Coaches
Cara Schumann brings years of coaching experience and a deep passion for swimming. She has worked with swimmers of all ages, teaching proper technique in all four strokes while fostering confidence and a love for the sport.
As Head Coach of the C.H.S. Swim Team (NCHSAA) in Clayton, NC, Cara helped high school swimmers refine their skills and prepared them for competition. She also led the Riptide Swim Team (USA Swimming) in Huntington, WV, and the S.R.A.C. Summer League Team in Smithfield, NC, creating fun, engaging practices and guiding athletes in competitive meets.
A former collegiate swimmer at Marshall University, Cara specialized in distance freestyle and IM but was a true utility swimmer, stepping into any race the team needed. Her versatility and competitive experience help her develop well-rounded swimmers ready to tackle any challenge.
Cara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a Concentration in Chemistry, along with Minors in Psychology and Sports Management. She also earned a Master of Science in Adult Education with an emphasis in Evaluation. Currently, she serves as an AVID Coordinator and Teacher at McGavock High School, where she supports students to be college and career ready.
Cara’s coaching philosophy focuses on building strong fundamentals, encouraging personal improvement, and creating a supportive team environment. The best piece of advice she was given as a young swimmer was "any coach can make a swimmer fast in a few months, but not every swimmer will have perfect technique. Focus on technique and speed will follow".
I was born and raised in Mexico City, where I began swimming and competing at the age of 5. By age 12, I earned a place on a National Championship team and trained and competed at the national level until moving to the United States in 1998. Before relocating, I also assisted in coaching younger swimmers within my team, which sparked my passion for teaching and mentoring athletes.
Since moving to the United States, I have remained actively involved in the swimming community. I volunteered as a timer at Excel Aquatics, where both of my children were swimmers, and I have continued supporting the sport I love. I am passionate about coaching and teaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels, helping them build confidence, improve technique, and develop a lifelong love for swimming.
I have been swimming competitively at Nashville Aquatic Club for over 10 years. Swimming has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and I love being able to share these lessons. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to help coach and lead the kids to success.
I have been swimming competitively at Nashville Aquatic Club for over 10 years. Swimming has taught me the importance of hard work, discipline, and teamwork, and I love being able to share these lessons. I’m so grateful for the opportunity I have been given to help coach and lead the kids to success.
Coach Lily
