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Our  Story

We are a local, family-owned and operated business with decades of experience teaching and coaching successful swimmers.

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Hello there, we're Darryl and Jen Waldon, and we're genuinely excited to get to know you! Our journey to launching our aquatics program is rooted in Darryl's enduring love for swimming and Jen's commitment to creating a space to learn and grow. With four fantastic kids, each having dipped their toes into competitive swimming at different stages, our family shares a profound connection to the water. Fueled by this passion, we're dedicated to delivering a program that nurtures strong and confident swimmers, instilling the same love for the water we hold close. We're eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dive in with you!

Our Team

We employ individuals with the success of your swimmer in mind. Instructors are dedicated to ensuring the safe and enjoyable aquatic experience our participants and their families expect and deserve.

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Darryl Waldon

Founder, Co-Owner & Program/Team Director

I’ve always loved the water and have been teaching or coaching swimming since I was 15! My competitive swimming career took me to Towson University where I was a 4-time letter winner, record holder, and team captain for the Tigers D1 swim team. After college, I continued to help coach the team for several years, and have since held many coaching roles for swimmers of all ages and levels of expertise. I’ve always been a teacher at heart and take great pride in helping others achieve their goals, whether in the pool, on the baseball field, or in their professional careers. I love leading this team and believe anyone can learn to swim!​

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Josh Waldon

Head Coach/Swim Instructor/Competitive Skills Specialist

Hey everyone! My name is Josh. I’m a 2024 Cleveland High School graduate and finished out my competitive swimming career of over 13 years holding the Men’s 100 Breaststroke school record!

 

In addition to teaching lessons, I coach our competitive stroke clinics and am the Head Coach of the SRAC TigerSharks swim team. I look forward to helping each swimmer I teach/coach grow in their love for the water and become the best swimmer they can be!​

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Caroline Marslender

Assistant Coach/Swim Instructor/On-Deck Manager

Hey, my name is Caroline. I am a competitive swimmer at Cleveland High School, in my Junior year. I love being around water, and I am excited to make connections and have lots of fun with all my students! 

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Not only will I be teaching your little ones to swim, but I will also be working with the summer swim team this year! Go Sharks!​​

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Liz Reed

Assistant Coach/Swim Instructor

Hi everyone! My name is Liz Reed and I am a Junior at Cleveland High School. I have been swimming competitively for 8 years, currently swimming for the Marlins of Raleigh. My main events/strokes are the 100 and 200 butterfly and the 100 and 200 backstroke. I like coaching because it gives me the opportunity to pass along my love for swimming and to help others reach their swim goals. I can't wait for this upcoming summer season!

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Jen Waldon

Co-Owner, Director of Operations, Team Director

Hey there, I'm Jen! While swimming isn't my background, I've been by Darryl's side for nearly three decades, nurturing his love for the sport. Whether it was watching him compete, coach swimmers of all levels, or sitting by his side cheering on our four kids in their swimming endeavors, my enthusiasm for swimming has blossomed. My expertise lies in business operations, organization, marketing, and design. While the team is in the water, I ensure the smooth functioning of our business. Occasionally, you'll find me in the pool with your little ones, a delightful experience where I can utilize valuable insights from over the years!

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Kylee Dunderman

Swim Instructor/On-Deck Manager

Hi! My name is Kylee and I'm a Senior at Cleveland High School. I love teaching swim lessons and making learning to swim a fun experience for kids! I'm always interested in doing things that involve kids, and helping them learn to be safe in the water is important to me.  I've not personally swum competitively but have been around the sport, supporting a few in my life that have devoted their time to swimming. I've learned so much, l love being around the water and can't wait to get swimming with your little ones!

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Anya Muminovic

Assistant Coach/Swim Instructor

Hi! My name is Anya and I am a Junior at Smithfield-Selma High School. I am a competitive swimmer for the Marlins of Raleigh and I was State Champion for SSS last year in the 100 yard breaststroke! I love teaching and coaching swimming and I am so excited for this season!

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Sara Shaw

Swim Instructor

Hello! My name is Sara Shaw, and I’m a junior at Cleveland High School. While I’m not a competitive swimmer myself, I’ve spent a lot of time working with and being around kids. I’m excited to teach swimming lessons because I believe it's important to create a safe and enjoyable environment for children near water. Helping kids learn to swim and making the experience fun is something I’m really excited to be a part of. I also love the opportunity to get to know new kids along the way!

Join Our Team

Join Our Team

why

TigerShark Aquatics? 

Equal opportunity employer

Competitive pay with bonus opportunities

Flexible scheduling

You are family. Your growth and development matter to us!

Mentoring and training to build your skills and confidence

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