Diving Deep with SwimRVA’s Coach Jonathan Kaplan: A Journey of Passion and Precision in the Pool

Q&A with SwimRVA Head Coach Jonathan Kaplan; Self-Identified ‘Swim Nerd’ Has Pursued His Ambition

Labeling himself as a “swim nerd,” Jonathan Kaplan has chased a lifelong ambition in creating programs and mentoring countless young men and women to not only enhance their swimming skills but also develop into better individuals.

Jonathan Kaplan

Head Coach/Director

SwimRVA

Richmond, Virginia

• Florida State University, B.S., sport management, 2002; M.S., sport administration, 2004
• Head coach/director, SwimRVA, 2018-present
• Head coach, Dolphin Club, 2016-18
• Assistant Director of Competitive Swimming at YMCA of Triangle Area, 2014-16
• Head coach senior silver, assistant coach senior gold, NOVA of Virginia, 2013-14
• Head coach, Panama City Swim Team, 2006-13
• Growth and progress have been defining features of Kaplan’s tenure:
• At SwimRVA, he has facilitated the expansion of the program from 0 to over 550 members
• At Dolphin Club, he elevated the team from 30th to 15th at the Virginia AG Championships
• At YOTA, he played a pivotal role in building a program containing over 600 swimmers, ranking in the top 25 in USA Swimming’s Virtual Club Championship
• At NOVA, his swimmers included 16 NCSA qualifiers, six winter national qualifiers, one winter national qualifier, and established 14 state records
• At Panama City, he increased year-round membership from 65 to 250 members, consisting of NCSA qualifiers, NISCA All-Americans, six high school state champions, 17 NCAA competitors, and garnering team bronze medalist status in USA Swimming’s Club Excellence program
• As a USMS competitor, Kaplan achieved six Top 10 swims, including the fastest national time for the 25-29 age group in the 400 meter IM (5:04.54)

SWIMMING WORLD: What was your entry point into the world of swimming?

COACH JONATHAN KAPLAN: My sister, Katie, competed for the Stingrays—a modest swim team in Winter Haven, Fla. At that time, I was merely 6 years old, and I continuously expressed to my parents, “I want to do that.” I’ve never looked back since!

SW: What inspired you to swim at Florida State?

JK: My entire family—both branches—attended the University of Florida, so I grew up as a Gator enthusiast. My aspiration was to swim for them. While in my senior year of high school, a coach advised me to consider Florida State. A few weeks later, I received a recruiting call from FSU. Upon my recruiting visit, I was greeted at the airport by NCAA champion and future Olympic bronze medalist Stephen Parry. I thought it was the most remarkable experience. I fell in love with every aspect of Tallahassee and have remained a dedicated Seminole ever since. Although my swimming saw some enhancement, I will forever cherish the experiences I gained within the sports industry, access to outstanding athletic facilities, and the friendships forged there.

SW: Which teammates did you admire the most at FSU?

JK: Parry and Chad Onken with his amazing abs! I was always the smallest member of the team. To keep pace with the Olympians we had, I had to outwork everyone—but I could never outwork Steve. He was a standout in the pool with an incredible work ethic. Even better, he was blessed with a fantastic sense of humor and a fun-loving spirit.

SW: You are quite a fan of O.A.R. and can perform multiple renditions of their top tracks.

JK: I discovered them in Tally and FELL IN LOVE with singing and playing all their tunes on the guitar. I may not have been the best singer around, but I thoroughly enjoyed performing at open mic nights and gatherings in backyards. If I showed up without a guitar, someone would make sure to find one for me. Every moment of it was delightful.

SW: How did you come across coaching, or did coaching come across you?

JK: Even at age 14, my sole ambition was to coach. I memorized the times of the top national and international swimmers and absorbed every detail of what made my club coach, Jim Grazier, extraordinary. He was remarkable at instilling self-belief in athletes—and I have always aimed to emulate that.

My soccer coach, James Smith, emphasized that you are first a person, not merely an athlete. From a young age, I wanted to boost the self-esteem of others as well. That’s why I pursued a degree in sports management and sports administration in college.

SW: Rowdy Gaines is a longtime companion and has provided ongoing inspiration for you. What has been his influence on your swimming and coaching journey?

JK: I met Rowdy at the age of 8 when he visited our team banquet for the Winter Haven Stingrays in his hometown. Since that moment, he has been my role model and a close friend sharing our mutual love for the sport. He is a motivator for me and many others in our incredible sport!

SW: Over your journey with Panama City, NOVA, YOTA, Dolphin Club, and now SwimRVA, what lessons have you taken from each coaching role?

JK: My coaching toolbox is a collection of knowledge gained from my coaches. I learned about establishing and managing programs from Terry Maul, head coach of the Area Tallahassee Aquatic Club (ATAC). From Neil Harper and Chris Ip, I discovered that one can excel at an elite level while still enjoying the experience.

At 26, serving as the head coach for the Panama City Swim Team, I was given the autonomy to experiment through trial and error—and we consistently improved because of it. That solidified my understanding of the significance of fostering strong relationships with both parents and swimmers for program and personal advancement.

At NOVA, I witnessed how a well-organized structure can produce champions. At YOTA, I learned how a large program can embody a family atmosphere and that elite swimming can coexist with creativity and enjoyment. While serving as the head coach for the Dolphin Club in Richmond, I learned how to extract maximum results from minimal resources. We only had four lanes and expanded from 63 to 180 swimmers in just 10 months. To maintain the quality of the program alongside rising numbers, we had to be exceptionally inventive in optimizing time, given our limited practice sessions and crowded lanes.

All of these experiences culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity at SwimRVA. We possess one of the most stunning pools in the nation (the 2008 Olympic Trials pool), BUT that’s only part of what makes SwimRVA truly exceptional. I’ve been backed by CEO Adam Kennedy, who genuinely wants to enhance water safety in the greater Richmond area by raising the standard of aquatic activities in the region. SwimRVA represents a true movement. Adam’s support of my vision to have a program that empowers swimmers and families to determine their level of engagement has been the most pivotal factor in our progress—and success.

SW: After seven years with SwimRVA, you’ve helped increase membership from 0 to over 550?

JK: In the inaugural year, we simply eliminated obstacles that appeared to dissuade summer league participants from joining a year-round program. We concentrated on making the team adaptable and approachable. That action alone propelled us from 0 to 450 swimmers within just one year.

SW: What approaches do you utilize to foster a culture for

SW: A youthful squad?

JK: Based on my observations, a culture is cultivated through the connections you establish. And those connections rest on a bedrock of trust. Individuals are indifferent to your knowledge until they recognize your concern. Therefore, we have concentrated on fostering a joyful and influential culture grounded in robust coach-athlete bonds.

We do not impose any explicit team prerequisites. Our priority lies in cultivating an enjoyable and athlete-focused atmosphere. By nurturing athlete confidence through empowerment and challenges, we facilitate their development as both swimmers—and individuals.

SW: What lies ahead for SwimRVA?

JK: Thrilling! Currently, I am concentrating on enhancing every facet of our program. I have recently elevated senior assistant, Blake Proffitt, to head senior coach. For the first time in 26 years, I am not directly overseeing any single group. With a staff of 25 coaches, I now have the mental space, time, and energy to adopt a broader perspective on every element of our operation.

SW: SwimRVA has a distinctive atmosphere compared to other high-performance USA Swimming clubs in Richmond. Your athletes compete at national meets and swim in college as well. How do you characterize that atmosphere, and what role does it play in the realm of Richmond swimming?

JK: Since our emphasis is on forging healthy, positive relationships with our athletes and their guardians, we can concentrate on the more enjoyable aspects of the sport, such as having fun! There is a strong element of unity among our swim family, which we refer to as the “Rowdy Rapids.” Parents and swimmers are mutually supportive in numerous ways. We embody a perfect blend of the “swim candy” reminiscent of summer league swimming—combined with the seriousness and potential intensity characteristic of USA Swimming. We find equilibrium in it all and empower our swimmers and families to choose their level of involvement.

SW: The connection between coach and athlete is vital. What is the key sign that you have established a healthy and significant relationship with your athlete?

JK: At first, athletes absorb knowledge from the coach. Over time, each learns from the other. Ultimately, one hopes that the coach gains far more insights from the athlete. When the relationship is particularly strong, the bond often transcends swimming into significant life events like graduations and weddings.

SW: How and when do you implement the tread-water cool-down?

JK: Years back, I admonished swimmers for not cooling down, despite them still lingering in the water chatting. So, I allowed them to decrease their heart rate by treading water together in a circle while they conversed and bonded. It was fantastic! We don’t do it frequently to maintain its novelty. More often than not, I prefer the cool-down to reinforce a technical aspect. But it’s a great alternative occasionally.

SW: What are the SwimRVA Rapids Non-negotiables?

JK: 1) Always treat each other with respect and kindness.

2) Always be truthful.

3) Always put forth your best effort.

We thoroughly discuss these at the start of each season.

SW: You view social media as a tool for athlete development. Why is that?

JK: I believe in the value of acknowledgment in front of peers. With the growing prominence of social media, it increasingly becomes essential to recognize athletes through a platform they are familiar with and value. However, social media can be far more than merely that! By showcasing aspects of my swimming, coaching, mindset, mental health, and more on my social media account—mostly Instagram @swimjkap—I have been able to make a larger and more constructive impact on a greater number of athletes nationwide and even globally. Additionally, it’s enjoyable to share humorous content from time to time to remind everyone that this is about FUN and doesn’t need to be overly serious all the time!

SW: You now have four children. In what way has fatherhood transformed your approach as a coach?

JK: In every conceivable aspect. When I was a young coach, I attended the ASCA World Clinic with Terry Maul, and I took it upon myself to pose the same question to every elite and seasoned coach I encountered: “What advice would you offer to a young coach aspiring to stay in this profession for an extended period?”

Almost universally, the coaches provided a similar answer: “Always prioritize your family.” Numerous coaches had witnessed their marriages or families disintegrate due to prioritizing coaching and swimming above all else. While coaching and swimming bring immense joy, nothing compares to being a father—and that will never change. My coaching philosophy has remained consistent. However, having a family with four children necessitates that I excel at balancing my time between family and work commitments.

SW: You are enthusiastic about—and fixated on—sports cards. Why? What’s your favorite card?

JK: I have always been a passionate follower of all sports and have been captivated by the statistics, the artistry, and the narratives behind the athletes. Sports cards encapsulate all of that. I was enchanted with cards as a young boy and obsessed over the statistics. I would attend card shows with my best friend, Chris, and good friend and teammate Dan Ketchum (Olympic gold medal, 2004 800 free relay). Thirty years later, Chris asked if I had revisited our cards recently. Upon doing so, I launched my own eBay store to sell cards and enhance my collection. Since then, I have acquired some truly remarkable ones, including a 1932 Babe Ruth, a 1953 Satchell Paige, and the iconic 1986 Michael Jordan rookie card!

SW: If you were a “Star Wars” character, who would you embody?

JK: Without a doubt… I would choose Obi Wan Kenobi. In fact, last Halloween, I grew out my Jedi beard and became Obi Wan while my boys dressed as Padawan Jedis. I have always felt a connection to Obi Wan because he deeply cared for others and recognized their potential even when they couldn’t see it within themselves—certainly quite akin to my coaching approach.

SW: In a match race today: you vs. Piper Price (who holds 54 SwimRVA team records) in a LC 400 IM. Who prevails?

JK: How many months do I have to train and get back into shape for this? Oh, let’s be honest: Piper would absolutely obliterate me in the 400 IM at this moment. She is one of the most diligent, determined, and dedicated athletes I’ve ever had the joy of coaching.

Michael J. Stott is an ASCA Level 5 coach, writer on golf and swimming. His critically acclaimed coming-of-age golf novel, “Too Much Loft,” is in its third printing and is available from store.Bookbaby.com, Amazon, B&N, and distributors worldwide.