Idlewild Swim Team

My name is Sam Sowers, and I am the Head Coach for the Idlewild Swim Team. I’m a Division I swimmer at Marshall University, and after ten years of competitive swimming, I’m excited to share my passion for the sport with our athletes. This will be my fourth year with Idlewild, after serving three years as an assistant coach. I can’t wait to be back on deck working with our swimmers, families, and board.

My coaching philosophy is all about helping kids discover the same joy, confidence, and excitement for swimming that began for me on a summer league team. As a current member of Marshall University’s reinstated Swimming & Diving program, I’ve competed at the Division I level while overcoming challenges such as knee surgery, and have developed a strong foundation in technique, discipline, and athlete mentorship.

I’ll be based in Fredericksburg, Virginia for the summer, and I love being outdoors, staying active, and creating a fun, upbeat team environment where every swimmer feels welcome and excited to jump in the pool.

Hello! My name is Claire and I’m looking forward to joining the Tidal Waves this year as an assistant coach! I have been a year-round competitive swimmer for 7 years and I am a team captain for my high school swim team! I love being a part of a team and having a good time, looking forward to meeting everyone and having a great summer!!

Hi, my name is Lily Bretzinger. My family has been a part of the swim team since the first season, so I have a lot of memories growing up swimming and hanging out with friends. This is my first season as an Assistant Coach after previously being a Junior Coach, I’m excited to take on a bigger role and keep working with all the kids.

Hi! I’m Coach Mia, and I was once just like your little ones when the Tidal Waves first started. I’ve been a Tidal Wave for eight seasons and a coach for three, serving as both a volunteer coach and junior coach, and I’m excited to be your assistant coach this season. I’m a rising junior and swim on my high school varsity team. Outside of the pool, I enjoy traveling, babysitting, volunteering, and serving as my varsity field hockey team captain. I’m also a member of the National Honor Society. I am SafeSitter and CPR certified and have taught swim lessons for the past three summers to neighborhood children ages 3–13. I’m looking forward to a great season and can’t wait to meet everyone!

Hi, I am Addy! I am 15 years old and have lived in Idlewild my whole life, so the swim team has always been a big part of my summers. This is my second season as a Junior Coach, and I’m really excited to work with the kids again and have a lot of fun. I go to JM, where I play field hockey and tennis, and in my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family. 

I’m Carter and I've been swimming with the Idlewild Tidal Waves since the team was founded, starting at age six. In addition to summer swim, I’ve competed year-round with RAYS and most recently with Tsunami. Outside of swimming, I enjoy running and compete in Cross Country and Track at JM. I’m excited to coach this season and look forward to sharing my experience with younger swimmers while helping them improve and enjoy the sport.

I'm Scott and I am excited to serve as a Junior Coach this summer. I have been a member of the Tidal Waves since competing as a 6 & under swimmer during the team’s inaugural 2017 season. Prior to joining the Tsunami Swim Team in 2025, I swam for the Rays for several seasons, further developing my skills and passion for the sport.

In addition to swimming, I am a student-athlete at James Monroe High School, where I compete in Cross Country, Track, and Swim. Outside of athletics, I enjoy skiing and fishing in my free time. I look forward to contributing to the team and helping make this a successful and rewarding season for all swimmers.