Head Coach - Taylor Cooper

Taylor Cooper is moving into his 13th year with the Sandsharks, having taken the team from 35 members to 80. He presently serves on The USA Swimming Open Water Committee, as well as serving as the Open Water Chair of NC Swimming.

Prior to the Sandsharks, he spent six years at the Sarasota YMCA where he coached 1996 Olympic silver medallist, Trippi Schwenk to an American record in the 200-meter Backstroke in 1996.  Cooper also has coached at nationally ranked programs such as the Cincinnati Pepsi Marlins and the Wilton YMCA Wahoos.

In his 30th year of coaching, he has helped the growth of aquatic in Moore County, helping the Sandsharks in starting the Moore County Swim League, Adaptive Swimming for swimmers with special needs, and Sandshark Swim School with a teacher apprentice program.

Cooper has been involved in North Carolina Swimming as a board member, serving as Open Water Swimming Chairman and Senior Swimming Chair. He has also been on the USA Swimming Open Water Committee. He lectured at the World Swim Coaches Clinic on the development of 10/under swimmers. He also ranked Top 20 internationally from 1980-1984.

Coach Cooper or “Coop” lives in Pinehurst with his wife Marcy and their three children Casey, Carly, Clay.

Head Age Group Coach  - Owen Herbert

Having started swimming with the Sandsharks in 1996, Owen Herbert became head age group coach in 2003. The abilities that brought him to the Senior Sectional level, in only his second year of swimming, have been applicable to his coaching.

In addition to his Club coaching, Owen is the O’Neal School Head Swimming Coach, winning a State Men’s title in 2003 and 2004.

In the short time he has been here, Owen has coached many to All-State recognition and numerous State Champions, coaching his first All-American in 2007.

During the day, Owen poses as a mild-mannered civil engineer for Hobbs and Upchurch in Southern Pines.

SWIM SCHOOL COORDINAtor & sHARKLET cOACH- Beth Field

Coaching with the Sandsharks since 2002, Beth Field is the Sandsharks biggest fan. Beth has provided a very solid foundation for the 8 and under program, and has developed into one of the top 8 & under coaches in North Carolina swimming. Beth is also serving, in her third year, as a first assistant to the O’Neal High School Team. This 2007 Beth took over as Sandshark Swim School coordinator.

Beth lives in Southern Pines with her husban Rodie and three children Kylie, Kendell and Carlos.

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