Coaching Staff

Trey Taylor

Groups Coached: Senior, Junior, Masters

Email: gatorsmasters@gmail.com

Phone: 704-860-3731

 Joined the Gator coaching staff in 2008, Coach Trey is now the Director of Competitive Swimming for the Gators. Kerry O'Brien Grassroots Coaching Award Winner for USMS. One of less than 100 Level 4 Masters Coaches nationwide. ASCA Level 3 Certified. USMS National Coaches Committee, North Carolina Masters Swimming At-Large Member, USMS At-Large Director Southeast Zone

Greg Armstrong

Groups Coached: Gatorine, Junior, Senior

Email: ggswimcoach@gmail.com

Phone: 704-678-1562

Born and raised in Charlotte, NC and swam for JMY in his youth under Hall of Fame Coach Franke Bell. Swam for UNC-Asheville from 1975-1976 (and still holds records). Transfered to Southeast Missouri State University were he swam from 1976-1980 and graduated with a BS in Education. Coached in Missouri, California and North Carolina before joining the Gators in 1988, and became head coach in 1995. ASCA Level 5 Certified. Greg and his wife Deannie have 4 children.

Barbara Franklin

Groups Coached: Lil Gators, Gator Bits

Email: barbara1031@gmail.com

Raised in Morganton, NC and swam for Morganton Swim Club. Swam for Appalachian State University. Coached South Point High School for several years before joining the Gators. Temporarily "retired" when her children were busy with sports and school. Re-entered coaching in 2001 as the head coach of Kings Mountain Aquatics. Rejoined the Gator coaching staff in 2002.

Caro Lamarque

Groups Coached: Gator Bits, Lil Gators, Gator Tots

Email: carolamarque16@gmail.com

Coach Caro swam at Eastern Illinois University and recently graduated from St. Ambrose University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Coach Caro has been teaching swim lessons and coaching for over 15 years.

Jake Simpson

Groups Coached: Gator Bits, Lil Gators

Email: jakesimpson05@yahoo.com

Coach Jake is excited to be with the Gaston Gators coaching staff! He grew up swimming for the Gators and continued swimming at Lenoir-Rhyne University. He coached the Stanley Sharks Swim team the past four years. He is excited to be back where his swimming journey started and to coach the next generation of Gators!

Kelly Tabor

Coach

Groups Coached: Masters / Lead ALTS Instructor

Email: kellytabor@gmail.com

Joined the Gators Masters in 2014 in preperation for Spring Triathlon. Though not from a Competitive Swimming background, Coach Kelly now swims regularly and even competes in Masters Meets. A love of Swimming and the Gators led to her becoming a Level 3 certified USMS Coach and an Adult Learn to Swim Instructor (ALTS). Coach Kelly encourages all to develop their love of the water, and reminds everyone that it's never to late to learn how to swim! Reach out at her email below if you are interested in ALTS.