Jennifer Dillehay - Head Coach

My name is Jennifer Dillehay, and I started the YMCA swim team in 2022. This upcoming season will be my 7th season as Head Coach at the YMCA. I've been part of the swimming community for over 32 years - first as a competitive swimmer, and now as a dedicated coach committed to sharing my love for the sport with the next generation.

I began my swim career with the Zanesville YMCA Piranhas, where I competed in the Junior Olympics. I went on to swim throughout high school, qualifying for the State Swim Meet all four years, and later competed at Bethany College until an injury led me to transition from athlete to coach. Since then, I've coached at YMCAs across the United States before returning to the Zanesville area in 2015. I hold certifications as a USA Swimming and YMCA-certified coach, and I'm also CPR/AED and lifeguard certified through the American Red Cross. Since starting the Y team, I've had the privilege of coaching two swimmers who have qualified for Zones, and I have extensive experience working with children with disabilities, helping every swimmer grow in confidence, ability, and love for the sport. Outside the pool, I'm a proud mom of two. My coaching philosophy focuses on strengthening the mind, body, and soul. We combine dryland training, education, and in-water instruction with the belief that we can do hard things - especially when we make practice fun.

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.

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!