I am a native of Wheaton, Illinois. I moved to Champaign last summer. I currently work for Champaign Unit 4 as a 6th grade English teacher at Franklin Middle School and as the head swim coach at Centennial High School. I have been coaching park district, club and high school swimming since ending my collegiate swimming career in 2006. I am looking forward to a fun and successful season as the new coach of the Sholem Sharks.
Asst. Coach Brandon Bell
I am 16 years old. I have been swimming competitively since I was 9 years old for the Sholem Sharks Swim Team and year around for the YMCA Heat Swim Team. I am finishing up my sophomore year at Central High School and swim on the Central Boys Swim Team as well. My favorite events in swimming are the 200 and 500 Freestyle. I am really looking forward to being an assistant swim coach this summer.
Pre-Team Coach: Matt Hopkins
My wife Amanda and I have three children. Julia (6), Maria (4) and Xander (1.5) are all involved in swimming lessons or swim team. I have been a member of the swimming community in Champaign-Urbana for over 30 years as a competitor, coach, volunteer and father. I have been coaching swimming for last 20 years. During those 20 years I have coached for many teams including Crystal Lake Nadiators, Urbana High School, Champaign Central High School and Storm Aquatics (Heat). I look forward to an exciting summer season with the Sholem Sharks!
Asst. Coach Laura Horvat
Hi! I’m Laura Horvat! This is my second year coaching for the Sharks! I’ll be a sophomore at Eastern Illinois University this fall. Where I am also a part of the swim team. I have been a part of the Sholem Shark swim team for most of my life and I am really excited for this summer!
Asst. Coach Scott Weirschem
I'll be a junior at Centennial High School this fall. I have
been swimming for the Sholem Sharks for 8 years and have been swimming for
Champaign County YMCA Heat for 7 years. I have two younger brothers named
Jack(14) and Ryan(11). Aside from swimming I enjoy baseball, basketball, and
football.
Asst. Coach Jennifer Hong
Jennifer Hong is a varsity swimmer at Centennial High school. She is also a highly trained martial arts specialist, participating in competitions around the country. This is her first year coaching with the Sharks and she is very excited to be joining our staff.