Head Coach & Program Director - Will Green
Will Green, the head coach of the SWAT team, was first introduced to swimming through group swim lessons at the YMCA. His passion for the sport led him to join the Jonesboro Jets at age 11 and later to become a member of the Jonesboro High School swim team. His dedication to swimming continued as he pursued his education at the University of Arkansas.
Green's career in aquatics began at a young age, with his first job as a lifeguard at the YMCA, where he worked under the supervision of Bob Williams at the age of 15. He also taught group swimming lessons at the YMCA, where he had participated as a child. During the summer between his first and second years of college, the coach of a local swim team contacted him to inquire about his interest in assisting with coaching age-group swimming, marking the beginning of his coaching career. Green then became an adjunct professor at Arkansas State University, teaching all aquatics courses and serving as the founder and head coach of the A-State Swim Club. In 2014, Green established the Dart Frog Aquatic Team, a swim club that he coached until it merged with SWAT in June 2022.
Green has showcased his coaching abilities by leading swimmers to top national rankings within their age groups. His athletes have successfully transitioned to collegiate swimming and competed in prestigious events, including the Futures Championship, Speedo Junior Nationals Championship, the U.S. Open, and the U.S. Olympic Trials. In 2024, Green's coaching excellence was recognized when he was honored as the ARSI Coach of the Year, a testament to his dedication and the quality of his coaching.
Green values the team's inclusive and supportive environment. He encourages swimmers of all ages to join, emphasizing that swimming is a lifelong skill. The team's diverse membership includes swimmers with varying abilities. Joining SWAT is open to anyone who can swim unassisted in the pool; you don't need to know all the strokes. The team is committed to supporting your progress from that point onward, ensuring that everyone feels invited and included.
Maddie Smith - Lead Assistant Coach
Maddie is a senior at Arkansas State University, majoring in Elementary Education. She began swimming at the age of 8 and has loved it ever since. I loved having so many friends on my swim team and looked forward to going every day. I want to encourage a fun environment like that for all of the kids on SWAT!
Claire Shepherd - Assistant Coach
Claire Shields is an accomplished figure in competitive swimming, with a distinguished career spanning 12 years. Her dedication to the sport culminated in qualifying for and attending the prestigious Junior Olympics twice. Her impact extended beyond individual achievement, as she was a foundational member of two history-making teams: the first-ever Pocahontas Redskin Swim Team and, later, the inaugural Williams Baptist Eagles Swim Team, helping to establish a new collegiate program.
Throughout her swimming career, she simultaneously worked at the Pocahontas Aquatic Center, where she held three vital roles: certified lifeguard, engaging aerobic instructor, and patient swim lesson instructor. This dual experience highlights a profound commitment to aquatic excellence, combining elite competition with extensive community-focused instruction and safety expertise.
Dominick Folk - Assistant Coach
Dominick began swimming at 13, and his journey is an excellent example of how it’s never too late to start something new. Swimming quickly became a significant passion for him, leading to some of the most meaningful friendships that he still cherishes today. His talent and dedication to the sport were evident when he qualified for the Junior Olympics multiple times. Now, Dominick is excited to start his coaching career with SWAT, where he aims to help swimmers succeed and enjoy swimming, just as he has.
Caitlin Green, MS, RD, LD - Team Dietitian & Administrator
Caitlin Green is an accomplished coach and registered dietitian for our team. She has over 20 years of experience in competitive swimming, both as a swimmer and a coach. Caitlin competed at the collegiate level for Lindenwood University while also coaching for Parkway Swim Club in St Louis, MO. Later, she transferred to the University of Arkansas to continue her academic and coaching career for Northwest Arkansas Aquatics. After graduating, Caitlin completed the Dietetic Internship Program at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Then, she graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition before returning to Jonesboro, AR.
Coach Caitlin is a Pediatric Dietitian at the Arkansas Children's Jonesboro Clinic. Her expertise extends beyond the clinic, where she works with young athletes and their families, crafting personalized nutrition plans to enhance growth and performance in and out of the pool. In her free time, Caitlin actively participates in community service as a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro and serves on the Executive Board of Directors for Arkansas Swimming, Inc.
