Philosophy

The BCY swim team has a very strong philosophy. The YMCA actively supports a comprehensive swimming program as a vehicle for instilling values, ideas and behavior that are consistent with YMCA goals. YMCA sports are an avenue for youth to pursue physical activity while learning important life skills. Teaching the fundamental swimming skills, encouraging lifetime involvement in physical activity, strengthening the values of fitness, health and self-respect for others are central themes in the YMCA sports philosophy.

Coaching Staff

Ray Lease - Head Coach

sample imageRay Lease became head coach in 1991. His formal association with the team began in 1988. Ray and his wife Annette have four children, two of which are graduates of the BCY swim program. Under Ray’s direction, the competitive swim team has grown to more than 100 members. Ray is responsible for the overall coordination of the competitive swim team and the coaching.

Congratulations to Coach Ray Lease, Sr. for being the recipient of this year's Floann Powell Dedicated Service Award. This award is granted each year to a staff member whose long-standing dedication to the YMCA mission and outstanding personal qualities of loyalty, integrity and excellence, have made a significant and lasting impact on the organization. This award is Association wide, not one per branch, which makes it even more special! Just like Ray! Please congratulation Ray for this most deserved award.

 
Jenne Schroeder - Assistant Coach

sample imageJenne has been a part of the BCY swim team since 2004. She and her husband Christian have 6 kids. She swan competitively until graduating high school in Maine. She is the Aquatics Coordinator here at the Brandywine YMCA, a nationally certified Fitness Instructor for Water and Fitness and holds many certifications.

 

 


 
Tristen Bowen - Assistant Coach

sample imageTristen is a graduate of BCY swimming where she swam since age 9. She also swam for four years at Coatesville Sr High and then four years at York College of Pennsylvania where she dual majored in Elementary Education and Special Education. She is married to Nick Bowen and is a Special Education teacher in the Oxford Area School District.





Fred Kenworthy - Assistant Coach

sample imageFred became involved with the BCY swim team as assistant coach in 1994. He and his wife Patti have three children. Fred swam competitively at many different levels. Fred has also served as the Head Coach of the Wagontown Summer Swim Club since 1995.


 
Ray Lease Jr - Assistant Coach (picture coming soon)

Ray is a graduate of the BCY swim program where he swam from age eight until graduation. He also swam competitively through high school and played football all through high school. He was assistant swim coach for Coatesville High School from 1998 through 2000, then assistant coach at Bishop Shanahan from 2000 through 2001. Ray has been an assistant swim coach with the BCY team since 1999. He graduated from West Chester University and teaches at a middle school in Reading.

 
Karen Cichewicz - ASSISTANT Coach

Karen Cichewicz swam for high school, and for Bloomsburg University. Coached a summer league thru college, Assistant Coach for BCY from 1993-2006, coming back with the team in 2012. Mother of four, 3 are former BCY swimmers. Teaches group exercise, and ENCORE here at the Brandywine Y

 

 

 

MOrgan Callaway - SUBSTITUTE Coach

sample imageMorgan Callaway is a Brandywine Coatesville YMCA Swim Team program graduate. Swimming under the guidance of Coach Ray and Coach Fred for thirteen years she had instilled great work ethics that carried on to the high school level as well as the college level. Graduating this past May with her undergraduate degree in Child Development and Family Studies she is now coaching year round. While studying for her masters in special education she also works as an instructional aid for the Chester County Intermediate Unit.