club (now Nation's Capital Swim Club) in Washington, DC where he helped train 20 swimmers with 2000 Olympics Trial Cuts. Five swimmers from this group competed in the 2000 Olympics! In his career, Chris has produced 24 USA Top 16 Athletes, 79 Ohio State Champions, 10 Florida State Champions, 4 Louisiana State Champions, 18 USA Swimming Academic/Scholastic All Americans and helped produce 5 Olympic athletes. Chris is very proud of his athlete's accomplishments in High School swimming boasting 14 Ohio State High School Champions to date. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. Chris served on the Executive Board of Directors for Ohio Swimming for over 9 years.

Owner and Head Coach, Coach Karr has 30 years of coaching experience. She is the founder of Buckeye Swim Club and has led the team to a 3rd place overall finish & a 1st Place Small Team at the Ohio Age Group Championships and a 2nd place finish at the Ohio Senior Meet. She brings a passion for the sport of swimming and swimmers that is unparalleled by any in Central Ohio. She brings tremendous knowledge of swimming and the ability to communicate with swimmers and parents.

 

Heath Patterson loves being the Head AG3 Scarlet Coach. Heath started coaching with the United Swim Association (USA) in 2018 and joined the Buckeye staff when they merged. Heath has over 20 years of experience teaching swimming. He grew up in a small town in Vermont. Heath is very committed to share his swimming experience to progress the future stars for Buckeye!  Heath can claim his first Junior Championship State Champion and High Point winner in 2025 as well as the boys 10U 200 Medley Relay Champions in the 2026 SC season. He also has been on the Ohio Zone Team staff the past three years. Outside the pool Heath spends his time with his 2 boys, wife, and dog Indy. He loves football, video games and doing things outdoors.

Caity began coaching for Buckeye in 2025. Caity has always had a passion for swimming, and grew up swimming under Coach Matt Celik and Coach Chris Hadden for the United Swim Association (USA). Prior to coaching Buckeye, Caity coached for Bobcat Swim Club in Athens, while attending Ohio University. At OU Caity earned a Bachelors of Science in Education degree. Caity now teaches in the Olentangy Local School District. One thing Caity enjoys about being a swim coach is helping swimmers find the love of the water and the sport!

Kaylyn Froebel is the lead coach for the AG Select group and has been coaching with BKYS since 2023. She swam competitively for United Swim Association (USA) and later became a 4-year varsity letter winner at Grove City College swimming butterfly, breaststroke, and IM. She previously coached with Upper Arlington Swim Club and volunteered with the Muirfield Marlins summer league team. What Kaylyn loves most about coaching is seeing swimmers grow in and out of the pool. When off deck, you’ll find Kaylyn working out, line dancing, playing music bingo and trivia, or watching OSU football games.

Coach JK began competitive swimming at age 7 and attended a specialized sports high school, where he excelled in both swimming and water polo. His outstanding athletic achievements earned him a full four-year scholarship to university, where he completed his undergraduate degree before pursuing Master's degrees in Sports Administration and Physical Education. During his military service, JK served as a swim instructor for naval cadets and officer candidates at the Republic of Korea Naval Academy. With over a decade of experience as a Head Coach in New Jersey, Coach JK brings deep technical expertise, discipline, and a strong passion for developing elite athletes to the Buckeye coaching staff.

Thomas began coaching for Buckeye in 2023. Thomas grew up swimming competitively under Coach Matt and Coach Chris with the United Swim Association (USA). Thomas had a successful career swimming 4 years for the University of Tampa. Thomas is also the manager at the Buckeye Swim School.

Matt is excited to be coaching the Future Stars of the Buckeye Swim Team! Matt had been the Head Age Group Coach for the United Swim Association (USA) since 2010. What Matt loves about coaching is the opportunity to foster the progression of swimmers at every level of our program, from first-time competitor to national team member. Matt's competitive background includes being named an All-American swimmer at Akron Firestone High School, as well as being a 4-year letter winner and a Big Ten Championship swimmer at The Ohio State University. Matt is a two-time graduate from The Ohio State University and is a Clinical Dietitian with the Ohio State Medical Center. Matt’s wife, Megan, swam for Chris Hadden. They have 2 young children at home and Matt is excited to find the time to coach for Buckeye.

Lauryn has been coaching with Buckeye since 2023.  Lauryn grew up swimming for Buckeye and has always had a passion for swimming.  She swam and played volleyball at Wilmington College.  Lauryn holds a degree in Education Studies and a minor Coaching.  In 2025, Lauryn obtained her master's degree from Grand Canyon University in Elementary Education. Lauryn is currently a teacher for Columbus City Schools.

Nyah Funderburke is a 9-time Big Ten Champion, 3-time NCAA All-American, and 2024 Olympic Trials qualifier from Ohio State University, where she overcame starting swimming at age 12 to achieve collegiate success. Coming from a family of athletes, she initially didn’t expect to excel in swimming but worked hard to catch up and eventually won the Big Ten title in the 100-yard backstroke during her sophomore year. Nyah emphasizes the importance of teamwork, resilience, and focusing on technique over time. As a Black female swimmer, she is passionate about being a role model for young Black athletes and inspiring others to pursue their goals with dedication.

Pam started coaching for the United Swim Association (USA) in 2017 and joined Buckeye’s staff when the teams merged.  Pam’s children all swim for Buckeye. Pam grew up swimming competitively in Beavercreek, Ohio.

Aiden began coaching for Buckeye in 2025. Aiden grew up in Cincinnati Ohio, swimming for Mercy Healthplex Seawolves and for McNicholas High school. He began coaching in 2023 as a volunteer for McNicholas High School and then full time as a coach for Mercy Healthplex Seawolves in 2024. In his time coaching, Aiden has helped produce 2 OHSAA state qualifiers and several qualifiers for the Ohio Junior Championships. Aiden is currently attending Cedarville University and the International Center for Creativity here in Columbus, majoring in Industrial and Innovative Design and earning a minor in Biblical and Theological Studies. Aiden enjoys sharing his passion for the sport with others and is excited to coach for Buckeye.

Katie has been coaching with the Buckeye Swim Team since 2021. Katie grew up swimming in northeast Ohio for Hudson HEAT and the Hudson High School team. Katie enjoys helping Buckeye swimmers to get better in and out of the water. Outside of the pool, Katie works in healthcare communications and marketing.  She loves yoga, running, traveling, and trying new recipes. Katie is passionate about empowering young athletes to succeed in the pool!

Karli started coaching for Buckeye in 2022. She grew up outside of Cleveland where she swam for LRST and the Rocky River High School swim team. She continued her swimming career at Ohio Northern University where she was a varsity swimmer all four years. One of her favorite things about coaching is being able to share her love of swimming with young swimmers. When not coaching, Karli is pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering at the Ohio State University. In her free time, Karli enjoys trying new coffee shops, running, and doing craft nights with friends.

Sam just joined the Buckeye Coaching Staff this year as an assistant coach for AG2A.  Sam grew up outside of Orlando, Florida, where she grew up swimming and coaching with Laker Aquatics. One of her favorite parts of coaching is helping young swimmers build confidence, develop their skills, and enjoy the sport. When she is not coaching, Sam is a student at The Ohio State University, where she is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science with minors in Anatomy and Human Nutrition. In her free time, Sam enjoys painting, exploring new places, and getting coffee with friends.

Mya has been working with Buckeye since 2024 and is the assistant coach for AG3. She is from Dayton, Ohio, and swam for Butler Aquatics and Vandalia Butler and also coached at Fair Valley. Mya loves watching swimmers’ excitement and confidence grow as they achieve their goals. She is passionate about sharing her love for the sport and works hard to create a positive and encouraging environment where athletes can have fun while improving their skills. Mya is currently studying speech and hearing science. When she is not at the pool, she enjoys golfing, traveling, concerts, and spending time with friends.

Alex graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Physiology. He is a Strength and Conditioning Coach Specialist (CSCS) certified by the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). Alex has been a personal trainer for 6 years and an Athletic Performance Coach for 5 years. He enjoys helping people achieve their fitness goals. Alex ran 3 years of club track at BGSU.

Cara was the Team Administrator for the United Swim Association (USA) since 2017.  Cara joined Coach Chris and his staff to merge with the Buckeye Swim Team.  Cara is very diligent with her follow up to our members.  Cara handles all registration and billing for our members.  Cara’s daughter, Neve, grew up swimming for USA and is now attending the DePaul University in Chicago.