Meet Our Coaching Staff

Shannon English

Head Coach

Director of Aquatics

Coach Shannon’s journey in the world of competitive swimming began over three decades ago in Montgomery County. From her early days as a swimmer, she has evolved into a revered coach and teacher, passionately imparting her knowledge to others.

Since starting her coaching career in 2007, Shannon has flourished as a program director, overseeing swim lessons, stroke clinics, and coach training programs. She proudly holds the position of Head Coach for the Lakelands Lionfish in the Montgomery County Swim League and offers private swimming lessons to a diverse age group, from children to adults.

As an ASCA Level III Gold certified coach, Shannon’s expertise has led to the development of multiple PVS and MCSL record holders and swimmers who rank in the top 10 nationally, including one who achieved the distinction of being first in the nation. Her qualifications are extensive, including CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches. She is also a certified Swim America Site Supervisor.



Shannon’s commitment to the swimming community spans over 40 years, during which she has cultivated a respected and sought-after reputation within the PVS and MCSL communities. Her 17 years as a USA Swim Certified Coach, ASCA Program Director, and ASCA Level 3 Gold certification, along with her tenure as MCSL Head Coach for Manchester Farm & Lakelands, are a testament to her dedication and impact on the sport.

Kyle Brown

Assistant Head Coach

Deputy Director of Aquatics

Coach Kyle’s coaching journey began here at the Quince Orchard Swim & Tennis Club nearly two decades. His natural affinity for coaching became evident as he volunteered with pre-teams and minis while competing for the Manchester Farms Dolphins in the MCSL.

Kyle’s commitment to swimming deepened when he became a coach with a USA Club Team in 2005, starting with lessons and progressing to become an ASCA Level III certified coach, and a certified USA Swimming Coach. His qualifications are comprehensive, including CPR/AED, American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches.

A proud alumnus of the University of Maryland, Kyle holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, which he earned in 2013. His university years were marked by his role as an Assistant Head Coach for various MCSL teams. Today, Kyle embarks on his 8th year as Head Coach for the Manchester Farms Dolphins, a role he cherishes as he grew up swimming on this summer team.

With nearly two decades of cultivating a respected reputation in the PVS and MCSL communities, Kyle’s expertise and passion for coaching are invaluable assets to Quince Orchard Swim Academy.

Matt Reinheimer

Coach

Matt's journey in the swimming world began at a young age, splashing around the waters of Manchester Farm Swim Team in the summertime. Even as a child, he was drawn to coaching, eagerly assisting the pre-team with their strokes and techniques. It was clear from the start that his future lay in guiding others through the lanes of the pool.

As he grew older, Matt's passion for swimming only intensified. He joined various club teams, where his talent quickly caught the eye of coaches and competitors alike. By the age of 12, he was already earning national honors, setting a course for a remarkable swimming career.

His high school years at Our Lady of Good Counsel were marked by outstanding achievements. Matt not only set an individual record in the demanding 100-yard butterfly but also contributed to a High School Metropolitan Championship record in the fiercely competitive 200-yard freestyle relay. These accomplishments solidified his reputation as one of the top swimmers in the region. Matt finished his high school career with Scholastic All-American honors along with getting recruited by Towson University for the butterfly and sprint freestyle events.

Transitioning from athlete to coach seemed like a natural progression for Matt. Armed with his wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the sport, he embarked on a coaching career that would leave a lasting impact. Matt honed his coaching skills over seven years in the Montgomery County Swim League (MCSL), shaping the next generation of swimmers.

In his eighth year coaching at MCSL, Matt assumed the role of head coach for the Clarksburg Village Vikings, a position that allowed him to impart his expertise and leadership onto a broader scale. 



His credentials speak volumes: a USA Swim Coach certification, ASCA level 3 certification, Swim America Site Supervisor certification, and proficiency in CPR/AED, American Red Cross Lifeguarding, and First Aid. Matt's dedication to safety and professionalism is evident in every aspect of his coaching.

Today, Matt stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring swimmers and coaches alike. His journey from a young enthusiast on the Manchester Farm Swim Team to a respected coach and mentor serves as a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance in the pool.

Kole Brown

Coach

Meet Coach Kole, whose journey into the world of swimming began 18 years ago at the age of 6 when he first joined the Manchester Farms Dolphins in MCSL. From those early days, Kole's passion for the water was evident, and he quickly became a familiar face at the pool.

As he progressed through the ranks of the Dolphins, Kole not only excelled as a competitive swimmer but also found joy in helping younger swimmers develop their skills. His dedication and leadership did not go unnoticed, and by the time he was 16, he had earned the role of assistant coach, a position he has proudly held for nearly a decade.

In 2014, Kole's coaching journey expanded beyond the local scene when he joined a USA club team. Starting from the basics of teaching lessons, Kole worked tirelessly to improve his coaching abilities, eventually obtaining certification as a USA Swimming Coach.

Equipped with qualifications including CPR/AED, American Red Cross Lifeguarding, First Aid, and Safety Training for Swim Coaches, Kole ensures the safety and well-being of his swimmers both in and out of the water.

As Kole enters his 9th year as an assistant coach for the Manchester Farms Dolphins, his passion for swimming and coaching remains as strong as ever. Whether he's mentoring young swimmers or guiding them through their journey in the pool, Coach Kole continues to make a positive impact on the swimming community.

Donovan Beckett-Simms

Coach

Coach Donovan grew up immersed in competitive sports and team environments from age 5. In high school at Seneca Valley, he played football, was a 4x state qualifier in track, a senior football captain, and a 3x MVP in track. He currently holds the Montgomery County indoor record for the triple jump (2024). At Salisbury University, Donovan is a school record holder and an All-American in triple jump (2018).

In 2018, Donovan began lifeguarding at Manchester Farm, inspired by lifeguards from his youth. There, he connected with coaches Kyle Brown and Shannon English, entering the competitive swimming world. He became a certified USA Swim Coach in fall 2020, completing his third year as a coach and starting his second year as co-Head Coach for the Lakeland Lionfish.

Despite being new to competitive swimming, Donovan has developed a strong appreciation for the sport and its athletes, actively practicing swimming to better teach drills. Under Shannon English, he learned effective swimming techniques and fundamentals. Donovan enjoys coaching, seeing athletes' progress positively.

Donovan recently graduated from Montgomery College with an associate degree in Exercise Science and is pursuing a bachelor's in Exercise Science at the Universities at Shady Grove and Salisbury.

Aaron Zhao

Coach

Coach Aaron's sports journey began in Beijing more than 30 years ago.

Swimming Achievements
From junior high through high school, Aaron dominated the Beijing student swimming scene, winning the freestyle champion for four consecutive years and one time National Champion. Trained under the guidance of a national champion coach, Aaron developed a strong foundation in competitive swimming.

Rowing Excellence
Transitioning to rowing during their undergraduate years, Aaron quickly excelled, winning multiple national university rowing championships. He proudly represented China in the World University Rowing Championships, securing a sixth-place finish globally. Mentored by an Olympic silver medalist and national team head coach, Aaron was promoted to team captain in their sophomore year, where he began assisting in managing and training the team.

Flag Football Success
During their graduate studies, He expanded their athletic repertoire by participating in NFL China's flag football competitions, winning the Beijing championship for three consecutive years.

Coaching Experience
With 8 years of coaching experience, Aaron holds certifications from both the Chinese Swimming Association as a senior coach and the USA Swimming Association, and he still has an ACE personal trainer certificate. He has expertly blended Chinese and American teaching methods, national team training techniques, and insights from various sports to develop a simple yet effective training system. This approach has enabled numerous students to learn swimming quickly and efficiently, achieving impressive results in competitions. Their students have attained top-five rankings in the US, county and city championships, and have broken multiple community swim team records.

Coaching Philosophy
Aaron is passionate about helping students enjoy swimming, gain life insights through sports, and achieve personal growth. he is committed to guiding each student to surpass their own limits and achieve their unique success. As a coach, Aaron finds immense joy in seeing their students thrive and is eager to help more swimmers reach their full potential.

Diwen Chen

Coach

Coach Diwen immersed himself in multiple sports when he grew up. He first found his interest in tennis when he was 6 and then quickly developed an appetite in swimming. He trained 3 years for swimming with a private coach in China before committing his main talent to Fencing. He then trained in the most prestigious fencing institution in his city Qingdao, China. In 2014, he won the gold medal for The Adidas Cup Fencing National Championship in Beijing in the adult group as a 18 years old.

In 2016, Coach Diwen ventured to the United States to further his education and career. He pursued Kinesiology and Athletic Training at Miami University in Ohio, gaining a foundational understanding of human movement and sports science. Building upon this, he pursued a Master's degree in Sports Management at Georgetown University, graduating in 2021. His academic journey equipped him with comprehensive knowledge in sports administration, leadership, and strategic management.

Since September 2022, Coach Diwen has been a valuable member of Quince Orchard Swimming, where his coaching philosophy centers on maximizing athletes' potential through interactive coaching and scientific explanations. He believes in not only developing athletes' skills but also fostering their personal growth and self-improvement. Coach Diwen finds fulfillment in guiding his students to explore new interests, acquire skills, and evolve into better individuals and athletes.