LESSONS: Individual and Pair (3+)

CLASSES: Baby & Best Friend

Coach Dara Carmack learned to swim in “Papaw Evan’s” pool when she was six years old with the help of her siblings. That moment sparked her love for swimming, prompting her to join the Knox County Piranhas swim team when she turned 10 years old.
Dara was mentored by Dee Dole, the “Godmother of Swimming” in Southeastern Kentucky. Dee coached for many years and taught Dara not only how to swim competitively, but how to coach competitive swimmers.
Dara began coaching at the age of 16 and has never looked back. She has turned her passion into a career and has helped countless students learn how to swim and perfect their sport. Dara has coached teams, groups, and individuals over the years, fostering a love for not only the sport, but a passion to share her experience, and joy, as a confident and capable swimmer.
“It has been a privilege to teach, and coach, over 400 kids within the tri-county area, as well as a few adults, through individual lessons, the Piranhas Swim Team, KAC Aquatics, and the KCHS Men’s and Women’s Swim Team. Watching children and adults face their fear and learn how to become confident swimmers is an incredible feeling that I hope to pursue for as long as I can. As a mother, the assurance of knowing that my girls enjoy the water safely is priceless. Swimming is a life skill. No one regrets becoming a strong swimmer and I cherish being a part of that process.”

LESSONS: Individual and Pair (3+)

Poppy was a 15-year member of the Piranhas swim team and served 2 seasons as a coach. She represented South Laurel High School for 7 seasons and swam one season for the University of Kentucky club team.
Poppy has committed eight summers to work with special needs children at Camp L.E.A.P. and seven years with the Special Olympics and Special Prom. She believes ALL children deserve the opportunity to learn to engage and enjoy the water safely!
In the fall, Poppy will pursue her master's degree in Marine Science with a specialization in conservation.

LESSONS: Individual and Pair (3+)

After learning to swim at age 4 and loving it, Blake wasted no time and began swimming competitively at age 5 for the Piranhas. During his 10 years in the LCSA conference, Blake received the high point award in every age group. His favorite strokes are freestyle, breaststroke, and backstroke. Currently, he is representing Corbin High School and KAC Aquatics in the pool. He holds the 100 backstroke record for Corbin High School and is part of the 400 relay record-holding team. He has made multiple appearances at state competitions, and at one point, ranked 9th in the state for the 100 backstroke. After high school, he plans on either swimming or playing soccer in college and studying to become a corporate lawyer.

Returning in the Summer

LESSONS: Individual and Pair (3+)

Bailyn began swimming when she was three years old and has swam competitively for twelve years with the Piranhas! Bailyn began coaching last summer, as well as teaching private lessons. Her experience, and love for the sport, has allowed her to give individualized instruction that is invaluable to her students, but also an individualized experience that helps students foster a love for water. No one is able to put a child at ease or turn a lesson into an adventure quite like Bailyn can.
As a competitor, she is known for her sportsmanship, effort, and commitment, which is reflected in her work as a coach and instructor. She is consistent, shows up with a positive attitude, and has the patience to teach each skill precisely and thoroughly.
Bailyn attends Corbin High School, where she also pursues her love of the performing arts. Bailyn will be in the school’s production of the “Little Mermaid” this spring!

Returning in the Summer

LESSONS: Individual and Pair (3+)

Jonah began his swimming journey at 6 years old when he joined a summer swim team. He quickly fell in love with the sport and soon, summer swimming with the Piranhas just wasn't enough! At the age of 8, Jonah began swimming year-round with KAC Aquatics, traveling to compete in both short and long-course seasons.
Jonah went on to swim for Corbin High School where he held the 2022 Region 9 record in the 100 Fly and was the first and only swimmer in Corbin's history to qualify for State finals. Jonah was a three-time recipient of the Trispy award.
Currently, Jonah swims for Liberty University where he specializes in butterfly. His team recently won Eastern Regionals and he has qualified to swim at Nationals, where he is slated to swim the 200 Fly, 100 Fly, 50 Fly, and 100 Free. In his spare time, Jonah enjoys being with friends and family, coaching the Piranhas, hiking, disc golf, music, and church activities.