coaches
Our coaches work with our swimmers throughout the summer. Many of our coaches offer lessons during the summer and some also coach in other leagues in the area.
If you need to contact the coaches, email them at msmantarayswimteam@gmail.com.
Our coaches work with our swimmers throughout the summer. Many of our coaches offer lessons during the summer and some also coach in other leagues in the area.
If you need to contact the coaches, email them at msmantarayswimteam@gmail.com.
Daniel Maia
Head Coach
Introducing Daniel Maia as our Head Coach for the 2026 summer swim season!
Daniel is an international swimmer from Brazil with a strong background in competitive swimming and athlete development. He will graduate from Midway University in May 2026 with a double degree in Business Administration and Coaching in Sports and Leadership.
Daniel competed at a high level in Brazil, earning multiple awards and maintaining a Top 5 national ranking for five consecutive years. A well-rounded mid-distance swimmer, his strongest events are breaststroke and individual medley. He has spent the past four years competing at the collegiate level with Midway University, serving as captain of the men’s team for the last two seasons.
His coaching experience includes assisting coaches in Brazil across multiple age groups and teaching swim lessons at Aqua-Tots, where he works extensively with younger swimmers, focusing on skill development and confidence in the water. Daniel’s coaching philosophy centers on respect, accountability, and enjoyment of the sport, believing that when athletes have fun and take responsibility for their growth, long-term success follows.
We are excited to have Daniel lead our Manta Rays this season!
Rebecca Carlson
Assistant Coach
Rebecca has been swimming for over 10 years. She love reading, crocheting, trying new teas, being outside, roller coasters, swimming, friends and family. She is finishing up her freshman year swimming for the University of Mary in North Dakota. She is very excited to come back home to Kentucky and help coach the Manta Rays this summer!
Sarah Wethington
Assistant Coach
Sarah Wethington is a rising sophomore at The Citadel, where she is majoring in Nursing and serves as an assistant coach for the Masterson Station Manta Rays. She is deeply dedicated to the team, having swam for the Manta Rays for 14 seasons. Sarah also competed for Lexington Catholic High School and NLY, gaining strong experience in both training and competition.
In addition to coaching, Sarah is a member of the Army ROTC program at The Citadel and plans to commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army as a nurse. She is passionate about helping young swimmers grow in skill and confidence while fostering a positive team environment.
Go Manta Rays!