Our Site Coaches

Isidro Planell

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

Isidro Planell (Coach Issy) was born in Miami and currently resides in Cutler Bay. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Sport and Fitness Studies with a concentration in Physical Education from Florida International University. Before beginning his coaching career, Coach Issy was also a swimmer in the AquaKids Sharks program.

Coach Issy currently serves as the Program Director of AquaKids Swim School and Head Site Coach of the AquaKids Sharks site of South Florida Aquatic Club, a role he began in 2024. His coaching journey with AquaKids Sharks began in 2014, and over the years he has worked with athletes at every level of the program. In addition to his work with AquaKids, he served as a volunteer assistant coach for the NCAA Division I FIU Women’s Swimming and Diving team for two seasons from 2018 to 2020.

His career highlights include being part of FIU’s Conference USA Championship teams in 2019 and 2020, serving as a coach at Longhorn Swim Camp at the University of Texas, and being selected as an All-Star Coach for Florida Gold Coast from 2020 to 2023. Throughout his coaching career, he has also helped develop several high school state finalists.



Konstantin Callihan

Lead Age Group Coach, Blue Sharks, Hammerhead Sharks Coach

• Joined the AquaKids program as a Coach in the Fall of 2025
• Swam NCAA Division II at the University of Colorado Mesa.
• Certified USA Swimming Coach.
• ASCA Level 1 & 2 certified.
  

Melanie Cartas

Team Coach, Bull Sharks Coach

Lauren Swicegood

CE Coach, Sand Sharks, Angel Sharks Coach

• has been coaching at AquaKids since the Fall of 2023
• Currently, the head coach of the Westminster Christian School Middle School Swim Team.
• ASCA Level 1 & 2 Certified.

Isabella Bartoli

CE Coach, Sand Sharks Coach

• joined the AquaKids Coaching Staff in the Spring of 2026
• heavily involved in our Summer Camp program for over 3 years.

Enrique Cartas

CE Coach, Leopard Sharks

• Enrique has been coaching at AquaKids since may 2025.
• currently a student at Florida International University pursuing a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
  

Katerina Berman

CE Coach, Leopard Sharks Coach

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 over 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.

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.