Meet The Coaches
Fleet Swimming Coaches
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Colin Kennedy
Head Coach - Junior Black & Junior Red
Email: coachcolin@fleetswimming.com
Coach Colin has been coaching since 2003 in St. Louis, MO with his neighborhood summer league and the club team he grew up swimming for. Coached all levels, from learn-to-swim to Olympic Trials qualifiers. Prior to joining FLEET, he was the Head Age Group Coach of the Flyers Aquatic Swim Team, Parkway Swim Club National Prep Coach, Head Coach of the Parkway Swim Club before moving to Fleet to take the Head Age Group Coach position. He's had over 100 individual USA Swimming Top 20 swims, including 43 Top 10 and 37 USA Swimming Top 20 Relays including 25 in the Top 10 (with the #1 9-10 Boys 400 FR LCM Relay in 2019). Had 1 swimmer set a TAGS record and 9 individual TAGS Champions in multiple events, numerous TAGS winning relays. We've won multiple TAGS team high point awards, and had 1 individual high point winner. We earned the Bill Nixon Team Sportsmanship award in 2021 and the Allen Salinas Gulf Team Sportsmanship Award twice. His swimmers have set 75 Fleet Team Records (including relays) and counting.
- He is an ASCA Level-4 Coach
- 2012 Ozark Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year
- 2017 Gulf Swimming Age Group Coach of the Year
- 2021 Fitter Faster ASCA Age Group Coach of the Year
- Fleet has been a Top 50 12 & Under team through ASCA for 5+ years with 2021 being the highest with Fleet finishing 2nd.
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Maryanne Svoboda
Head Age Group Coach: AG Black & Red
Coach Maryanne is the newly named Head Age Group Coach for FLEET. She has stepped into this role after serving on staff with the Age Group program since 2008. She is an active member of our LSC (Local Swim Committee) and currently serves as Gulf Age Group Chair on the Gulf board. Coach Maryanne has also served on staff for several Select Teams. Most recently, the Duel in the Pool and Open Water Select Team. She is also involved with USA Swimming through the Women in Governance program and enjoys working with female coaches to help them find their role in the sport. Finally, she has participated in the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Ambassador program in recruiting coaches to continue their education in swimming.
Coach Maryanne began her swimming career at the age of 8 with her neighborhood team, the Carriage Lane Splashers. This led to her joining FLEET in 1997 and eventually swimming for Jersey Village High School and the University of Houston, where she graduated with a degree in Psychology. She enjoys swimming for the FLEET MASTERS program and competes in US Masters Open Water events.
Coach Maryanne is married to Jim Svoboda, the head swim coach of Klein High School. Together, they have 4 children who are all swimmers. JR (14), Caroline (13), Rosie (10) & Luke (8).
Coach Cagle
Leah Ortiz
Senior Red - Lead, Senior Black - Assistant
Email: coachleah@fleetswimming.com
Coach Leah is a born and raised Houstonian with a deep connection to both the Cypress area and FLEET, having previously been a swimmer and coach for the club. She is an alumna of Cypress Creek High School where she achieved All-American status and broke the 200 free record and two relay records (the relay records are still in place today!).
After high school, Coach Leah swam for the University of Houston, where she studied health and human development. In 2010, she began her coaching career teaching lessons at Fleet First while attending UH. After college, she began coaching age group swimmers for Fleet in 2017, and since then she has worked with all age groups. Coach Leah is excited to return to FLEET to work with Age Group Gold and Age Group White swimmers! And yes… she is Coach Maryanne’s sister!
Coach andy
Sarah Roe
Junior & Senior White
Email: coachsarah@fleetswimming.com
Coach Sarah, originally from Detroit, Michigan, has been involved in competitive swimming since the age of 7, starting her swimming journey with the Tippecanoe Swim Club in West Lafayette, Indiana. Coach Sarah continued her age group swimming, and completed her high school swimming in Montana where she was a state champion in several events during her four-year varsity career. Coach Sarah was also a High School All American in the 50 and 100 freestyle, with honorable mentions in the 200 free and 100 backstroke. Coach Sarah qualified for and swam at U.S. Jr Nationals (West) at the age of 14 and 15. At age 16, Coach Sarah left her home and family in Montana to train in California with the Mission Viejo Nadadores from 1986-1988. While in Mission Viejo, Coach Sarah qualified for and swam at U.S. Senior Nationals in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Sr. Nationals in Orlando, Florida in 1988 saw Coach Sarah’s hard work pay off with her qualification to Olympic Trials in the 50 and 100 Meter Freestyle. Finally, as a scholarship athlete, Coach Sarah wrapped up her swimming career in 1989 at Arizona State University.
After leaving ASU and stepping away from swimming, Coach Sarah relocated to Calgary, Alberta where she got married, graduated valedictorian from college with a degree in Early Childhood Education and had her three amazing kids. After a 10-year stint teaching preschool and kindergarten and being home with her kids, Sarah found herself back in the swimming world when she was offered the novice coaching job at the Nose Creek Swim Association, where she then coached for five years.
In 2012 life relocated coach Sarah to the Houston area, and she found herself teaching swimming lessons as well as managing the customer service team at FINS in the Woodlands. In her fifth year at FINS Sarah had the opportunity to slide back into coaching for TeamFINS in Spring. In 2018 Premier Aquatics Club of Klein (PACK) and TeamFINS merged into one team (PACK) and Coach Sarah continued coaching for PACK through March of 2021 when she joined Fleet.
Outside of the pool, Coach Sarah enjoys hiking, fitness, animals, gardening, making jewelry, decorating cakes, and most of all spending time with family.
Josh Green
Age Group Gold & White @ Bridgeland
Email: coachjosh@fleetswimming.com
Coach Josh is entering his 5th year of coaching and his 3rd year with Fleet. His coaching journey began with the Lakewood Forest Lightning for 1 season before joining Fleet as an assistant coach. Coach Josh has worked with every level as an assistant and continues assisting on weekends and over the summer.
Coach Josh started with Bronze and Silver, teaching fundamental basics in all four strokes to new swimmers and preparing them for the 100 IM. He then moved on to Gold and White, still working fundamentals but now continuing with building good habits and teaching how to train for the next levels. Coach Josh has had many successful swims from his swimmers including 10u Gulf qualifiers, 11-12 Gulf qualifiers and 10u TAGS qualifiers.
Coach Josh is currently working on his bachelor’s in science education with a secondary in physics. When not coaching or doing school you will find coach Josh in the kitchen cooking or at the gym/pool working out, if he’s not in bed sleeping.
Shelby schock
Assistant Coach & Lead GAIN Dryland Coach
Email:
coachshelby@fleetswimming.com
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jelena subatlija
Bronze, Silver and Non-Competitve-Arnold
Email:
coachjelena@fleetswimming.com
Jelena began swimming at just six years old. Through rigorous dedication, she earned a spot on the national swimming team by age fourteen. This achievement launched a competitive career that included representing their country at European and World Swimming Championships.While pursuing a degree in Physical Education, Jelena seamlessly transitioned their competitive drive into leadership, launching a successful career as a swimming coach. In 2024, Jelena relocated from Serbia to the United States and when she enjoy as assistant at Fleet. Beyond the pool, Jelena is deeply committed to public service and education in Texas. They currently serve as a dedicated Teacher in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District (CFISD), fostering academic growth and mentorship for local students. Driven by a strong desire to give back, she also serve as an Assistant with the Klein Fire Department, supporting vital operations that keep the community safe
Fleet water polo Coaches
Chris Ellis
Director of Water Polo
We are excited to welcome Chris Ellis as the new Head Coach of Fleet Water Polo. A respected leader within the Texas water polo community, Coach Chris brings an extensive background as both an athlete and coach, along with a deep commitment to player development and creating positive experiences for athletes and families.
Coach Chris began his playing career at Jersey Village HS here in Houston, where he fell in love with the sport. Following his high school career Coach Chris went on to play at Iona College, an experience that helped shape a lifelong passion for the sport. Following a successful playing career, he returned to Texas and began his coaching career in 2016.
Coach Chris has served as the head coach for multiple clubs throughout the Greater Houston area, earning a reputation for developing skilled, confident, and competitive athletes. His coaching philosophy emphasizes long-term athlete development, accountability, teamwork, and creating an environment where every player has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Coach Ellis's leadership extends beyond the club and high school levels through his involvement with the Olympic Development Program (ODP). From 2018 to 2020, he served as the Southwest Zone Girls Cadet Team Head Coach and currently serves as the Southwest Zone – South Boys Zone Head Coach, identifying and developing some of the region's most promising young athletes.
A lifelong student of sport, Coach Chris also brings a unique perspective through his extensive experience as an official. He has officiated UIL State Tournament semifinal and championship matches and previously served as the TASO District 1 Director and Houston Assigner from 2022 through 2024. This broad understanding of competition provides valuable insight into athlete development, game management, and the rules of the game.
Coach Ellis is excited to build upon the strong foundation of Fleet’s program while expanding opportunities for athletes and families. His vision is centered on creating a positive, competitive environment that prioritizes individual development, team success, and a lifelong passion for water polo.
Please join us in welcoming Coach Chris to his new role. We look forward to the next chapter of our program under his leadership.
evan lacefield
Assistant Coach
Email:
coachevan@fleetswimming.com
Coach Evan graduated from Tom C. Clark in San Antonio in 2003. He earned 3rd team All-State in 2001, 1st team All-State in 2002 and All-American in swimming and water polo in 2002. He (very) briefly swam at Denison University before transferring to Texas A & M and played on the club water polo team all 4 years. He has now been coaching club water polo in Houston for the past 3 years. He enjoys coaching all age groups: from splash ball to 18U. For the past 2 seasons he has served as an ODP coach and will be the SWZ-South Cade girls coach for the 2026-27 season. While medical school and residency kept him out of the pool for several years, he has been back swimming and playing master's water polo for the past few years. Coach Evan and his wife, Cristina, hav 3 children who all play wter polo: Liliana, Gloria and Emanuel.
lola trujillo
Assistant Coach
Email:
coachlola@fleetswimming.com
Lola started playing water polo because of her sister. She played water polo for 8 years. As a high school player at Foster High School, she was a state champion and the 1st UIL MVP. As a club player, she was a 2-time JO champion and went on to play Division 1 water polo at Iona University where she graduated this past year. During her collegiate career, she was a 2x All-American, 2026 MAAC defensive player of the year, and multiple times MAAC player of the week.
mitchell gannon
Assistant Coach
Mitchell played water polo from 2019 to 2022 under Coach Chris, Coach Chandler and Coach Webb at Sharks and in 2023 with Storm. He joined the coaching staff at Fleet in late 2024 and remained there until November 2025. He then moved to Hydra where he worked primarily with the 12 & Under team which went on to win the platinum bracket at this past year's Junior Olympics. He's excited to be back witht the Fleet family and to another season of hard work and fun.
carli cheatham
Assistant Coach
Carly is currently a student at the University of Houston. She started playing water polo her freshman year at Bridgeland High School and joined the Sharks her sophomore year. She played for Coach Chris and Coach Webb who is currently at Lamar High Coach.
She has coached for 3 consecutive summers, with last year being her 1st year coaching year-round. Her first year, she coached 14U girls and last summer coached 12U. This past year, she has been back with the 14U girls and is proud that they won the championship at JO's this past summer.
Carli is super excited to see both returning and new faces this year. She can't wait for another great season!
aaron jacobs
Assistant Coach
Coach Aaron was introduced to water polo through his summer league swim team. He started playing the summer before he started high school at Jersey Village, where he went on to earn many regional and state awards. After high school, he continue his water polo journey at McKendree University, a Division 2 school in Illinois, where he played for 2 years. Covid hit during his sophomore year and he returned home to Houston. Once he returned to Houston, he started coaching with Coach Chris and have coached with him the past 6 years including 5 Junior Olympic tournaments. If he is to instill at least half as much love and passion that he has for the game, then he has fulfilled his goal as a coach.
nick murillo
Assistant Coach
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