Craig Charlson

Aquatics Director

Originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Craig has more than 25 years of experience helping swimmers, coaches, and aquatics programs reach their potential.

Craig notably served as Director of Aquatics at Asphalt Green in New York City, one of the nation’s premier aquatic programs. He oversaw programs serving more than 10,000 swimmers annually and provided leadership for AGUA, a nationally ranked swim team that consistently earned Gold and Silver Medal recognition through USA Swimming’s Club Excellence program. AGUA’s athlete-development pathway has produced national-level swimmers and a two-time Olympic medalist.

Craig began his coaching career in Minnesota, including serving as a volunteer coach at the University of Minnesota during two Big Ten championship seasons and top-10 national finishes. After several years coaching college, club, high-school, and Masters swimmers, he became Director and Head Coach of Bearcat Swim Club in Oregon. There, he had the opportunity to coach a world-ranked athlete who became a USA Swimming 18-and-under national champion, along with several U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers.

An ASCA Level 5 coach, Craig has served on USA Swimming Zone and Select Camp coaching staffs. He believes in teamwork, accountability, personal growth, and developing athletes for long-term success both in and out of the pool.

As Aquatics Director at Brazadas Swim Club, Craig oversees all programs and supports coaches and swimmers wherever needed. He is committed to expanding access to swimming, building a positive team culture, and creating strong opportunities for swimmers throughout the Bakersfield community.