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Head coach: LaJoya Smith
Head coach: LaJoya Smith
LaJoya is a native from Ohio (Go Buckeyes)! She attended Taylor University.
Swimming and competing have always been a focal point in her life. She started swimming at the age of 6 months and became a member of the local swim team at age 9. At age 14, she joined the Warren Striders Track Club and competed in the Junior Olympics in Miami, FL. LaJoya started the first swim team for Pymatunning Valley High School. While attending Taylor University, she was part of the track & field team and helped lead her relay team to nationals and an All-American title. Upon graduating from college, she submerged herself into the aquatic industry. That ranged from swim instructor to head of aquatic departments.
With 15+ years of experiences in the aquatic world, she provides private lessons as well as adaptive lessons to clients of all ages. She found her passion in helping others achieve their own goals in fitness and health. Working on continuing her career in the fitness and health industry, LaJoya believes it is a lifestyle that is beneficial to living your best life. Her own journey moved her to North Carolina as she continues her passion in providing private lessons. While also pursuing her professional swimming career, she has set a National Record Title, partnered with and served as an ambassador for multiple swimming brands, and is creating a community that inspires and encourages others to follow their goals and dreams. She loves being an athlete, pushing the limits of what her mind and body can achieve, and never taking “no” for an answer. Throughout her career of swimming and track & field, she believes that “I can’t" isn’t a word. You can do whatever you want, just as long as you’re willing to do the work!
Assistant Coach: Aidan Zakaria
Assistant Coach: Aidan Zakaria
Aidan has lived in Cary, North Carolina since he was a year old. He is currently attending Campbell University and was part of the first graduating class from Millspark Elementary and Middle school.
For Aidan, swimming has acted as a major cornerstone his entire life. Inspired by his parents to start swimming, he joined the Weldon Ridge Swim team at the age of 4 and has fallen in love with the sport ever since. Aidan swam for the North Carolina Aquatic Center for 5 years starting at the age of 10 and has been on the varsity swim team for Panther Creek Highschool until he graduated in 2020. Throughout his time as a high school student, he participated as a volunteer for the Weldon Ridge swim team as well as giving private lessons. Under the YMCA, Aidan was part of the Young Leadership Program and a counselor for children in after school programs.
With the years of experience that he has as a swimmer Aidan is looking forward to being able to help others excel in the sport of swimming and showing them just how fun it can be to be a part of a team. As a long-term member of the Weldon Ridge community and swim team, he is so excited to meet everyone and to have a great season! Go Barracudas!
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