Coach Bev is certified as a USA Triathlon (Level 1) Coach, USA Triathlon Official, USA Swiming Coach, and US Masters Swim Coach (Levels 1 and 2). She is the founder of SBR4Life, a swimming and triathlon training program with a research agenda. Providing instructional support and advocacy expertise for local and national water safety initiatives, Coach Bev’s greatest joy comes from watching her athletes build confidence and agility as swimmers.

 

She has taught swimmers from beginner to competitor and from young to mature at the Cowart Family YMCA in Atlanta, Georgia. Coach Bev continues to provide private, semi-private and group swim lessons to adults and children. Within the YMCA community she has been recognized for her unique ability to help new and nervous swimmers to overcome aquaphobia.

 

As part of her community service, Coach Bev serves on the Board of Directors for Atlanta Tri Kids and during training season she has served as a volunteer swim, cycling and run coach. Additionally, she has served as a swim/bike/run coach for the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA Kids Triathlon program.

 

In competition, Coach Bev has participated in swim race distances from pool sprint to 1.9-kilometer open water events. Her racing experience includes, but is not limited to, the following:

 

•Georgia State Games 1K Open Water Swim (Podium finish)

Georgia Games 1.9K Open Water Swim (Podium finish)

•Beach Blast Triathlon (Olympic) (Podium finish)

•HITS Triathlon Series – Palm Springs, CA (Sprint)

•St. Anthony’s Triathlon (Sprint)

•Georgia Masters LMSC - 50 Yd Br, 50 Yd Bk Stroke (Podium finish) 

Coach Bev also has competed in distance cycling and running events for nearly two decades including podium finishes in 10Ks and half marathons . And in 2016, she completed the Val de Vie Run in the Val de Vie Winelands, Western Cape, South Africa.

 

Her passion for swimming and triathlon is reflected in her published work. In 2015, Coach Bev’s article titled “Program Strengthens Communities” was published in USA Triathlon Magazine. Her work as a swim advocate is published in Blavity.com  

https://blavity.com/need-for-effective-drowning-prevention-swimming-black-children

 

In 2022, the Atlanta Jorunal Constitution featured Coach Bev's swim program in their article on local swim instructors.

https://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta-news/as-summer-approaches-instructors-try-to-stem-tide-of-black-drowning-deaths/D43NYBIASFFAFM5TMX6G2OJUCM/

 

Podcast "Black in Appalachia" interviewed Coach Bev for their segment on Blacks and swim culture. 

https://www.blackinappalachia.org/podcast/episode/374e0ac6/black-in-appalachia-swimming-and-pools

 

Her education and training credentials include a Juris Doctor degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her athletic certifications and licenses are shown below.

 

•AED for Aquatics

•CPR for Aquatics

•First Aid

•Group Exercise Instruction

•Oxygen

Red Cross Water Safety Triaining

•Schwinn Indoor Cycling

•Swim Lesson Instructor

•USA Certified Swim Official

USA Swiming Coach Certification

•USA Triathlon Level 1 Tri Coach Certification

USA Triathlon Official Certification

•USMS Swim Coach Certification (Levels 1 & 2)

•USOC Safe Sport Trained

All certifications/licenses are active.