Head Coach
Dave Kraft returns for his 14th season as our Head Coach. Dave is now an MCSL veteran. Prior to MCT, Dave swam for 11 years and coached for four more at Forest Knolls Swim Club in Silver Spring. He continues to enjoy the fun of the summer league experience after over 25 years around the pool, and is proud of what we have built here at MCT over these very successful seasons.
In addition to his MCSL experience, Dave is also the Head Age Group Coach at RMSC-Olney, where he has coached since 1996. He has coached the National Developmental Group (NDG) since 2000, in which time he has produced 10 Potomac Valley Swimming Outstanding Athlete Award winners, and numerous National, Sectional, and Zone qualifiers. His athletes have recorded 137 individual and 150 relay National rankings and 34 Potomac Valley Swimming records. Dave was named Potomac Valley Age Group Coach of the Year in 2005, and became the first two-time recipient of the Award in 2009. Proud of his role as a developmental coach, Dave’s NDG alumni have continued to excel, as 37 have gone on to compete at the college level in 7 graduating classes (including four alumni who also swam for MCT).
Dave also swam at Washington College. When he’s not around the pool, he teaches mathematics, including the dreaded AP Calculus BC, at Magruder High School. And when he’s not working, he spends time with his wife Kelly and daughters Amanda and Allison, who we’re sure to see plenty of this summer.
Assistant Coach
Andrew Clark returns for his 5th season on the coaching staff; this will be his first as the primary Assistant Coach. Andrew swam for MCT for 11 years, competing at the All-Star level, and collecting several records and awards, including the Hunky LaMotte Spirit Award in 2006. Andrew also has coached at RMSC-Olney for two years, and is currently studying Elementary Education at Montgomery College.
Junior Assistant Coaches
Junior Assistant Coaches are MCT or non-MCT individuals hired as needed to ensure that there is an adequate level of experienced coaching to augment the Head Coach and Assistant Coach. Applicants must be at least 15 years old and entering grades 10-12. They are paid a stipend for the swim season. Training is provided. The number of junior assistant coaches hired each year will vary depending on budget availability, and the overall profile of coaching requirements as assessed by the reps and coaches at the beginning of the season. Some coaching experience is required. Outstanding graduates of our CIT program or qualified candidates from other programs who have demonstrated exceptional maturity and ability to handle added responsibility will be considered.
Coaches In Training (CIT)
Students entering 8th grade (age 13 or older) are eligible to apply to be a CIT. CIT’s work with the 8 and Unders and Pre-team swimmers. CIT’s are unpaid but gain experience that develops teaching and leadership skills. Training is provided. CITs can earn Student Service Learning hours.
Communicating with the Coaches
The coaches are happy to address any concerns you may have about your swimmer or diver, but please, not during practice. Coaches request that parents and observers stay off the deck during practice, in order to allow the staff the opportunity to earn the swimmers’ undivided attention. To contact a coach for comments, concerns, or to schedule a private lesson, please leave a note in their mail folder, located under the Pavilion.