Coaches & Directors

 

Jeremy Meserole

Head Site Coach / Bartlett

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Senior Team / Gold Team

Jeremy comes to the Academy Bullets to lead our Bartlett location after coaching the last four years at New Trier Swim Club. Before that, he coached high school swimming in Wisconsin for six years, and was head coach for the South Central Swim Team in his hometown of Janesville, WI - a club which he started in 2004. During Jeremy's time in Wisconsin, he coached many school record-holders, State medalists, and Sectional finalists. The SCST went from no state qualifiers in 2004 to placing 8th at the Wisconsin State meet in 2008. While at New Trier, he was responsible for the development of the 13-14 year olds - a group that produced multiple team record-holders, State medalists and champions, and Sectional and Junior National qualifiers. Jeremy was also responsible for developing the club's dryland program and philosophy.

 

 

Jim Nickolov

Assistant Coach (Bartlett)

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Silver II Team

Coach Jim started swimming at the age of nine and was a member of the Bulgarian National Team for seven years. He received the Indiana Coach of the Year award in 1985 while head coach at Merrillville High School and Merrillville Aquatic Club (1983-1989). Coach Jim also held head coaching positions for the Munster Swim Club (1989-1992), Hanover Park Sailfish (1994-2000) and BEST (1998-2012).  Coach Jim is certified by the American Swimming Coaches Association at Level I.

Steve Macholl

Assistant Coach (Bartlett)

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Silver I Team

Coach Steve swam for the Hanover Park Sailfish through 1993. That same year, he made the transition into coaching at the Park District level. Steve coached BEST from 1998-2012 and believes in proper stroke training in order to reduce the chances for injury. 

Margie Ellwood

Assistant Coach (Bartlett)

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Coach Margie Ellwood began competing in swimming at age 8 and continues to compete in swimming and triathlons.  In addition to coaching for Academy, she recently has begun teaching Yogafit classes.  She enjoys coaching proper strokes, turns and starting techniques in a productive, fun environment and hopes to encourage each swimmer to behave with good sportsmanship, to be confident in his/her abilities and have pride in what he/she achieves.  Coach Margie is certified by the American Swimming Coaches Association at Level II.

Katie Sard

Assistant Coach (Bartlett)

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Bronze Team

This is Katie’s second year coaching the 8 & under group in Bartlett. Katie has really enjoyed working with the young age group and seeing their development throughout the season. Katie started swimming when she was 5 and has translated her experience into coaching the younger swimmers. She is excited for the new changes and cannot wait for what this next chapter of swimming has to offer. 

Coaching Staff