With over 35 years of experience in the Levite Jewish Community Center’s aquatics program, Coach John Besse is a cornerstone of the LJCC swim community. His decades of dedication have shaped generations of swimmers, instilling in them not only technical excellence but also a deep appreciation for the sport.

Coach John is widely recognized for his ability to create a wholesome and supportive learning environment, where swimmers of all ages and skill levels feel encouraged to grow. His coaching style emphasizes fundamentals, discipline, and teamwork, while also nurturing each athlete’s individual strengths and goals.

In addition to his year-round leadership at the LJCC, Coach John has also been a prominent figure in summer swim programs at Pine Tree Country Club, where his expertise has consistently elevated team performance. A recent merger between the LJCC and Pine Tree summer swim teams now allows more swimmers to benefit from his guidance during the competitive summer season.

Together with Coach Miriam Sokol, John leads the Barracudas Swim Club with a combined 60+ years of aquatics experience, offering a program that promotes water safety, physical fitness, and personal development. His commitment to excellence and community makes him an invaluable asset to the LJCC and a beloved mentor to countless swimmers.

Coach Lindsay Keen brings energy, dedication, and a strong foundation in competitive swimming to her role with the LJCC swim team and Pinetree Country Club’s summer swim program. Known for her positive coaching style and ability to connect with swimmers of all ages, Coach Lindsay plays a vital role in developing young athletes both in and out of the pool.

Lindsay swam competitively from the age of 5 through high school in Atlanta, Ga. During college, she transitioned sports as a sponsored triathlete based out of Atlanta, gaining experience in open water distance events. She has been coaching for about 20 years, still continuing her love of competing in the Master Swimming world!

Her coaching philosophy centers on building confidence through consistency, emphasizing technique, sportsmanship, and personal growth. Lindsay’s dual involvement with LJCC and Pinetree allows her to support swimmers year-round, helping them transition smoothly between seasonal programs while maintaining a high standard of training and team spirit.

Coach Lindsay is especially passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, where swimmers feel encouraged to challenge themselves and celebrate their progress. Her contributions to the swim team program help ensure that each swimmer receives the attention and support they need to thrive.

This coach is awesome!

With over 26 years of dedicated service to the Levite Jewish Community Center’s aquatics program, Coach Miriam Sokol brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to the LJCC swim team. Her tenure at The J has been marked by a deep commitment to fostering a love for swimming as a lifelong sport, emphasizing both personal growth and team camaraderie.

Coach Miriam is known for her holistic approach to coaching, focusing not only on stroke refinement and competitive readiness but also on instilling values such as respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring in her swimmers. She believes that swimming is more than just a sport—it’s a foundation for physical and mental well-being, teamwork, and personal discipline.

Together with Coach John Besse, Miriam leads the LJCC swim team with a combined 60+ years of aquatics experience, offering expert guidance across all skill levels. Her coaching philosophy centers on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where swimmers of all backgrounds can thrive, improve, and compete with confidence.

Whether working with young beginners or seasoned competitors, Coach Miriam’s goal is to help each swimmer discover their potential and develop a lifelong appreciation for the water.

Mrs. Rachel Hughes serves as the Program Coordinator for the LJCC swim team, where she plays a vital role in the day-to-day operations and long-term planning of the team. With a strong background in aquatics administration and youth sports coordination, Rachel brings both structure and heart to the program.

Rachel’s journey in aquatics began with her involvement in the Pine Tree Country Club swim team, where she developed a deep appreciation for the impact of well-run swim programs on young athletes and their families. Her experience at Pine Tree helped shape her skills in team logistics, meet coordination, and parent communication—skills she now brings to the LJCC with great success.

Since joining the LJCC, Rachel has been instrumental in managing the merger of the LJCC and Pine Tree summer swim teams, ensuring a seamless transition that benefits swimmers from both communities. Her ability to coordinate across multiple locations, maintain clear communication, and support both coaches and families has made her an indispensable part of the JSS leadership team.

Rachel is known for her approachable style, organizational excellence, and unwavering commitment to creating a positive and inclusive environment for all swimmers. Whether she’s managing meet schedules, supporting coaches, or answering parent questions, Rachel ensures that every detail is handled with care and professionalism.