Team mission: To develop individuals to their highest potential as athletes and leaders in life.
Team mission: To develop individuals to their highest potential as athletes and leaders in life.
Office: 815-726-3939 x412
Cell: 815-603-1114
Fax: 815-726-3968
E-mail: dhedden@jolietymca.org
I have been with the JETS since the summer of 1993, when I started competitive swimming at 11 years old. I grew up in Manhattan and learned to swim at the Briggs Street YMCA, now the Smith Family YMCA. In my last season before heading to college in 1999, I began coaching and have been doing it ever since. I attended Lewis University, where I also became the Undergraduate Assistant Coach for 2 seasons. I graduated in 2004 with a Major in Mathematics and Minor in Secondary Education. I decided not to become a teacher because my passion wasn't in it. Instead, I assumed the role of Interim Head Coach of the JETS through the 2005-2006 season and took on the permanent role of Head Coach in 2006. I am a Life-Plus member of the American Swimming Coaches Association, Level 2 certified and Level 5 educated. I also coach the Joliet Y Masters Swim Team. I have served as a Group Representative for the National YMCA Swimming and Diving Committee since 2007, where I provide information and other support to YMCA coaches in Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Kansas.
E-mail: JetsCoach2@aol.com
Dan began coaching with the JETS in the fall of 1997. His two daughters, Laura and Sarah, both swam with the team for many years. Dan's creative, fun-loving coaching style has made him a beloved coach with swimmers and parents alike, and his devotion to the team and the YMCA mission has made a big impact. Dan is an annual member of the American Swimming Coaches Association, Level 2 certified. He primarily coaches the Stunt Pilot 1 and Mach 1 groups.
E-mail: chzsml@hotmail.com
I have been with the team since Thanksgiving of 2007. I love the energy children give off and believe greatly in their dreams. I learned to swim competitively when I was in 6th grade from a summer park district team. My love for swimming grew there. I swam with my high school team where I further developed my skills. I am currently in the Applied Behavioral Sciences program at National-Louis University, pursing a degree in Special Education.
E-mail: swimmerfromaz2000@yahoo.com
Sally is a former JETS swimmer who swam with the team for six years, from age 12 to 17. Sally was always a very caring teammate, and she continues to be a great asset to the team now as a coach. She is a graduate of Providence High School and currently attends University of St Francis, where she is studying Social Work. You can always find Sally around the YMCA, where she helps as a lifeguard, swim instructor and swim coach. Sally has helped coach with the team since 2007. She primarily works with our Flight School, Zeppelin and Glider groups.
E-mail: cmenzenberger@carthage.edu
Christine is a former JETS swimmer who swam with the team for four years, from age 13 to 16. She is a graduate of Lincoln-Way East High School and currently attends Carthage College, where she is studying to be a high school English teacher. She is also on the swim team and water polo team at Carthage. Christine has helped coach with the team since 2008 when she is in town during the holidays and summer months. She coaches our water polo clinic in June and runs the dryland clinic during the summer as well.
E-mail: scempel@nmu.edu
Sarah is a former JETS swimmer, participating with the team for 10 years, from age 8-18. She is the current JETS record holder in the 17-18 girls 1,000 yard freestyle and was also a member of the JETS National Team for four years. Sarah will soon graduate Northern Michigan University with the intentions of teaching high school math. At NMU, Sarah swam under Coach Bob Laughna, Head Coach of the 2009 US Deaf Olympic Team, where she was MVP her junior year and team captain her senior year. She also was a member of the GLIAC Conference All-Academic Team and female student athlete of the month.
