RISE Aquatic Club Coaching Staff
Over 100 years of combined coaching experience! The RISE Coaching staff is more of a family than a staff. They create a fun, passionate, family atmosphere for the swimmers to thrive and learn a love for the sport. Their swimmers know that the coaches are there for them and want to see them succeed and overcome hurdles.
HEAD COACH AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ADAM CREMIEUX On September 1st, 2004, Adam was named Head Coach of WEST Swim Club and became the Executive Director of the team in 2008. Adam held this until the team merged into FMC Aquatic in 2019. In 2022 Adam and Coach Jeff Arce, from CATS Aquatic Team, came together and created RISE Aquatic Club to provide swimmers with a small team feel but with the resources of a big team. Adam has had incredible success coaching and developing all levels of swimmers and building strong, well-rounded programs with an emphasis on character and morals. His favorite line is “Everyone can handle success but it’s how you handle failure that shows who you really are and what you’ll become”. Adam has been a head coach of two programs in his career. Both of these programs doubled in size during his tenure with them.
Adam has been in this sport his entire life when he starting out watching his older brother swim when he was just an infant, and now he has been coaching for over twenty years. Over those two decades, he has coached numerous State Champions, State Record Holders, Junior and Senior National qualifiers, multiple Olympic Trial Qualifiers, including a Finalist, and a swimmer to the World Championships in that period. He was also a multiple recipient of the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Certificate of Excellence award winner and served on the Board of Directors of Illinois Swimming, Inc.
In 2015, Adam became the first coach in Illinois history to build and own their own aquatic training center, Superior Training, located in Willowbrook. Superior Training is utilized by RISE Aquatic Club which will add scheduling flexibility and versatility for the club’s families.
Adam attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He swam varsity for four years; three-year state qualifier; All State senior year; school record holder in the 50-yard freestyle. Adam was a four-year NCAA Division I swimmer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he was a team record holder in three events and was honored with the Leadership Award by a vote of his teammates.
Adam has been in this sport his entire life when he starting out watching his older brother swim when he was just an infant, and now he has been coaching for over twenty years. Over those two decades, he has coached numerous State Champions, State Record Holders, Junior and Senior National qualifiers, multiple Olympic Trial Qualifiers, including a Finalist, and a swimmer to the World Championships in that period. He was also a multiple recipient of the American Swim Coaches Association (ASCA) Certificate of Excellence award winner and served on the Board of Directors of Illinois Swimming, Inc.
In 2015, Adam became the first coach in Illinois history to build and own their own aquatic training center, Superior Training, located in Willowbrook. Superior Training is utilized by RISE Aquatic Club which will add scheduling flexibility and versatility for the club’s families.
Adam attended Amos Alonzo Stagg High School where he was a three-sport athlete. He swam varsity for four years; three-year state qualifier; All State senior year; school record holder in the 50-yard freestyle. Adam was a four-year NCAA Division I swimmer at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he was a team record holder in three events and was honored with the Leadership Award by a vote of his teammates.
HEAD AGE GROUP COACH KIRBY IGOE Kirby has been involved in the sport of swimming most of his life. His swimming career began at the age of seven. He swam for several teams in the Chicagoland area, including Westmont Swim Club. Now in his early 30’s, Kirby’s passion for the sport has grown. Kirby's passion has lead him to coach for multiple club teams in the area including, Riverside Brookfield Swim Club (2005-2012), Academy Bullets (2012-2015), WEST Swim Club (2015-2020), and FMC Aquatic (2020-20220). Kirby has also had the privilege of being an Assistant Coach for Team Illinois and Zone Select camp in 2017.
As a USA Swimming Age Group Coach, Kirby has worked with a broad array of athletes. He has spent years coaching athletes at all levels, including senior and elite level swimmers. For the last five years, Kirby has focused on, and has had great success with 12 and under swimmers. Kirby believes that stroke technique and skill development is PARAMOUNT for a long, successful, and injury free swimming career. With this strong foundation, Kirby has watched his athletes have success and stay in the sport through high school and beyond. Kirby's philosophy has lead him so some remarkable accomplishments such as Regional Team Championship (2016-2022), Illinois Age Group Team Championship (2016), Several Illinois State Champions (individual and relays), Illinois Age Group Record Holders, Central Zone Event Champions, NCSA Age Group Champions (Individual and Relays), and numerous team record holders.
As RISE heads into its inaugural season, Kirby is going to lead the 8 and under, 9-10, and 11-12 age groups. He has seen the positive effects that swimming has had in ALL of his athletes both in and out of the water. RISE is the opportunity of a lifetime and Kirby looks forward to making RISE one of the premier clubs in the USA.
As a USA Swimming Age Group Coach, Kirby has worked with a broad array of athletes. He has spent years coaching athletes at all levels, including senior and elite level swimmers. For the last five years, Kirby has focused on, and has had great success with 12 and under swimmers. Kirby believes that stroke technique and skill development is PARAMOUNT for a long, successful, and injury free swimming career. With this strong foundation, Kirby has watched his athletes have success and stay in the sport through high school and beyond. Kirby's philosophy has lead him so some remarkable accomplishments such as Regional Team Championship (2016-2022), Illinois Age Group Team Championship (2016), Several Illinois State Champions (individual and relays), Illinois Age Group Record Holders, Central Zone Event Champions, NCSA Age Group Champions (Individual and Relays), and numerous team record holders.
As RISE heads into its inaugural season, Kirby is going to lead the 8 and under, 9-10, and 11-12 age groups. He has seen the positive effects that swimming has had in ALL of his athletes both in and out of the water. RISE is the opportunity of a lifetime and Kirby looks forward to making RISE one of the premier clubs in the USA.
HEAD SENIOR COACH MATT HARDER joined the RISE Aquatic Club coaching staff during their inaugural season in 2022. Matt has helped elevate RISE to become one of the top Age Group programs in Illinois, which has already produced several Illinois State Champions, an individual Illinois State Record Holder, and was highlighted by a 3rd-Place Team Trophy Finish at the 2023 Illinois Age Group State Championships.Prior to joining the RISE staff, Matt was the Lead Coach at LYONS Aquatics for their high-performance 11&12 athletes and also led one of their Senior programs. While at LYONS, he coached several Illinois state medalists, Central Zone & NCSA qualifiers/medalists, and assisted in the training of athletes that broke over 40 Team Records and competed up to the US Open level.
Coach Matt has had the opportunity to work with talented athletes and coaches through several roles within Illinois, Central Zone, and USA Swimming:
● Head Coach - Team Illinois - 14&U Central Zone Championships (2023)
● Assistant Coach - Team Illinois - 14&U Central Zone Championships (2021, 2022)
● Assistant Coach - Team Illinois - Central Zone Open Water Championships (2019, 2021)
● Assistant Coach - USA Swimming Central Zone Select Camp (2022, 2023)
● Illinois Swimming Senior Committee (2022-Present); Open Water Committee (2021-2022)
Matt also coaches for Lyons Township High School, one of the premier programs of the IHSA. In 2022, Matt helped lead LT to Top-10 Team Finishes with both the Men’s and Women’s Teams, highlightedbya3rd-PlaceTrophyFinishwiththeMen’sTeamin2022. WhileMatthasbeen coaching at LT, athletes have achieved over a dozen IHSA All-State and NISCA All-American performances in both individual and relays and have earned 47 medals at the IHSA State Championships.
Matt swam competitively for the Academy Bullets, a Silver Medal Swim Club in Illinois. There, he developed into a distance freestyler and Open Water athlete and was a part of two consecutive Illinois Senior State Championships Team Titles. Matt has shared his passion for Open Water with all the athletes he’s coached.
Matt’s coaching philosophy stems around attitude, skill development, and working through adversity. Matt has previously taught both Middle School and High School Physical Education and uses his teaching experiences to build upon his coaching. Coach Matt is extremely excited to share his knowledge of the sport and to teach his athletes the importance of hard work and perseverance.
Coach Matt has had the opportunity to work with talented athletes and coaches through several roles within Illinois, Central Zone, and USA Swimming:
● Head Coach - Team Illinois - 14&U Central Zone Championships (2023)
● Assistant Coach - Team Illinois - 14&U Central Zone Championships (2021, 2022)
● Assistant Coach - Team Illinois - Central Zone Open Water Championships (2019, 2021)
● Assistant Coach - USA Swimming Central Zone Select Camp (2022, 2023)
● Illinois Swimming Senior Committee (2022-Present); Open Water Committee (2021-2022)
Matt also coaches for Lyons Township High School, one of the premier programs of the IHSA. In 2022, Matt helped lead LT to Top-10 Team Finishes with both the Men’s and Women’s Teams, highlightedbya3rd-PlaceTrophyFinishwiththeMen’sTeamin2022. WhileMatthasbeen coaching at LT, athletes have achieved over a dozen IHSA All-State and NISCA All-American performances in both individual and relays and have earned 47 medals at the IHSA State Championships.
Matt swam competitively for the Academy Bullets, a Silver Medal Swim Club in Illinois. There, he developed into a distance freestyler and Open Water athlete and was a part of two consecutive Illinois Senior State Championships Team Titles. Matt has shared his passion for Open Water with all the athletes he’s coached.
Matt’s coaching philosophy stems around attitude, skill development, and working through adversity. Matt has previously taught both Middle School and High School Physical Education and uses his teaching experiences to build upon his coaching. Coach Matt is extremely excited to share his knowledge of the sport and to teach his athletes the importance of hard work and perseverance.
ASSISTANT COACH AMANDA COLLINS has been coaching since 2015, and has worked with notable programs such as WEST Swim Club and FMC Aquatic. Amanda primarily works with the 8&u and 9-10 age groups. Her coaching philosophy is to create a fun environment with a huge focus on learning proper technique while helping each swimmer become the best person and teammate they can be. Based on a solid foundation of technique and love of the sport, many of Amanda's swimmers have continued their development in the sport of swimming and reached great success on the Age Group State Level and IHSA State. Amanda has coached all levels over the past 25 years including infant, adult, age group, and country club levels.
Coach Amanda swam competitively from age 5 through college. She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, and has a deep love and respect for all water sports and activities. She began swimming age group at St Joe Aquatics. Followed by a high school career swimming at St Joseph High School, where she was a 3 year all conference, and all state team member. She also was a two year high school state top five finalist, and a school record holder.
After high school Amanda continued on to the University of Illinois. Amanda graduated with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Corporate Education and Training. Upon graduation, Amanda worked for UBS Global Asset Management as Associate Director of Human Resources.
Coach Amanda and her husband Mike have two children. Both her children, Quinn and Maeve are competitive swimmers representing RISE and FMC Aquatic. Amanda and her family live in Western Springs, where she also teaches preschool.
Coach Amanda swam competitively from age 5 through college. She grew up on the shores of Lake Michigan, and has a deep love and respect for all water sports and activities. She began swimming age group at St Joe Aquatics. Followed by a high school career swimming at St Joseph High School, where she was a 3 year all conference, and all state team member. She also was a two year high school state top five finalist, and a school record holder.
After high school Amanda continued on to the University of Illinois. Amanda graduated with an undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters in Corporate Education and Training. Upon graduation, Amanda worked for UBS Global Asset Management as Associate Director of Human Resources.
Coach Amanda and her husband Mike have two children. Both her children, Quinn and Maeve are competitive swimmers representing RISE and FMC Aquatic. Amanda and her family live in Western Springs, where she also teaches preschool.
ASSISTANT COACH ELIZABETH HARRIS grew up swimming in New Mexico and upon her graduation from La Cueva High School, continued her swimming career at Lewis University. While at Lewis, Elizabeth competed Middle Distance Freestyle and Butterfly as a four-year member of the Varsity Team, while earning a degree in Early Childhood and Special Education.
Elizabeth now works full-time as a Special Education teacher and uses her skills in communication, and passion for children to bring fun and life to her practices. Elizabeth has played an integral role in developing Superior Training's Youth Lesson and Team Development Programs. In addition to being a skilled youth and private lesson instructor, Elizabeth has coached for FMC Aquatic as an 8&Under and 9-10 group coach and progressed athletes to the Regional and State Level.
Elizabeth now works full-time as a Special Education teacher and uses her skills in communication, and passion for children to bring fun and life to her practices. Elizabeth has played an integral role in developing Superior Training's Youth Lesson and Team Development Programs. In addition to being a skilled youth and private lesson instructor, Elizabeth has coached for FMC Aquatic as an 8&Under and 9-10 group coach and progressed athletes to the Regional and State Level.
ASSISTANT COACH JASON HOLBROOK has been involved in swimming for a significant portion of his life. He started his swimming career at the age of 7 and swam through high school under Coach Dave Krotiak.
Upon graduation from the University of Dayton, Jason joined WEST Swim Club as a coach. Outside of coaching, he works full-time as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in LaGrange Park.
Jason enjoys biking, running, swimming, triathlons and traveling with his wife, Nancy. Jason completed his first Ironman in 2014, and then competed again in 2016. Jason looks forward to sharing his experience in coaching and swimming to help new swimmers RISE and reach their goals!
Upon graduation from the University of Dayton, Jason joined WEST Swim Club as a coach. Outside of coaching, he works full-time as a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in LaGrange Park.
Jason enjoys biking, running, swimming, triathlons and traveling with his wife, Nancy. Jason completed his first Ironman in 2014, and then competed again in 2016. Jason looks forward to sharing his experience in coaching and swimming to help new swimmers RISE and reach their goals!
ASSISTANT COACH LANDON MITCHELL started his swimming career out of the Hinswood Community Pool and HOSC Swimming program, he continued his swimming career throughout high school at Hinsdale South. Preparing for his senior year, Landon swam under Coach Adam for a short period of time. Landon was lucky to continue his swimming career at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater where he primarily swam the 50 Free, 100 Free, and 100 of anything else. He holds the 50 and 100 free records at Whitewater as well as many relay records. During his senior year, he was awarded to be Second-Team All-American for his team’s performance at NCAA D III Nationals. Landon’s 5th year he was a student assistant and helped create and coach the dryland program for Whitewater which lead to many team records being taken down that next year. Fun Fact; Landon was also the Mascot at Whitewater for 2 years, GO Warhawks!
Landon is now a teacher at a local middle school and enjoys teaching and coaching in any sort of fashion. During the summer, Landon is a pool manager at a local country club and runs the swim and dive team.
The past few years Landon has been coaching at West Swim Club and FMC Aquatic where he helped with all age groups. He primarily works with the 9-10s, Senior, and National age groups, and assisting in dryland practices during the week and on Saturday mornings.
Landon is now a teacher at a local middle school and enjoys teaching and coaching in any sort of fashion. During the summer, Landon is a pool manager at a local country club and runs the swim and dive team.
The past few years Landon has been coaching at West Swim Club and FMC Aquatic where he helped with all age groups. He primarily works with the 9-10s, Senior, and National age groups, and assisting in dryland practices during the week and on Saturday mornings.
ASSISTANT COACH/MEET DIRECTOR KIRSTEN FREDRICKSON began coaching in the fall of 2012.
She has enjoyed working with various age groups and watching the swimmers improve and grow their love of swimming. Some of her favorite moments coaching include watching the swimmers cheer each other on at meets.
Kirsten grew up swimming on Westmont Swim Club for Coach Adam with her younger brother and sister. She also swam for four years at Hinsdale Central High School and one year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Her favorite strokes were freestyle and breaststroke.
Kirsten graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a degree Elementary Education and Spanish. When she’s not coaching at RISE or Superior Training, Kirsten works at Northern Trust Bank and enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family.
She has enjoyed working with various age groups and watching the swimmers improve and grow their love of swimming. Some of her favorite moments coaching include watching the swimmers cheer each other on at meets.
Kirsten grew up swimming on Westmont Swim Club for Coach Adam with her younger brother and sister. She also swam for four years at Hinsdale Central High School and one year at Illinois Wesleyan University. Her favorite strokes were freestyle and breaststroke.
Kirsten graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a degree Elementary Education and Spanish. When she’s not coaching at RISE or Superior Training, Kirsten works at Northern Trust Bank and enjoys spending her free time with her friends and family.
HEAD STRENGTH COACH LEE KOBILICA has continued to maintain a high level of fitness well into his forties. He has been able to achieve this while holding a high stress career as a broker/trader and being a family man. He has used fitness to overcome many obstacles in his life, such as stress, asthma, a major accident, sports injuries and a debilitating back(diagnosed as needing surgery).
He believes in building a sustainable healthy lifestyle, balance, legacy, efficiency and high performance. Lee is an avid mountain biker, skier, foodie, swimmer, yogi, weightlifter and extreme motor sports hobbyist.
Lee is a graduate of Michigan State University, holds a National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer certification, USA Track & Field's Level 1 Coach and a Precision Nutrition certification. He has a life long learning mentality. He continually researches fitness, health and movement.
He believes in building a sustainable healthy lifestyle, balance, legacy, efficiency and high performance. Lee is an avid mountain biker, skier, foodie, swimmer, yogi, weightlifter and extreme motor sports hobbyist.
Lee is a graduate of Michigan State University, holds a National Academy of Sports Medicine personal trainer certification, USA Track & Field's Level 1 Coach and a Precision Nutrition certification. He has a life long learning mentality. He continually researches fitness, health and movement.
ASSISTANT COACH CHRIS RONNING Coach Chris is an avid swimmer and swimming fan! Chris has been involved in coaching both Swimming and Water Polo for almost 25 years! Chris has coached for many USA Swimming and Masters teams at multiple locations in Illinois including Country Clubs, YMCAs, and Lyons Township High School. Chris enjoys working at the beginner level as she has held an active role in developing swim lesson programs, stroke clinics and stroke development programs. Notably, Coach Chris worked with Coach Adam at Westmont Swim Club and West Swim Club before she moved to North Carolina with her husband where she became a Lead and Assistant Coach for SwimMAC. (#1 program in the nation) While with SwimMAC, Chris worked with both competitive and non-competitive swimmers ages 6-14. Chris has now returned to Illinois and has found a home again with RISE!
Chris’ talents around the pool expand to the Water Polo community as well. Coach Chris has spent time developing year-round Age Group and HS Club Water Polo programs and worked as a Lead Coach for High School Girls JV Water Polo for multiple years.
Chris is an asset to RISE and Superior Training in many ways including her strengths in parent communication/education, as well as her skills in performance evaluations. Chris offers knowledge and experience with managing pools, coaches, instructor staff and lifeguards.
Outside of coaching Chris has worked in the school and home settings to help kids on the Autism Spectrum but currently enjoys spending time swimming, working out, bike riding, candle making, and reading!
Chris’ talents around the pool expand to the Water Polo community as well. Coach Chris has spent time developing year-round Age Group and HS Club Water Polo programs and worked as a Lead Coach for High School Girls JV Water Polo for multiple years.
Chris is an asset to RISE and Superior Training in many ways including her strengths in parent communication/education, as well as her skills in performance evaluations. Chris offers knowledge and experience with managing pools, coaches, instructor staff and lifeguards.
Outside of coaching Chris has worked in the school and home settings to help kids on the Autism Spectrum but currently enjoys spending time swimming, working out, bike riding, candle making, and reading!
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