Our staff
Our staff is dedicated to providing a positive, supportive, and challenging environment for every swimmer.
Our Coaching Philosophy
At B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, our coaching philosophy is centered on providing a positive, supportive, and challenging environment for every swimmer. We believe in fostering a love for the sport while developing each swimmer's full potential. Our certified and experienced coaches are dedicated to:
- Providing quality instruction in proper stroke technique and training methods.
- Encouraging a strong work ethic and a commitment to personal improvement.
- Promoting teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
- Creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where swimmer’s develop a lifelong love of the sport.
Our Coaches and Staff
Craig Charlson
Director
Originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Craig has built a 25-year career in aquatics focused on helping swimmers and coaches reach their full potential both in and out of the pool.
Craig notably served as Director of Aquatics at Asphalt Green in New York City, one of the nation’s premier aquatic programs. There, he expanded both free and paid programming, enhanced facilities, and supported swimmers ranging from first-time participants to Olympic-bound athletes in the Gold Medal program. He also directed Big Swim, the organization’s largest annual event, which brings together thousands of families and raises $1 million annually to support community programming.
Prior to that, Craig was Director and Head Coach of BearCat Swim Club in Salem, Oregon, where he coached numerous high-level athletes, including a National Champion and multiple Olympic Trials qualifiers.
Craig is an ASCA Level 5 coach and has served on USA Swimming Zone and Select Camp coaching staffs, recognizing his leadership in developing competitive swimmers.
He emphasizes teamwork, accountability, and long-term athlete development, and believes swimming builds character, discipline, and confidence in every athlete.
Craig serves as the lead B-Team & Navy Team Division coach and is excited to continue making a positive impact on the Bakersfield community.
Jay Schmidt
Aquatics Program Coordinator
Jay brings over 25 years of coaching experience to B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, with a background leading high school and club programs across Texas and Colorado, as well as internationally in Dubai and the Cayman Islands.
In addition to his coaching career, Jay has over a decade of experience as an educator and holds a Master’s Degree in Education. His background in teaching is reflected in his approach on deck, where he focuses on developing confident, well-rounded athletes while building a positive and connected team culture.
Jay also serves as a Gold Coach in the American Swimming Coaches Association Mentor Program, helping guide and develop other coaches in the profession.
At Brazadas, Jay plays an important role across the entire program. He serves as the lead White Team Division coach and Rec Team Head Coach, while also supporting the growth of the swim school, lesson programs, and Masters.
Jay is passionate about creating a high-energy environment where athletes can grow both in and out of the water, and he is excited to be part of the Brazadas community.
Rachel Gardner
Assistant Swim Team Coach
Rachel is a student-athlete at CSU Bakersfield, where she is pursuing a degree in Psychology and competes as a Division I swimmer for the Roadrunners. Her background as a collegiate athlete has strengthened her leadership, discipline, and communication skills, which she brings to her role on the pool deck.
She has coached with Milpitas Aquatic Club and Aquazot Swim Club, and began her coaching career at De Anza Cupertino Aquatics as a swim instructor. Rachel has experience teaching and mentoring athletes from early swim lessons through competitive training, and she is excited to bring her passion for swimming to the team.
Daran Towns
Assistant Swim Team Coach
Daran brings over a decade of swimming experience and a deep passion for teaching and coaching to B-Town Brazadas Swim Club. A graduate of Centennial High School and Bakersfield College, Daran holds records at both schools, including three at BC. With 12 years of competitive swimming under her belt, she has developed a strong technical foundation and a love for the sport that she now passes on to the next generation.
Daran has taught swimmers of all ages and has led programs as Head Coach of the Bakersfield Water Polo Club and Bakersfield Christian High School for the past two years. In 2023, she was honored with the Paul Walker Foundation Award and Scholarship for her dedication to aquatics and youth development.
Questions? Email swim@brazadas.org or call (661) 456-8401 Monday through Thursday, 1pm-5pm.
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