USA Swimming Certified Coaches
Meet Our Coaches
Dedicated coaches guiding swimmers with experience, passion, and a commitment to growth in and out of the pool.
At RCST, our coaching staff is dedicated to more than swimming fast. They inspire athletes to grow in skill, confidence, and character—values that last far beyond the pool. With decades of combined experience, our coaches deliver high-quality training in a safe and supportive environment.
Our Coaching Philosophy
Individual Attention – Every swimmer is seen and valued.
Skill Development – Technique comes first, creating a strong foundation for success.
Character Building – Confidence, resilience, and sportsmanship are built into every practice.
Family Partnership – Coaches work closely with parents to support swimmers in and out of the pool.
Coach Ashley Fahey
Co-Head Coach, Director of Performance and Black Group Lead
After earning a dual Master’s degree in Childhood Education and Special Education from Wagner College in 2009, Ashley Fahey played a key role in launching a new YMCA competitive swim program in Old Bridge, New Jersey. Her career in youth and community development has since included positions with the Westfield YMCA and Red Bank YMCA/Y of the Jersey Shore.
In addition to her work with the YMCA, Fahey has served as the Assistant Women’s Swim Coach/Aquatics Director from 2007-2009 and the Program Assistant for the men’s swim team at Wagner College, a Division I institution located in Staten Island, New York in 2020. She also served as the head coach at the Beacon Hill Country Club from 2021-2023.
A former competitive swimmer at Ithaca College, Coach Ashley remains passionate about the sport and continues to swim recreationally. In her free time, she enjoys reading, iced coffee, and spending quality time with her husband and their two daughters.
Coach Amanda Beaver
Co-Head Coach, Director of Development and Silver Group Lead
Amanda’s swimming journey began at age 8 with the Sharks Aquatic Club and continued through her years at Shelby High School, where she competed on the swim team. During high school, she also worked as a lifeguard, teaching swim lessons to children, and later returned to the pool deck as a coach for her brother’s Shelby High School team.
Swimming runs deep in Amanda’s family. As the oldest of three siblings—all competitive swimmers—she grew up in a household that lived at the pool. Today, the family tradition continues as her niece and nephew proudly swim with RCST. Her father was also a swimmer, making the sport a true family legacy.
Amanda later swam in the US Masters program, keeping her love for the sport alive beyond her youth career. Her favorite events are breaststroke and relays, where she enjoys both the technical challenge of the stroke and the teamwork that comes from racing alongside others.
Outside of coaching, Amanda attended Auburn University (War Eagle!) and now works as a fractional CMO and marketing consultant, bringing leadership, organization, and creativity into everything she does.
Amanda’s coaching philosophy is rooted in encouragement, resilience, and strong fundamentals. She strives to help each swimmer discover their potential, build confidence in the water, and carry the life lessons of the sport beyond the pool deck.
Coach Tara Mauney
Assistant Coach, Meet Admin and White Group Lead
Coach Tara brings experience as a USAS swimmer and a high school swimmer to our team. After graduating from college, she returned to Rutherford County, where she is employed by the Rutherford County School System. She assumed the duties of coach for East Rutherford High School’s swim team, a position she still holds. For several years, she served as the head coach for the Forest City Swim Team, a local recreational program that provided summer competitive swimming opportunities to the children of Rutherford County.
She brings to RCST her skill and knowledge of swimming, as well as a creative energy that encourages and prepares young and new swimmers for the sport of Competitive Swimming.
Coach Jenna Bridges
Associate Lead Coach, Black Group
Coming Soon
Coach sarah Merrison-McEntire
Assistant Coach
Coach Sarah originates from Pittsburgh, PA, where she began swimming competitively at the age of 9. She swam for the Seneca Valley Swimming Club, and her favorite strokes were Freestyle and Backstroke. Her best events were the 500-yard and the 1000-yard Freestyle. After high school, she attended the University of Pittsburgh and earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology. She then attended Sherman College of Chiropractic in Spartanburg, SC, where she earned her Doctor of Chiropractic degree. Currently, Dr. Sarah Merrison-McEntire has been the owner and CEO of Carolina Chiropractic Plus, serving Rutherford, Polk, and Burke Counties, since 2007. She takes pride in building strong patient relationships and educating her patients.
Coach Sarah began her coaching career with RCST in 2021 and enjoys working with beginner swimmers, helping them gain confidence, strength, and foundational skills. “My goal is to assist in teaching proper stroke mechanics, build stamina, and HAVE FUN”.
Coach Sarah is married and has two beautiful children who also swim for RCST. Coach Sarah is actively involved in the community, serving on the Forest City Kiwanis Club, the RRHS Board of Trustees, and the ICC Foundation Board. She is passionate about volunteering and helping the Rutherford County community.
Coach Paul "P" May
Assistant Coach, White Group
Coming Soon
The Coach "K" Legacy
Mike "Coach K" Kernoodle
For more than 40 years, Coach Mike “Coach K” Kernodle shaped the heart and soul of RCST. His leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication left a mark on every swimmer who trained under his guidance.
Coach K was known for his tireless commitment—arriving early, staying late, and making sure every practice and meet ran smoothly. With his legendary index cards full of workouts in hand, he adjusted lane lines himself, demonstrated push-ups on deck well into his 80s, and gave personal attention to every swimmer.
What made Coach K remarkable was the deep respect and love he inspired. He believed in the greatness of each athlete, pushing them to overcome excuses and rise to challenges with confidence and grit. He didn’t just train swimmers; he built character, instilled confidence, and fostered resilience that extended far beyond the pool.
Today, RCST carries forward his legacy. Every stroke, every practice, and every meet is a reflection of the lessons Coach K left us: give your best effort, support one another, and find joy in the pursuit of excellence. His spirit continues to guide our team, ensuring that his impact lives on in the swimmers and families of Rutherford County for generations to come.
A Whole-Family Approach
Our philosophy extends beyond the water. We aim to involve the entire family in the swim team experience, encouraging open dialogue about nutrition, exercise, academics, community involvement, and positive ways to support young swimmers. By working together, parents, coaches, and athletes create an environment where swimmers thrive.
Safe Sport Commitment
We are proud to be a Safe Sport Recognized Team, which means athlete protection, parent involvement, and coach accountability are at the center of everything we do. Families can trust that our athletes are training in a professional and secure environment.
Success Beyond the Pool
At RCST, winning or losing is not the measure of success. Instead, success is seen in the daily improvements our swimmers make—whether in technique, times, effort, or confidence. We celebrate swimmers who confront challenges, push beyond their comfort zones, and carry their confidence into every aspect of life.
