Our Site Coaches

Lou Manganiello

Founder

  • Founded AquaKids Inc. Swim School, Swim Team and Summer Swim Camp
  • Former University of South Florida women's assistant coach (1982-87). Forty years coaching experience at every level of swimming
  • Coached Olympic Trial qualifiers in 2012, 2016 and 2021
  • Several high school state finalists and champions
  • Coached USF's 1985 NCAA Division II women's champion team
  • Inducted into the University of South Florida Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009
  • Coached AquaKids Sharks program to USA Swimming Silver Medal club status.

Isidro Planell

AquaKids Swim School Program Director, SOFLO-AKS Head Coach, Great White Sharks, Mako Sharks

  • Graduated from Florida International University in 2018 B.S. Sport & Fitness Studies, Physical Education
  • currently Program Director of AquaKids Sharks site, coaching the Great White Sharks & Mako Sharks groups
  • Over 10 years age group coach experience with AquaKids Sharks at all Levels
  • Miami Westminster Christian School Head Coach since 2023
  • former assistant coach for NCAA Division I FIU women's swimming and diving team (Conference USA Champions 2019 & 2020)
  • Former Coach at the University of Texas Longhorn Swim camp (2018)
  • Head Coach for Florida's All Star Age Group Showcase Championship (2023). 

Konstantin Callihan

Lead Age Group Coach, Blue Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks Coach

  • Swam NCAA Division II at the University of Colorado Mesa
  • ASCA Level 1 & 2 certified

Melanie Cartas

Bull Sharks Coach

  • Currently a student at Florida International University pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Biology
  • Has been coaching at AquaKids since January 2024

Lauren Swicegood

CE Coach, Sand Sharks Coach

  • ASCA Level 1 & 2

Enrique Cartas

CE Coach, Leopard Sharks

My name is Kevin Planell and I am currently a senior at Florida International University studying Sport Management. I am 21 years old and have been working with AquaKids since 2015. Participating in sports is one of my favorite pass times whether it be watching, playing, or even coaching. I am very passionate about working with kids, and absolutely love working at AquaKids!

Adrienne Brown

Dryland Coach

  • University of South Carolina, 2004, PhD in Exercise Physiology.
  • University of Georgia, 1999, MA in Exercise Physiology.
  • Emory University, 1996, BA in Sociology. Kinesiology Instructor at University of Miami.
  • 10-plus years developing fitness programs.
  • ACSM-CPT.
  • AquaKids Sharks/SOFLO dryland coach for two years.

Shirley Oliver

Office Manager/Coach, Angel/Leopard Sharks

Coach Shirley joined the Aquakids family Spring 2009 as a swim school instructor for our learn to swim and continuing education (CE) classes. In addition to substitute coaching she currently handles our swim testing, class placement and scheduling as well as other administrative responsibilities.