Coach Jenn Ward
Director of Competitive Swimming & Head Coach
Coach Jennifer "Jenn" Ward has been a part of the Hurricanes program since 2015. She first joined the team as a swim parent before stepping into the role of Strength & Conditioning Coach, where she built YBAC's first comprehensive dryland program in 2019. After years of mentorship under Coach David McDevitt, she was named Head Coach in August of 2021 and, in 2023, was promoted to Director of Competitive Swimming.
Coach Jenn leads the Hurricanes with a long-term development approach, emphasizing process-driven training, athlete well-being, and building character both in and out of the water. Under her leadership, YBAC has grown into a nationally recognized program, highlighted by multiple swimmers competing at national level championships and record-breaking performances across all training groups.
Her coaching philosophy draws on her diverse experiences - from serving as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the US Army, to her work as a certified strength and conditioning coach & personal trainer. She continues to hold multiple certifications in sports performance and is passionate about mentoring athletes, families, and other coaches in sport. Coach Jenn's goal for YBAC athletes: to develop athletes holistically, blending physical preparation, mental resilience, and a strong team culture.
When not on the pool deck, Coach Jenn is a proud mom to four children - one YBAC alumnus and three current Hurricanes - and loves spending time with her family, homeschooling her children, being outdoors, and supporting athletes in the wider community.
Coach Luc LaChapelle
High-Performance Coach (Category 5)
The YBAC Hurricanes proudly promoted Coach Luc LaChapelle to High-Performance Coach in 2025 after his strong contributions as the team's Fitness Coach. Luc brings a dynamic blend of high-level swimming experience and a passion for developing athletes.
A former high-performing athlete, Luc competed through the YMCA system and later with Lifetime Swimming, where he consistently performed and regional and national meets. He draws on his own journey as an athlete to help Hurricanes swimmers reach their full potential through a process-driven approach.
Luc's coaching style emphasizes technical precision, strength development, and athlete confidence. He has experience coaching youth in swim lessons, competitive group settings, and multi-sport camp environments.
Currently a student at Elon University (Class of 2026), Luc is majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration and HR Marketing. His academic focus complements his ability to motivate, mentor, and connect with swimmers at all levels.
Coach Nicki Smith
Technical Coach (Technique)
The YBAC Hurricanes welcomed Coach Nectaria "Nicki" Smith to the coaching staff in the fall of 2024, bringing her extensive aquatics background and deep ties to the YBAC program. Nicki works with the Technique training group, focusing on building strong foundational skills and confidence in the team's newest and youngest Hurricanes.
Coach Nicki has a long history with YBAC, having served as the Aquatics Director for the Alamance County Community YMCA when the Hurricanes were first created. She is known for her passion for swimmer development, detailed technical instruction, and strong relationships with families.
In addition to her work with YBAC, Coach Nicki is the Director for the Chapel Hill Tennis Club, where she oversees aquatics programming. Outside of the pool, she enjoys volunteering with local organizations, exploring cultural events, and spending time with her family.
Coach Nicki is a proud swim mom - her son, Joseph, is a national-level swimmer and current member of the YBAC Hurricanes.
Coach Syd Leventhal
Strength & Conditioning Coach
Coach Sydney "Syd" Leventhal is a proud YBAC Hurrican alumna, team captain, and breaststroke record holder. Since 2023, she has brought her knowledge of swimming and her passion for strength training to the Hurricanes as the team's Strength & Conditioning Coach. Coach Syd is a certified personal trainer and has mentored as an athlete and continues to mentor as a leader - under Coach Jenn, in addition to mentorship under RaceBetter Coach Ben Lee - gaining valuable experience in long-term athlete development and holistic training.
Coach Syd specializes in youth development and personal training, creating engaging, age-appropriate dryland sessions that help swimmers build strength, prevent injuries, and improve performance.
She is currently pursuing a degree in the sports psychology field and continues to mentor young athletes by modeling the same values she developed as a Hurricane. In her spare time, Coach Syd is the founder of a local Ruck Club, competes in CrossFit competitions, enjoys spending time outdoors, and being with her family.
Coach Solaris Anderson
Competitive Coach (Category 1)
Storm Prep Academy Lead Coach
Coach Solaris Anderson is no stranger to the YBAC Hurricanes. He has taught and developed many future Hurricanes as a swim instructor for the Alamance County Community YMCA and has been a member of our coaching staff for several years.
Previously coaching the Technique & Fitness training groups prior to 2021, Coach Solaris returned to YBAC after a brief break following COVID. He now serves as a Competitive Age Group Coach, working with our Category 1 swimmers, and is also the Lead Coach for our Storm Prep Academy swim lesson program - helping young swimmers build a strong foundation in the sport.
Coach Solaris is known for his approachable style, technical knowledge, and ability to inspire our youngest swimmers to build confidence and love for the water.
In his spare time, Coach Solaris likes to spend time with his family and his dog. Many of our Hurricanes have seen Coach Solaris in the community - do you know where he works when he's not on the pool deck?
Coach [Your Name Here]
Competitive Coach
Fitness Coach
Interested in joining our team? We are currently hiring for Competitive and Fitness coach positions.
Send your resume to Coach Jenn Ward at ybac@acymca.org or click below to submit an application.