Coaches Corner

Dave Holmes, Head Coach – Returning as Head Coach, begins his 28th year of coaching. Years include: SSLRC Coach (1980-1985), Clarion University, Student Coach (1986-87), Assistant Coach, Tappan Zee HS Boys Swim/Dive (1987-92)-TZ Girls Swim/Dive (87-88), Assistant Coach, NRHS Boys Swimming and Diving (1992-99), Head Coach, NRHS Boys Swimming and Diving (2000-present), Head Coach, Team Rockland Swimming (NRAC -1992-97, TRS - 2003-present). He swam for Tappan Zee High School ('82) and Clarion University ('86) holding team and national records and achieving both HS and College All State and All American status. He currently competes for Team Rockland/Metro Masters and represented Team Rockland/USA at the 2004 World Masters Championships in Riccione, Italy. He emphasizes advanced land and water training and race strategies as well as the importance of maintaining good stroke technique.

Jennnifer Cancro, Assist., Senior Coach - Jen begins her 7th year as Senior Coach. As an alumni of Team Rockland (NRAC), Jennifer comes back to share what she’s learned as an athlete over the past 14 years. Throughout the past 8 years, Jennifer has realized many successes. As a student/athlete at Immaculate Heart Academy, Jennifer claimed 2 New Jersey state swimming titles and was named a YMCA All-American her senior year. While at Bucknell University, Jennifer competed as a distance athlete. She currently holds the MAAC record in the Women’s 1000 free and is a member of the BU record holding 800 free relay. Jennifer helped lead Bucknell University to 2 Patriot League Championships in 2003 and 2004 and received All Patriot League 1st team honors. Her focus is on the perfection of stroke technique as well as emphasizing the importance of quality training.

Nydia Kehnle, Assist., Age Group 1 Coach – Nydia also comes to us as a member of the North Rockland and Team Rockland (NRAC) alumni. As a Senior Co-Captain at NR, she received All County honors (2000’) and was a member of the NR Girls Rockland County Championship Team from 1996 – 2000. Nydia has exceptional skills with developing the talents of our young aspiring swimmers. She emphasizes basic training skills and the importance of proper stroke technique.

Josh Melendez, Assist., Age Group 2, Development Coach – Josh comes to Team Rockland as a graduate of North Rockland High School and Boys High School Varsity Swim Team. As a member of both NRHS and TRS he competed as a sprinter and breaststroker for 7 years. In the 2002-2003 high school season Josh was the recipient of the Most Improved Swimmer award and was considered a valuable asset to the team. He has been a coach for our Splash & Swim program for 5 years and now makes a valuable addition to the TRS coaching staff. Josh will be teaching and reinforcing proper stroke technique and training to our young swimmers.

Laura Holmes - Assist., Age Group 1 Coach –