Coach Bright has 4 kids, ages 17-20. Two of his daughters swam competitively (1 State qualifier). He taught for 27 years in Clay County (19 years at Fleming Island High), 18 seasons as the Varsity Swim Coach, ( 7 Conference Championships, 2 District Titles, 12 State Champions). He spent 17 seasons as the Head Swim Coach of the Eagle Harbor Screamin’ Eagles (11 Championships), a recreational summer program in the First Coast Summer Swim League.
Recently moved into Nocatee, Coach Bright has come over to St John’s County to coach the swim program at Tocoi Creek High School and teach 11th grade English Honors. His hobbies include swimming, paddleboarding, mountain biking, and reading. Other sports background information includes 16 years of coaching Track & Field, 7 years of Girls Soccer, and past sponsorships of the Freshman Class and Triathlon Clubs at FIHS. He believes swimming can be developed into a lifelong passion that can help maintain strength and fitness for decades to come. He is excited to return to coaching after a brief hiatus last summer. Coach Bright brings a wealth of experience and excitement to lead the Shearwater Sharks to a season of triumph.
Coach Dylan fell in love with the sport of swimming at a young age starting swimming in this very league for the Palencia Pirranahs before joining Loggerheads and later Planet Swim. During his time in this sport, he’s accomplished many things. Some of his major highlights started at FLAGS when he won the 100 backstroke at 14 years old. Later on, he became a national-level swimmer for Planet Swim, qualifying for Winter Junior nationals in the 100 and 200 backstroke. He went to Nease High School and was a captain of the team that won the 3A State Championship his senior year. He also was a part of the winning 200 medley relay that year.
He is currently attending Florida State University getting his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. Coach Dylan cherished his time coaching in 2022, finding immense joy in guiding young swimmers. He eagerly anticipates continuing to share his knowledge and passion for the sport, aiming to help his students improve their skills and deepen their love for swimming. Dylan is dedicated to inspiring his athletes, nurturing their growth, and leaving a lasting positive impact on their journey in the pool.
Originally from South Dakota, Stacey and her husband Jeremy have lived in the Jacksonville area, in total, for about 10 years. She has 3 girls, ages 5-9. This will be the third year her older daughters have been on the Shearwater swim team and this is the inaugural year for her youngest daughter.
Stacey studied athletic training in undergrad and she went on to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Saint Augustine. She currently works as an outpatient physical therapist at a local clinic.
Throughout high school and college Stacey was a lifeguard and swim instructor. In recent years she has returned to swim instruction and provides individualized training for kids ages 3-12yrs. Stacey also is an avid triathlete and enjoys the rigors of training on land as well as in the water. Her most recent accomplishment was completion of a half Ironman. Stacey is excited to be able to use her skills to teach a new generation of kids to learn to love swimming and competition while having fun along the way!!
2 Chronicles 15:7 — But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.
Vika began her swimming journey in Russia soon after turning 6 years old. By the age of 14, she became the Siberian State champion and record holder in the 1500 Freestyle, 800 Freestyle, and 200 Butterfly. By the age of 16 she was a Russian Championship qualifier and finalist.
After moving to the US at age of 18, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Business from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut where she was a scholarship swimmer at the NCAA Division II school.
Vika moved to Shearwater in 2022 and is thrilled to be able to channel her great passion for swimming to help the coaches and children enjoy and improve the training process. Her goal is to have kids leave the practice with a bigger smile than they started with, and she is honored to be part of the Shearwater Sharks Swim Team.