Meet Our Megalodons Staff
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Practices begin on September 8th!
Axel Brinbrich
Head Coach
Axel Birnbrich - Head Coach
As a highly decorated former athlete and lifelong mentor, he brings more than four decades of dedicated coaching experience to the program. His extensive career includes developing athletes of all ages and skill levels across YMCA, USA Swimming, high school, and club programs. Before stepping onto the pool deck as a coach, Birnbrich established himself as an elite competitive swimmer.
During his collegiate career at Ohio State University, he was a four-year letterman and served as team captain. His athletic accomplishments also include capturing a Big Ten championship and qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Throughout his decades of coaching, Birnbrich has maintained a steadfast commitment to helping his swimmers achieve excellence both in the water and in their everyday lives. Guided by his profound experience, leadership, and enduring passion for the sport, he continues to drive the growth, development, and success of the next generation of swimmers.
Paige Anderson
Assistant Coach
Paige Anderson - Assistant Coach, Aquatics Coordinator
I am the Assistant Swim Coach for the Megalodons Swim Team! I'm 24 years old, and I enjoy spending time outdoors gardening and having bonfires with my loved ones. In addition to coaching, I serve as the Aquatics Coordinator here at the Y. I also lifeguard and teach swim lessons. I started coaching the team last winter and have seven years of experience teaching swim lessons to all ages. I bring over 14 years of swim team experience, having competed for several teams growing up, starting with the Licking County YMCA Swim Team, and continuing through college.
Becoming a swim coach has been one of my dreams since I first started swimming, and I'm thrilled to be part of the team. I'm committed to motivating kids throughout the season and celebrating their accomplishments. I especially enjoy teaching lessons in sportsmanship and teamwork.
My goal is to help children grow into confident and resilient individuals - both in and out of the water.
Dakota Householder
Assistance Coach
Dakota Householder- Assistant Coach
Dakota is a high school senior with a strong passion for athletics and helping young swimmers reach their full potential. Throughout high school, she has participated in swimming, powerlifting, and softball, giving her a well-rounded athletic background and an appreciation for hard work, teamwork, and perseverance.
Last season, Dakota stepped up to help coach our Level One swimmers and quickly became an important part of the coaching team. She took on a great deal of responsibility, embraced the opportunity to learn, and did an amazing job supporting some of our youngest Megalodons as they developed their skills and confidence in the water.
Dakota is also a certified lifeguard and currently works in the auto body field. We are excited to welcome her back for her second year of coaching and for her to continue sharing her swimming knowledge, encouragement, and experience with the next generation of swimmers.
Courtney Talbot
Assistance Coach
Courtney Talbot- Assistant Coach
Courtney brings years of competitive swimming experience and a genuine love for working with young swimmers to the Megalodons coaching team. She swam competitively for six years with the Zanesville Piranhas before continuing her swimming career for another three years with the Philo Electrics.
Courtney earned her bachelor’s degree in French from Ohio University and is excited to be back on the pool deck as part of a swim team. Over the summer, she also enjoyed teaching swim lessons at the YMCA, where she built wonderful relationships with many of our young swimmers and discovered just how rewarding it is to help kids grow in confidence and ability in the water.
Courtney is excited to continue building those relationships this season and looks forward to helping our Megalodons develop their skills, confidence, and love of swimming.
Aquatics Director Jackie Tellez
Jackie Tellez - Aquatics Director
I've been part of the YMCA family since 2019, starting my journey right here at the Muskingum County Family YMCA as a lifeguard. Over the years, I've worn many hats - swim instructor, aquatic coordinator, and eventually aquatic director. In 2021, I accepted a position as Aquatics Director at the Fairfield County Family YMCA in Lancaster, where I also helped lead the Stingrays swim team. I returned to Muskingum County in 2023 and was proud to be promoted to Aquatics Director in 2024.
This building has been my home since it opened, and I truly love what I do. The YMCA's strong sense of community and family-centered environment are what make it such a special place for me, and for so many others. You may even spot my daughter who is eight years old often participating in Y programs or simply enjoying being part of the action.
I'm thrilled to be a part of your swimmer's journey and always happy to answer any questions or provide support along the way. Welcome to the team!
Parent Steering Committee
Kasey, Jessica, Andrea, and Sarah
Parent Steering Committee
Jessica James - President
I became a swim mom in 2022 when my son got his start in middle school swimming and then joined the Megs in the fall of 2023. My daughter joined the team in 2024. We're now active participants in both the winter and summer swim seasons.
Welcome to our team!
Kasey Jones - Vice President
I dove into the world of swimming in 2022 when my oldest son joined the Dresden Dorados. During that summer season, we met Coach Jen and followed her to the Megs. I currently serve as Vice President of the Parent Board, and my husband, Chris, is frequently on the pool deck as an official. When we're not at the pool, you can find us dancing at Movement on Main.
Sarah Jackson - Secretary
I became a swim mom in the summer of 2024 when my son joined the Dresden Dorados, and I haven't managed to keep him out of the water since.
I bring personal experience as an office manager, accountant, graphic designer, and artist. In my spare time, I enjoy a good book, embroidery, DIY home projects, and the occasional nap.
Andrea Nicholson - Volunteer Coordinator
I became a swim mom in the fall of 2022 when my son joined the inaugural Muskingum Megalodons Swim Team. We stay busy with both winter and summer swim seasons, as well as football and 4-H.
If you ever have questions, please don't hesitate to reach out! I've likely had the same ones myself!
Welcome to the team!
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