Brooke Mason has been involved in swimming since the age of four, competing year-round at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. She was All-American during high school both athletically and academically. Brooke began teaching lessons and coaching while in high school for her local team, and has continued to do so for 27 years, both at the group and private level. After college, she coached first as an assistant then as head coach for both the Logan Gators Swim Team and Sky View High School. After moving to Mississippi and then to South Carolina, she continued to teach group and semi-private lessons and resumed coaching for various teams as her schedule allowed with young children. In 2017, Brooke came to the YMCA and helped found Aiken Armada Swim Team as we know it today. She works with all groups from beginners to advanced swimmers as she recognizes the importance of seeing the progression of all the swimmers as they grow and develop. Brooke also works as the Swim Lessons Coordinator at the YMCA, organizing and coordinating the program in addition to teaching lessons for all ages, including beginners to competitive swimmers, for babies, children, and adults of all ages.

Ainsley Warden is currently a competitive swimmer at the USA/YMCA and high school levels. She has been a swim coach for 3 years and instructor for all levels of ability for two. She loves teaching swimmers a sport that she enjoys and cherishes herself.

This coach is awesome!

This coach is awesome!

This coach is awesome!

Lance Knowles is a former competitive swimmer who proudly represented the Bahamas at the international level. With a passion for swimming, Lance dedicated years of hard work and determination to excel in the sport. He has competed in numerous prestigious competitions, showcasing his skills and talent in the water. Many years after retiring from competitive swimming, Lance transitioned into coaching, sharing his expertise and knowledge with aspiring swimmers. Since 2022, he has been helping young athletes develop their swimming abilities and achieve their goals in, and outside the pool. With his dedication, patience, and ability to motivate others, Lance is committed to nurturing the next generation of swimmers. Through his coaching, he instills important values such as discipline, teamwork, and perseverance in his athletes. Outside of coaching, Lance continues to stay involved in the swimming community, competing at Masters events and staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the sport. He remains passionate about swimming and is always eager to support and inspire fellow swimmers. With an impressive background as a former competitive swimmer and now a dedicated coach, Lance serves as an inspiration to both current and aspiring swimmers alike.

Peter Garrison is currently a competitive swimmer at the USA/YMCA and high school levels for 11 years. He has been coaching for one year and has quickly become well-loved with the younger swimmers.

This coach is awesome!

This coach is awesome!

This coach is awesome!