Coaches Philosophy
FBST believes that swimming is a life long activity that should be fun and challenging.
Maintaining a swimming team of approximately 100 full-time swimmers allows us to develop a personal program filled with individualized instruction.
In our program everyone participates and has the opportunity to achieve their swimming goals.
Through our program swimmers learn perseverance, dedication and committment.
These skills carry over to other personal achievements outside the pool, including academics.
FBST's philosophy enables all team members to be winners.
I like what I do; not many can say this. I have an important position -- to provide a skill that is essential to the safety of all. This, coupled with the growing process and empowerment of the sport, keeps me going strong! |
Mark Murray, Head CoachCoach Murray has been involved in winning swimming programs his entire life. He began his swimming career at Mansion House Club (NVSL) (Alexandria, VA). Murray took to the water right away and established himself as one of the fastest swimmers in the NVSL claiming several league records. “My introduction to swimming came at Mansion House Club. It was a great time of my life and I remember it like it was yesterday. I had a lot of friends at the pool and being a part of a competitive swim team was what I lived for. We used to have some great swim meets against Stratford Recreation Association, it was so much fun. The entire Mt. Vernon area was real strong in swimming at that time. I want to continue to provide that result through FBST.” Coach Murray also swam for the famed Starlit Swim Club and then moved on to a small club called Northern Virginia Fun and Fitness (NVFF). It was at NVFF where thoughts of becoming a swimming coach occurred. “My mentor was John Flanagan; he was just what I needed in terms of a coach at that time in my life. John motivated me to swim fast, structure my time, and helped me get into college. As a result I went on to receive a bachelors and masters degree. John’s impact on my life made me realized how special a coach can be to an athlete. It was not long after finishing school I realized that coaching was a fulfilling way to life. My ultimate goal is to have that kind of impact on each swimmer in our program.” Upon graduating from Mount Vernon High School, Coach Murray enjoyed a successful swimming campaign and serving as team captain at Virginia Commonwealth University (Richmond, VA). Coach Murray brings over 20 years of swimming experience to FBST. He has had the pleasure of coaching athletes of all levels. From novice level to Olympic swimmers, Coach Murray welcomes the opportunity to assist you in achieving your individual goals with swimming! |
I love working with kids and I hope to use my passion for swimming to encourage them to pursue their dreams. I look forward to this opportunity. |
Matt Brado, Head Assistant CoachCoach Matt Brado is a native of Springfield, Virginia. He is the son of a retired Naval Commander and is excited to be affiliated with us at FBST. Coach Matt swam at Curl-Burke Swim Club and on The United States National Team earning a Silver Medal in 2001 at The World University Games in Beijing, China. He was a part of Curl-Burke's National Champions Team in 1999, 2000, and 2001. In High School, he swam for Robert E. Lee and was a state champion in the 100m Freestyle as well as holding numerous school and state records. He attended the University of Georgia and was an All-American there, as well as holding numerous school records in the 100m and 200m Freestyles and various relays. He received a degree from Georgia (B.A. Sociology) and has elected to pursue a full-time career as a swim coach. |
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Swimming has taught me how to have fun as well as an unyielding pursuit of self-improvement. I believe these two principals are the back bone to success. Everyday, I look forward to coaching and the opportunity it affords me to help others improve and achieve their goals. |
Sam Burgi, Head Assistant CoachCoach Sam, born and raised in San Diego, CA, started swimming his sophomore year in High School where he helped his team win the league championships, becoming a six time varsity league champion and setting school records in the 50 and 100 free. And was San Diego CIF Champion 1995 in 50 free, 100 free. He was voted Athlete of The Month by the Daily Californian Newspaper. While in college, he was a National Qualifier, named All American twice and voted Team MVP in 1997 at Grossmont College. Sam was also one of 8 All Americans who helped the team to a Fourth Place Finish at National Championships 1998 while at Salem-Teikyo University. Coach Sam began coaching in 2000 as a part-time volunteer for his high school, Helix High School. He soon realized he loved to coach as much as he loved to swim. From that time forward Coach Sam has been pursuing his coaching career. He has successfully coached swimmers at the collegiate, high school, and age group club levels resulting in coaching experience from novice, Junior Olympic qualifiers and collegiate All Americans. Sam Graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S. in Kinesiology with a Physical Education Emphasis. |
Coaching allows me to reflect my passion for swimming with others to motivate their future success. |
Meghan TracyCoach Meghan Tracy grew up in the Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL) swimming for Riverside Gardens then Little Rocky Run (LRR). She loves working with kids and began coaching for LRR her junior year of high school, then in college coached for Stratford Recreation Association. Along with NVSL, she swam for Curl-Burke Swim Club and later at James Madison University where she received her B.A. degree, double major in Communication and English. She recently began her career at Octagon Sports Marketing exploring the business side of her passion. She enjoys playing sharks and minnows and the feeling after a great practice. |
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Kathleen WinstonCoach Kathleen has been a resident of the Northern Virginia area for 25 years. She began her swim career with FBST as a young 7 year old. She swam for the team through her high school years at Hayfield Secondary School. She started coaching for FBST in 1994. In addition to her duties of coaching Shark School at Lee District Rec Center, Coach Kay works for Fairfax County Public Schools and is also an assistant coach with the Thomas Jefferson School for Science and Technology. She has coached for several teams in the Northern Virginia Swim League, including Mansion House,Hayfield, and Lincolnia Park. When not on the pool deck, she likes to travel and spend time in the warmer places in the world. |
