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

Aquatics Director

Originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Craig’s 25-year aquatics career has been dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, in and out of the pool. Notably, he served as the Director of Aquatics at New York City nonprofit, Asphalt Green. During his time there, Craig grew the organization’s impact expanding free and paid programming, and facilities while supporting a wide range of participants, from first time swimmers to Olympic-bound competitors. As Director of Aquatics, Craig oversaw Big Swim Big Kick, the organization’s largest annual event which brought together thousands of families for a free swim meet while raising $1M annually for the organization’s free and reduced price programs.


Prior to his time at Asphalt Green, Craig served as the CEO and Head Coach of BearCat Swim Club in Salem, OR. While there, he worked with many talented athletes, including a National Champion and several Olympic Trials qualifiers. 


As a leader in aquatics, Craig focuses on fostering teamwork while supporting athletes and staff to achieve their personal best. Craig is excited to guide the B-Town Brazadas Swim Club and make a positive impact on the community in Bakersfield.


Email: craig@brazadas.org

Jackson Buyers

Head Coach

Jackson's background in aquatics began in Loveland, CO, swimming for Fort Collins Area Swim Team (FAST) and coaching for both Special Olympics Colorado and SwimLabs, a swim school for kids and adults. Following his time as a swimmer at Grand Canyon University and California State University, Bakersfield, he began coaching in 2017. As Age Group Head Coach for Roadrunner Aquatics, he led the team to a second-place finish at the Central California Age Group Championships before founding Ace Aquatics in 2020. Ace Aquatics grew rapidly under Jackson's leadership, producing high-achieving athletes, securing top placements at age group championships, Sectional qualifiers, and athletes reaching Junior Nationals and Futures standards. He has also contributed to Bakersfield College's swimming program, coaching numerous State Qualifiers and School Record Holders.


At B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, Jackson’s emphasis is on humility, work ethic, and teamwork, creating a supportive environment for athletes to develop both as swimmers and individuals. His commitment to continuous improvement and his passion for developing young talent are core to his work in the Bakersfield community.


Email: jackson@brazadas.org

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.

Dawson Hoff

Assistant Swim Team Coach

Dawson is a standout local athlete who brings competitive experience and a strong connection to the Bakersfield swim community to B-Town Brazadas Swim Club. A graduate of Centennial High School, Dawson swam for Bakersfield Swim Club and Centennial before continuing his career at Bakersfield College, where he earned All-American honors and set six school records—three in backstroke events and three as part of relay teams. He plans to continue his academic career at CSU Bakersfield.


In addition to coaching with Brazadas, Dawson also coaches water polo at Centennial High School. He is passionate about helping young athletes improve, compete with confidence, and enjoy the sport.

Ethan Cobbs

Assistant Swim Team Coach

Ethan is a lifelong swimmer who brings strong local roots and a passion for developing young athletes to B-Town Brazadas Swim Club. A graduate of Stockdale High School, Ethan swam competitively for both Stockdale and Bakersfield Swim Club before earning his associate degree in Fire Science from Bakersfield College. He is currently pursuing his EMT certification while coaching water polo at Centennial High School, where he is known for his positive, energetic approach. Ethan will also serve as a manager at the East Side Aquatics Center, further supporting the growth of aquatics in the region.


At Brazadas, Ethan is excited to give back to the sport that shaped him and help young swimmers build confidence, skills, and a love for the water.

Questions? Email swim@brazadas.org or call (661) 456-8401 Monday through Friday, 1pm-3pm.

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