Our Coaches & Staff
Our passionate coaches and dedicated staff are committed to guiding swimmers at every level—building skills, confidence, and character both in and out of the pool.
Passion. Experience. Diligence.
These three words define what Gold looks for when hiring staff for Chattahoochee Gold. Since the team’s founding in 1992, our goal has been to create a safe, educational environment where swimmers can thrive. This vision ensures consistency, quality, and a level of excellence that sets our team apart.
Chattahoochee Gold employs only certified, professional USA Swimming coaches. Every coach has completed specialized training for their role on deck and has passed a thorough national background check, so parents can have confidence in the care and expertise guiding their swimmers.
Gold Staff Directory
Mike
Wardwell
Owner and Head Coach of Chattahoochee Gold
Coaching since 1995
Coach Mike Wardwell, from Lowell, Massachusetts, is the Owner and Head Coach of Chattahoochee Gold Swim Team’. With 31 years of coaching experience, Mike has worked with swimmers across every level of the sport—from beginners to Olympic Trials qualifiers and national age group record holders. Over the course of his career, he has helped develop multiple programs into top-tier USA Swimming clubs across four different states and has served on the Georgia Swimming Board, contributing to the growth and governance of the sport at the LSC level. Mike first coached with Gold from 2011–2021 before returning in 2025 to take over the program.
Passionate about both excellence in swimming and building strong values in athletes, Mike is dedicated to fostering discipline, resilience, and a love for the sport in every swimmer. He is proud to lead Chattahoochee Gold, a program known for its excellence, history, and lasting impact on the swimming community. Outside of the pool, Mike enjoys life with his wife, Courtney, and their four dogs. A fun fact about him: he’s color blind—but claims to be a pretty good guesser.
Beth
Murphy
Director of Operations for Cumming, Mt. View and Cherokee
Coach Beth Murphy, originally from Tupelo, MS, brings 26 years of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for swimming to Chattahoochee Gold, where she served as Head Coach, Age Group Coach, and Co-Owner alongside her husband, Pat, and now Director of Operations. A University of Southern Mississippi graduate and former competitive backstroker, Beth has guided countless swimmers to State and Sectional cuts while fostering a love for the sport and helping young athletes grow both in and out of the pool.
A dedicated mentor and proud mother, Beth creates an environment where swimmers develop confidence, teamwork, and lasting relationships. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes empathy, encouragement, and holistic development, ensuring athletes not only achieve their best times but also cultivate the skills and values that extend beyond swimming. Through her leadership, passion, and integrity, Coach Beth continues to inspire generations of swimmers and leave a lasting impact on the Chattahoochee Gold community.
Kim
Duncan
Registration/Dues/Billing for Cumming, Mt. View, and Cherokee
Our administrator, Kim Duncan, has been a vital part of Chattahoochee Gold for over 18 years, bringing experience from her previous career in corporate management at Toys R Us. Based in Holly Springs, GA, and a University of Georgia graduate with a BA in Marketing, Kim is our team administrator managing registratiions, payments, USA swim memberships and manning our email and phone to answer any of your questions.
Kim’s connection to Gold is truly a family affair—she is a proud mother of four and grandmother to five, and her eldest swam on Gold for seven years. With her expertise, organization, and warm presence, Kim ensures everything behind the scenes operates seamlessly, supporting both our staff and our swimmers.
Denise
Sturman
Registration/Dues/Billing for Kedron (Peachtree City)
Coach Denise has transitioned fully to the administrative side of Chattahoochee Gold, bringing her expertise and experience to support our team behind the scenes. She began coaching in 2006, working with swimmers at all training levels, and draws on her background as a competitive age group, collegiate, and Masters swimmer to provide knowledgeable guidance.
Currently, Denise helps new families navigate the ins and outs of competitive swimming, managing registration and billing, and ensuring a smooth experience for all of our Kedron swimmers (Peachtree City). Her experience, professionalism, and dedication make her an invaluable part of the Gold Family.
MYKA
MURPHY
Socials and Branding Manager
Myka Murphy serves as the Socials and Branding Manager for Chattahoochee Gold, bringing creativity, strategy, and a keen eye for storytelling to the team’s communications. As the daughter of Pat and Beth Murphy, she has grown up immersed in the Gold community and understands the passion, dedication, and spirit that define the program.
In her role, Myka oversees social media, marketing campaigns, and brand initiatives, helping to connect swimmers, families, and the broader community while showcasing the achievements and culture of Chattahoochee Gold. Her experience, creativity, and insider perspective make her an invaluable part of the team, ensuring Gold’s message resonates both in and out of the pool.
Our Coaches at aIKEN
Justin
Correia
Head Site Coach
Justin Correia brings nearly three decades of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for swimming to his first year with Chattahoochee Gold as Head Site Coach in Aiken. A Tampa, Florida native and ASCA Level 4 coach, Justin was a Junior Nationals qualifier in the 200 IM and swam under Hall of Fame coach Peter Banks in Brandon, Florida. Over his 29-year coaching career, Justin has led a women’s team to the 2017 Florida Age Group (FLAG) Championship, coached swimmers from multiple programs to the U.S. Olympic Trials, and helped guide a Tampa-area high school team to a fourth-place finish at the State Championships.
For Justin, the most meaningful part of coaching goes beyond times and trophies. He loves being a positive influence in young athletes’ lives, motivating them to reach higher in the pool and beyond it. His connection to the sport also runs in the family—his sister, Olympic silver medalist Maritza Correia McClendon, represented Team USA at the 2004 Olympic Games, fueling Justin’s own passion for supporting American swimming and developing the next generation. A proud father of three sons, Justin considers mentoring hundreds of swimmers throughout his career among his greatest accomplishments. Away from the pool, he’s a loyal Tampa Bay sports and Florida Gators fan with an impressive knowledge of swimming history—which, as he jokes, somehow never comes in handy at trivia night.
Lance
knowles
Associate Head Site Coach
Coach Lance Knowles, from Nassau, Bahamas, is the Associate Head Site Coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Aiken site. With four years of coaching experience and his first year with Gold, Lance is passionate about building a team culture where athletes feel supported, challenged, and proud to belong. His coaching journey began after more than 20 years away from competitive swimming, when he returned to the water while recovering from lower back surgery. Rediscovering his passion for the sport reminded him of the discipline, confidence, and personal growth swimming had given him throughout his life—and inspired him to become a coach and share those lessons with the next generation of swimmers.
For Lance, coaching is about more than what happens on the scoreboard. He takes pride in creating a culture of trust, providing steady leadership through change, and building strong relationships with athletes and their families. Outside the pool, Lance is a husband, father, entrepreneur, and accomplished swimmer. He was an early pioneer in the drone industry, building an aerial cinema company that contributed to Emmy-nominated NFL, NCAA, and PGA broadcasts, as well as film, television, and commercial productions. He also holds two South Carolina Masters swimming state records, set one year after back surgery at age 43. When he's not on the pool deck, Lance enjoys building fast cars and turning wrenches in the garage.
bROOKE
mASON
Local Racing Squad Director and Coach
Coach Brooke Mason, from Aiken, South Carolina, brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to Chattahoochee Gold as Director of the Local Racing Squad. Born in Idaho and raised in Wisconsin, Brooke spent 15 years as a competitive swimmer across the club, high school, and collegiate levels. Her coaching journey began more than three decades ago when she started teaching children how to swim. What began with swim lessons quickly grew into a lifelong passion for coaching—and, as Brooke puts it, even when she tried to step away to raise her family, "the chlorine kept pulling her back."
For Brooke, the most meaningful coaching achievements aren't measured only in times or medals, but in the moments when a swimmer discovers what they are capable of doing. Whether it's a swimmer excitedly sharing that they completed their first race, achieved a personal best, mastered a new skill, or simply left practice smiling, those moments are what continue to make coaching worthwhile. She loves helping young athletes build confidence, improve, and find genuine joy in a sport that has been such an important part of her own life. Outside the pool, Brooke is supported by her loving family and three children. In one particularly memorable chapter before deciding coaching was definitely the better career choice, she worked at a veterinary clinic, where she assisted with cow surgeries, milked a cat, and even charged a bull—proving that life around a pool may actually be the calmer option.
Our Coaches at augusta
Justin
correia
Head Site Coach
Justin Correia brings nearly three decades of coaching experience and a lifelong passion for swimming to his first year with Chattahoochee Gold as Head Site Coach in Augusta. A Tampa, Florida native and ASCA Level 4 coach, Justin was a Junior Nationals qualifier in the 200 IM and swam under Hall of Fame coach Peter Banks in Brandon, Florida. Over his 29-year coaching career, Justin has led a women’s team to the 2017 Florida Age Group (FLAG) Championship, coached swimmers from multiple programs to the U.S. Olympic Trials, and helped guide a Tampa-area high school team to a fourth-place finish at the State Championships.
For Justin, the most meaningful part of coaching goes beyond times and trophies. He loves being a positive influence in young athletes’ lives, motivating them to reach higher in the pool and beyond it. His connection to the sport also runs in the family—his sister, Olympic silver medalist Maritza Correia McClendon, represented Team USA at the 2004 Olympic Games, fueling Justin’s own passion for supporting American swimming and developing the next generation. A proud father of three sons, Justin considers mentoring hundreds of swimmers throughout his career among his greatest accomplishments. Away from the pool, he’s a loyal Tampa Bay sports and Florida Gators fan with an impressive knowledge of swimming history—which, as he jokes, somehow never comes in handy at trivia night.
sTEVEN
mILLS
Associate Head Site Coach
Coach Steven Mills, from Lynchburg, Virginia, is the Associate Head Site Coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Augusta site. With eight years of coaching experience, Steven is in his first year with Chattahoochee Gold and brings a strong background in both competitive swimming and exercise science. His coaching journey began after breaking his back in high school, when coaching became a way for him to stay connected to the sport he loved. He started as a summer league coach that same year and quickly discovered how much he enjoyed creating practices, sharing his knowledge, and helping swimmers grow. Since then, coaching has become a lifelong career and a way for him to continue giving back to the sport.
Steven has coached swimmers at every level, including multiple Age Group State Champions in Virginia, and helped lead Heritage High School to its first VHSL State Championship appearance in 10 years. He also helped coach Liberty University Men's Swimming to two second-place finishes at CCS Nationals. Steven holds a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science with a specialization in Therapeutic Science from Liberty University and is an ACSM Certified Exercise Physiologist. Outside of the pool, Steven enjoys cycling, including completing the Storming of Thunder Ridge, and cheering on his favorite Philly sports teams. A fun fact about Steven: although he calls Lynchburg home, he was born in Wilmington, Delaware, and has been a huge Philadelphia sports fan since childhood. Go Birds!
Henry
bethel
Coach
Coach Henry Bethel, from Dalton, Georgia, is in his second year with Chattahoochee Gold. A standout swimmer at Auburn University, Henry was a two-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier (2021 and 2024), earned All-American honors in his junior and senior seasons, and served as team captain his senior year. In high school, he set GHSA state records in the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke before moving on to compete at the SEC level. He graduated with a degree in History and a minor in Sports Coaching while also being named to the SEC Honor Roll each year.
Inspired by the impact his own coaches had on him and his teammates, Henry is passionate about mentoring the next generation of swimmers and helping them succeed both in and out of the pool. He is excited to be part of Chattahoochee Gold's newest location, Augusta. He is a big supporter of what Gold is all about--developing athletes at every level while fostering a supportive team culture. Outside of swimming, Henry co-owns a business with his brother and once competed on his high school’s quartet team, showcasing his talents beyond athletics.
bROOKE
mASON
Local Racing Squad Director and Coach
Coach Brooke Mason, from Aiken, South Carolina, brings more than 25 years of coaching experience to Chattahoochee Gold as Director of the Local Racing Squad. Born in Idaho and raised in Wisconsin, Brooke spent 15 years as a competitive swimmer across the club, high school, and collegiate levels. Her coaching journey began more than three decades ago when she started teaching children how to swim. What began with swim lessons quickly grew into a lifelong passion for coaching—and, as Brooke puts it, even when she tried to step away to raise her family, "the chlorine kept pulling her back."
For Brooke, the most meaningful coaching achievements aren't measured only in times or medals, but in the moments when a swimmer discovers what they are capable of doing. Whether it's a swimmer excitedly sharing that they completed their first race, achieved a personal best, mastered a new skill, or simply left practice smiling, those moments are what continue to make coaching worthwhile. She loves helping young athletes build confidence, improve, and find genuine joy in a sport that has been such an important part of her own life. Outside the pool, Brooke is supported by her loving family and three children. In one particularly memorable chapter before deciding coaching was definitely the better career choice, she worked at a veterinary clinic, where she assisted with cow surgeries, milked a cat, and even charged a bull—proving that life around a pool may actually be the calmer option.
Our Coaches at CHEROKEE
Mark
Schilling
Head Site Coach
Coach Mark Schilling, from Summerville, South Carolina, serves as the Head Site Coach of Chattahoochee Gold’s Cherokee site and has been with the program for 28 years. With three decades of coaching experience, Mark has guided swimmers to Olympic Trials qualifiers in each of the last four Olympic cycles, was named Georgia Senior Coach of the Year in 2018, and served as a USA National Team coach from 2018–2022. A former Georgia Tech swimmer and three-year letterman with a degree in Computer Science, Mark combines competitive insight with a long-standing commitment to athlete development.
Dedicated to making Chattahoochee Gold the best team possible, Mark is known for his leadership, technical expertise, and ability to inspire swimmers to pursue excellence. Beyond the pool, he enjoys family life with his wife Leann and their sons John and Max, and he cultivates a collection of over 50 orchid varieties. His passion, both in coaching and in life, reflects the balance of discipline, growth, and care that he brings to Chattahoochee Gold every day.
Mark Walleshauser
Associate Head Site Coach
Coach Mark Walleshauser, from Marietta, Georgia, has been with Chattahoochee Gold for 7 years and brings 8 years of coaching experience. Over his career, his swimmers have broken 32 team records across age groups from 10U to 17–18, earned multiple age group state, sectional, and senior state titles, and in 2024, Mark was recognized as one of the Top 50 Age Group Coaches in the U.S. by the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA). A former collegiate swimmer and two-year team captain at Norwich University, he set multiple school records before moving into coaching.
Mark is passionate about the life lessons swimming teaches, believing true success lies in preparation and effort, not just results. He’s proud to be part of Chattahoochee Gold, where the program’s culture of excellence and growth mirrors his own coaching philosophy. Known for his dedication and positive energy, Mark creates an environment where athletes learn to push themselves in and out of the pool. Outside of swimming, he’s a devoted (and long-suffering) Atlanta Falcons fan.
ALEX
BARTIK
Coach
Coach Alex Bartik, from Marietta, Georgia, is in his second year with Chattahoochee Gold’s Cherokee location. He brings nearly a decade of coaching experience, beginning with his first summer league team in 2016, and a strong background as a swimmer. Highlights of his swimming career include earning a medal at the high school state meet and finishing his college career at Berry College with a personal best in the 100 freestyle.
Inspired by his own high school coach who transformed swimming from a pastime into a passion, Alex is excited to bring that same energy to Chattahoochee Gold—a program he admires for its excellence, community, and tradition of developing swimmers at every level. Known for his enthusiasm and love of butterfly and freestyle, he strives to create an environment where athletes can push themselves, reach their goals, and grow both in and out of the pool.
Coaches at Cumming
MATT
SANSPREE
Head Site Coach
Coach Matt Sanspree, from Gulf Shores, Alabama, is the Head Site Coach in Cumming. With 19 years of coaching experience, Matt has led athletes to the highest levels of success, including coaching a National Age Group Record Holder and guiding the nation’s #1 relay in the 400 freestyle during the 2024 long course season. He has been recognized as a Top 25 Age Group Coach by the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) and holds ASCA Level 4 and 5 certifications.
Passionate about giving back the same mentorship he once received, Matt is excited to bring his experience from programs like Santa Clara Swim Club to Chattahoochee Gold, an organization he admires for its commitment to excellence and community. Known for his leadership, enthusiasm, and ability to inspire athletes, Matt strives to help swimmers reach their fullest potential in and out of the water. Outside the pool, he enjoys family life with his wife Megan and their daughter Blake Catherine, cheering for Auburn sports, and taking care of their lively crew of pets—including three Great Danes and three cats, all named after Auburn alumni.
Noah
ayers
Associate Head Site Coach
Originally from San Diego, California, Noah Ayers joins Chattahoochee Gold for his first year as Associate Head Site Coach in Cumming, bringing nearly a decade of coaching experience. His coaching career has included stops in San Diego and Augusta, with former swimmers going on to compete at all levels of collegiate athletics. One of his coaching highlights includes working with four 11–12 boys who swept the Age Group State relays. Noah also spent time in Boston as a strength and conditioning intern working with softball, soccer, and basketball athletes.
Coaching wasn’t originally part of Noah’s plan. After helping teammates in college and spending a break coaching back home, he quickly discovered a passion for it. What he enjoys most is helping young athletes work through challenges and grow both as swimmers and young adults. Away from coaching, Noah brings a little extra personality to the pool deck with what he proudly calls his “elite sock collection.”
Karen
Carr
Coach
Coach Karen Carr, originally from Augusta, GA, has devoted more than five decades to shaping young swimmers and inspiring the next generation. With 54 years of coaching experience—including 20 with Chattahoochee Gold—Karen has left an enduring mark on the sport. A trailblazer in a historically male-dominated field, she has built her career on both expertise and perseverance, earning respect as a mentor, role model, and pioneer.
Her love for swimming runs deep, beginning in her own family and nurtured by early summers helping her father coach. Today, Karen especially enjoys working with 10 & unders, where she finds joy in watching swimmers grow not just as athletes but as responsible, confident kids. Outside the pool, she treasures time with her three children and expresses her creativity through knitting and crocheting. With her warmth, dedication, and lifelong passion for the sport, Coach Karen continues to inspire swimmers, families, and fellow coaches alike.
tommy
eaton
Coach
Coach Tommy Eaton, from Cumming, Georgia, is a Coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Cumming site. A former Chattahoochee Gold swimmer himself, Tommy is excited to return to the program in a coaching role. Now in his second year with Gold as a coach and third year of coaching overall, he brings strong competitive experience as a former Division I athlete. Highlights of his career include top-14 finishes at both the SEC Championships (University of South Carolina) and the U.S. Open, as well as holding the school record in the 200 butterfly at the University of Cincinnati.
Passionate about creating positive experiences for athletes, Tommy’s goal is to help swimmers stay engaged in the sport and discover the joy and confidence it can bring. He is proud to be part of Chattahoochee Gold once again—a program that shaped his own swimming journey and continues to be known for its supportive community and commitment to excellence. Outside of the pool, Tommy enjoys music and finding new ways to bring energy and fun into his work with athletes.
Sophia
Dilly
Coach
Coach Sophia Dilly, a Cumming, Georgia native, is her first year as a coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Cumming site. A former swimmer herself, Sophia is excited to experience the sport from a new perspective and help young athletes discover what they are capable of. She believes swimming is about more than becoming a faster athlete—it is about building confidence, discipline, resilience, and character. Sophia takes the time to get to know each swimmer individually, recognizing that every athlete responds differently to encouragement and challenge. Her goal is to create an environment where swimmers feel supported, valued, and motivated to become the best version of themselves, both in and out of the pool.
Outside of coaching, Sophia is a full-time student at the University of North Georgia. She enjoys working out, spending time with friends, and traveling.
Our Coaches at kedRon (peachtree city)
becky
noonan
Head Site Coach
Coach Becky Noonan is the Head Site Coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Peachtree City location. She has been coaching since 2018 and joined Gold in July 2025 after eight years with Peachtree Aquatic Club, now part of Chattahoochee Gold. Becky is a USA Swimming Certified and ASCA Level 2 coach, and she currently leads the Silver Advanced and Gold Advanced groups. Over her coaching career, she has guided numerous swimmers to the Age Group State level and has also led summer league and Pirates programs at Kedron. A former high school swimmer, Becky brings additional experience as a lifeguard and water safety instructor, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both safety and performance.
Becky’s journey into coaching was inspired by her daughter’s involvement in the sport, and she is passionate about fostering the same love of swimming in young athletes. She is proud to be part of Chattahoochee Gold, a program known for its excellence, community, and commitment to growth at every level. Residing in Fayetteville with her husband, two daughters, and two dogs, Becky is known for her enthusiasm, dedication, and ability to create an encouraging environment where swimmers can thrive both in and out of the pool.
Carleigh
Spann
Associate Head Site Coach
Carleigh Spann brings over seven years of coaching experience to her second year at Chattahoochee Gold, specializing in age group and high school swimmers. With coaching experience across both Texas and Georgia, she has developed a diverse and well-rounded approach to teaching stroke fundamentals and refining technique. A former club swimmer and high school athlete in both swimming and diving, Carleigh draws on her own experiences in the sport to connect with athletes and help them thrive at every level.
Carleigh’s coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that swimming should be both rewarding and enjoyable. She fosters an environment where swimmers are encouraged to challenge themselves, build confidence, and pursue their goals, while also creating lasting memories and a love for the sport beyond the pool. At Chattahoochee Gold, she is excited to contribute to the team’s tradition of excellence, helping athletes grow as both swimmers and individuals while being part of a community that values dedication, character, and lifelong success.
Hugh
cooper
Coach
Hugh Cooper, from Griffin, Georgia, has been coaching since 2017 and brings a wealth of experience in both swimming and endurance sports to Chattahoochee Gold. He has guided athletes to major milestones, from first national cuts to breakthroughs after tough seasons, always focusing on resilience and long-term growth. Hugh is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and an accomplished triathlete who has competed in events ranging from a 70.3 Ironman to a 50K ultramarathon, giving him a unique perspective on balancing training, competition, and life.
Coming into his second year at Gold, Hugh believes in the program’s culture of excellence, support, and opportunity for athletes at every level. He values the team’s commitment to building confidence, character, and community through swimming, and is excited to contribute to that legacy. Known for his encouraging “You can do it” coaching style, Hugh partners with swimmers to set SMART goals, stay motivated, and discover just how far they can go — both in the pool and beyond. Fun fact: his all-time favorite competitive/sport show is Wipeout.
Michelle
richards
Coach
Coach Michelle Richards, originally from Baltimore, MD, is excited for her second season with Chattahoochee Gold. A former athlete herself, Michelle brings energy, encouragement, and a focus on strong fundamentals to help young swimmers grow in confidence and technique.
Michelle first supported Peachtree Aquatic Club (now Chattahoochee Gold) as Parent Liaison, assisting new and veteran families in navigating the swim season, and now brings that same dedication to the pool deck. A proud swim mom with three daughters on the team across different groups, she offers a unique perspective as both coach and parent. The Richards family has been part of our team for seven years, and Michelle looks forward to continuing her dual roles in supporting the growth and spirit of the team.
MADDIE
HEDSTROM
Coach
Coach Madeline (Maddie) Hedstrom, from Minnetonka, Minnesota, is a Coach at Chattahoochee Gold’s Peachtree City location for her second year. She brings more than a decade of experience as a swim lesson instructor and a lifelong background in the sport. Maddie swam competitively for 12 years, including four years at the NCAA Division II level, and also competed in synchronized swimming for four years. She holds a BFA in Metalsmithing and Jewelry with a minor in Art History from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania (now PennWest). One of her favorite early coaching moments was helping a once-hesitant six-year-old grow confident enough to jump off the diving board and swim in the deep end.
Maddie loves the sport of swimming and the opportunity to help kids grow both as athletes and as people. She is excited to be part of Chattahoochee Gold, a program she admires for its strong community and commitment to excellence. Outside the pool, Maddie’s passions are just as colorful—she has fostered over 100 stray cats and kittens, plays roller derby with Southern Harm, and has a lifelong love of mermaids.
Our Coaches at Mountain View
Hayden
Kosater
Head Site Coach
Coach Hayden, from Macon, GA, brings championship experience and contagious passion to the Mountain View location as the Head Site Coach. A graduate of Queens University of Charlotte with a degree in Exercise and Sport Science, he was a standout collegiate swimmer, helping lead his team to the 2015 NCAA Division II national title. His own accomplishments include three individual national championships and 16-time All-American honors, achievements that fuel his drive to help the next generation succeed. Since 2015, Hayden has coached at programs ranging from STAR Aquatics to Florida State University.
Now in his fourth year with Chattahoochee Gold, Hayden continues to bring that same dedication and winning mindset to his swimmers. Beyond the pool, he enjoys fitness, exploring the outdoors, building custom computers, video games, and cheering for Georgia sports. His blend of expertise, energy, and mentorship creates an environment where swimmers are inspired to reach their full potential in and out of the water..
Mike
Wardwell
Owner and Head Coach of Chattahoochee Gold
Coach Mike Wardwell, from Lowell, Massachusetts, is the Owner and Head Coach of Chattahoochee Gold Swim Team. With 31 years of coaching experience, Mike has worked with swimmers across every level of the sport—from beginners to Olympic Trials qualifiers and national age group record holders. Over the course of his career, he has helped develop multiple programs into top-tier USA Swimming clubs across four different states and has served on the Georgia Swimming Board, contributing to the growth and governance of the sport at the LSC level. Mike first coached with Gold from 2011–2021 before returning in 2025 to take over the program.
Passionate about both excellence in swimming and building strong values in athletes, Mike is dedicated to fostering discipline, resilience, and a love for the sport in every swimmer. He is proud to lead Chattahoochee Gold, a program known for its excellence, history, and lasting impact on the swimming community. Outside of the pool, Mike enjoys life with his wife, Courtney, and their four dogs. A fun fact about him: he’s color blind—but claims to be a pretty good guesser.
PENNY
WALLESHAUSER
Coach
Coach Penny Walleshauser, originally from Hinsdale, IL, has dedicated 39 years to coaching—27 of them with Chattahoochee Gold—making a lasting impact on both the sport and her swimmers. A graduate of the University of South Florida with a degree in psychology, Penny combines her deep understanding of motivation with technical expertise to help athletes succeed. Under her guidance, swimmers have earned top-three finishes at State and Sectional levels, a reflection of her skill as both a coach and mentor.
Her passion for swimming extends beyond coaching; Penny herself competed at the 2019 Senior Games, placing in the top 10 across multiple events. Away from the pool, she enjoys sewing, rescuing dogs, and, above all, being a proud mom to two children. Her warmth, dedication, and lifelong love for swimming make her a role model not only for her athletes, but also for the entire Gold community.
Nicole
lavigna
Coach