RSC MISSION AND VALUES

Our coaches firmly believe that it is critically important for young swimmers to master proper technique in all 4 strokes as well as starts and turns. Our younger groups are largely instructional and emphasize stroke development and body position above all else. Swimmers learn that you must do strokes correctly before you can go fast. A stronger emphasis on training gradually occurs as swimmers mature physically and mentally and move into upper level groups.

Some exceptions to a group's age range may be made by the coaching staff in order to ensure each swimmer is in the most appropriate group for their skill and development level. Newer swimmers may need to start in a younger or less advanced group in order to gain fundamental stroke technique. Our goal is always to get each swimmer into an age-appropriate group with their peers as soon as they have mastered the necessary skills.

Mission Statement:

Enriching our culture with core values to instill a lifelong love for aquatics that transcends everyday life.

Everything aquatics, Everyday, for Everyone!

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

	President Rocky Coleman Rocky grew up in a northern suburb of Detroit, MI. He played soccer, was a downhill ski racer, and was active in 4-H raising pigs and steers. He is a graduate from Saginaw Valley State University (BSW), Liberty University (MA and MDiv) and Southern Seminary (ThM and PhD). He currently serves as a pastor at Northbridge Church. Rocky is married to Sarah and they have four children (Caleb, Cade, Eliana, and Crosby). His involvement with swimming began as his children moved through swim lessons and on to the swim team. He now swims with the masters swim team several mornings, and enjoys watching his children compete in swim meets. Rocky has served on the board of directors since 2023.
	Vice President Thomas Walsh Tom is entering his 15th year with the Rochester Swim Club and his 5th year as the Head Coach. He currently leads the Junior 1, Ripples, Red, and Discovery groups, and has worked with every level of swimmer throughout his tenure with the team. Tom’s diverse coaching experience includes 9 years as the Masters head coach. Passionate about working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, his primary goal is to help every child discover the joy and love of swimming. A graduate of Saint Mary’s University in Winona, MN, Tom moved to Rochester shortly after graduation. Outside of the pool, he enjoys running, golfing, and spending quality time with his family and friends. Tom’s wife, Mel, grew up in Rochester and swam for the swim club, and together they have two children: Brooklyn (7) and Peyton (3), both of whom are involved in swim lessons and on the team.
	Treasurer Chris Lacek Christopher (Chris) Lacek is an accomplished finance executive with more than 18 years of experience spanning the pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and technology sectors. He currently serves as Vice President of Finance at Envision Pharma Group, where he leads key functions including financial analysis, reporting, consolidation, budgeting, forecasting, and treasury. In this role, he also provides strategic and operational guidance to the executive leadership team. Throughout his career, Chris has successfully implemented lean Six Sigma methodologies within global finance organizations—offering coaching, education, and project support to drive process improvement and business value. A Rochester native, Chris has been involved with the swim community for over six years as a dedicated swim parent. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, traveling, relaxing at the lake, and playing golf. He is proud to support the Rochester Swim Club and its mission. Go RSC!
	Secretary Ashleigh Kramer Ashleigh is the Lessons Program Director and Executive Administrator for Rochester Aquatics.

	Directors Ryan Keller Ryan Keller has served on the Rochester Swim Club’s Board of Directors since April 2024, bringing valuable expertise in nonprofit leadership and a strong dedication to youth development. His family is also actively involved with the club—his wife, Rebecca, and their daughters, Isabelle and Madilyn, support the organization in various ways, with Madilyn participating as a swimmer. In addition to his work with the swim club, Ryan contributes to the broader Rochester community through his service on the board of Rochester MN Sports, a nonprofit focused on driving local economic growth and encouraging active lifestyles through sporting events. He also plays a key advisory role with Bolder Options, a youth mentoring organization that supports positive development through guidance and athletics. Through these efforts, Ryan remains deeply committed to fostering community engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for youth in Rochester.
	Kristine Stensland
	Laura Lindquist t
	Bill Shaughnessy Bill Shaugnessy grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, just a few miles from the Schroeder Aquatic Center. A lifelong swimmer, he competed in high school and went on to swim collegiately at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. Bill and his wife raised two children, Mike and Jenny, who both swam for the Rochester Swim Club (RSC) and John Marshall High School. Mike earned All-State honors in the 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke, while Jenny continued her swimming career at the University of Minnesota, where she became an 11-time All-American and 8-time Big Ten champion. Since 2015, Bill has served as president of Rochester Swimming, Inc. (RSI), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides equipment, timing systems, live streaming, scoreboard operations, and technical support at the Rochester Recreation Center. After a distinguished career in orthopedic surgery at the Mayo Clinic, Bill retired in 2025. He continues to support the local swimming community through his leadership with RSI and his enduring passion for the sport.
	Contact the BOD [email protected]