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Our  Story

We are a local, family-owned and operated business with decades of experience teaching and coaching successful swimmers.

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Hello there, we're Darryl and Jen Waldon, and we're genuinely excited to get to know you! Our journey to launching our aquatics program is rooted in Darryl's enduring love for swimming and Jen's commitment to creating a space to learn and grow. With four fantastic kids, each having dipped their toes into competitive swimming at different stages, our family shares a profound connection to the water. Fueled by this passion, we're dedicated to delivering a program that nurtures strong and confident swimmers, instilling the same love for the water we hold close. We're eagerly anticipating the opportunity to dive in with you!

Our Team

We employ individuals with the success of your swimmer in mind. Instructors are dedicated to ensuring the safe and enjoyable aquatic experience our participants and their families expect and deserve.

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Darryl Waldon

Founder, Co-Owner & Program/Team Director

I’ve always loved the water and have been teaching or coaching swimming since I was 15! My competitive swimming career took me to Towson University where I was a 4-time letter winner, record holder, and team captain for the Tigers D1 swim team. After college, I continued to help coach the team for several years, and have since held many coaching roles for swimmers of all ages and levels of expertise. I’ve always been a teacher at heart and take great pride in helping others achieve their goals, whether in the pool, on the baseball field, or in their professional careers. I love leading this team and believe anyone can learn to swim!

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Josh Waldon

Head Coach/Swim Instructor/Competitive Skills Specialist

Hey everyone! My name is Josh. I’m a 2024 Cleveland High School graduate and finished out my competitive swimming career of over 13 years holding the Men’s 100 Breaststroke school record!

 

In addition to teaching lessons, I'm excited to be the 2024 Head Coach of the SRAC TigerSharks swim team. I look forward to helping each swimmer I teach/coach grow in their love for the water and become the best swimmer they can be!

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Emma Fillinger

Swim Instructor

My name is Emma and I'm one of your instructors at TigerShark Aquatics! I have been swimming competitively for 4 years and am a recent graduate of Southside Christian Academy. I was recently accepted to NC State and plan to begin my college journey in January 2025. I have worked with kids in  numerous settings. I am more than excited to be a part of TigerShark to not only show kids the joys of swimming but the practical value of it as well!

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Anya Muminovic

Assistant Coach/Swim Instructor

Hi! My name is Anya and I just completed my sophomore year at Smithfield-Selma High School. I am a competitive swimmer for the Marlins of Raleigh and I was State Champion for SSS this year in the 100 yard breaststroke! I love teaching and coaching swimming and I am so excited for this season!

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Jen Waldon

Co-Owner, Director of Operations, Team Director

Hey there, I'm Jen! While swimming isn't my background, I've been by Darryl's side for nearly three decades, nurturing his love for the sport. Whether it was watching him compete, coach swimmers of all levels, or sitting by his side cheering on our four kids in their swimming endeavors, my enthusiasm for swimming has blossomed. My expertise lies in business operations, organization, marketing, and design. While the team is in the water, I ensure the smooth functioning of our business. Occasionally, you'll find me in the pool with your little ones, a delightful experience where I can utilize valuable insights from over the years!

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Kylee Dunderman

Swim Instructor

Hi! My name is Kylee and I'm a rising Senior at Cleveland High School. I love teaching swim lessons and making learning to swim a fun experience for kids! I'm always interested in doing things that involve kids, and helping them learn to be safe in the water is important to me.  I've not personally swum competitively but have been around the sport, supporting a few in my life that have devoted their time to swimming. I've learned so much, l love being around the water and can't wait to get swimming with your little ones!

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Caroline Marslender

Assistant Coach/Swim Instructor

Hey my name is Caroline. I am a competitive swimmer at Cleveland High School and I just completed my sophomore year. I love being around water, and I am excited to make connections and have lots of fun with all my students! 

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Not only will I be teaching your little ones to swim, but I will also be working with the summer swim team this year! Go Sharks!

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Liz Reed

Assistant Coach

Hi everyone! My name is Liz Reed and I am a rising Junior at Cleveland High School. I have been swimming competitively for 8 years, currently swimming for the Marlins of Raleigh. My main events/strokes are the 200 and 100 butterfly and the 200 and 100 backstroke. I like coaching because it gives me the opportunity to pass along my love for swimming and to help others reach their swim goals. I can't wait for this upcoming summer season!

Join Our Team

Join Our Team

why

TigerShark Aquatics? 

Equal opportunity employer

Competitive pay with bonus opportunities

Flexible scheduling

You are family. Your growth and development matter to us!

Mentoring and training to build your skills and confidence

TigerShark Aquatics
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Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center

600 M Durwood Stephenson Pkwy, Smithfield, NC 27577

Smithfield Recreation and Aquatics Center

© 2024 TigerShark Aquatics

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