Zach Botheroyd
coach
zbotheroyd54@gmail.com
Zach brings a thoughtful, athlete-centered approach to coaching, shaped by his passion for swimming and a strong background in water safety and performance. He served as a rescue swimmer in the U.S. Navy, where he developed discipline, endurance, and the ability to perform under pressure. In addition to his military experience, Zach has worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor, giving him a well-rounded perspective on both competitive swimming and foundational water skills. He focuses on building strong fundamentals—technique, efficiency, and endurance—while helping swimmers grow in confidence and resilience.
Zach is committed to creating a positive and structured training environment where athletes of all levels can thrive. He believes progress comes through consistency, intentional practice, and a supportive team culture. Whether he’s introducing new swimmers to the water or refining the skills of experienced athletes, Zach is dedicated to helping each individual reach their potential while developing a lifelong appreciation for the sport.
Sam McDaniel
Coach
sam.mcdaniel@sportingjaxaquatics.com
Passionate about all things water, Coach Sam joins Sporting Jax Aquatics as a product of Steve Lochte's nationally recognized training program, a Division I athlete, and an internationally recognized coach through her work in the Middle East.
The wealth of international swimming knowledge Coach Sam brings—from living and coaching in the Middle East to competing at the collegiate level—has shaped her coaching philosophy to be social-emotional and process-based, with a strong foundation in drill work and endurance training. Her athlete-centered approach focuses on building confident swimmers while developing strong technical fundamentals.
Coach Sam has produced numerous FLAGS qualifiers in the United States, along with Senior Champs, Sectional, and Futures qualifiers, and has coached a large number of National Age Group Champions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Coach Sam is also a proud mom to three children—and enjoys traveling the world with them. When she’s not on deck, you can often find her surfing at Mickler’s Beach in her spare time!
