Union Commonwealth University

Ryan Winders comes to Union from Lexington, KY, where he coached at Lexington Christian Academy and Lexington Dolphins. During his 17 year coaching career at Class-A LCA, Coach Ryan helped lead the team to multiple invitational wins, including a Runner-Up finish at the Region 5 Championships and a 6th Place finish at the KHSAA State Championships. His teams broke 12 school records and over 20 athletes moved on to swim at the college level - several at DI institutions. Over the past 6 seasons, Coach Ryan has worked with Lexington Dolphins - coaching their Performance (HS) groups. The swimmers he coached have gone on to achieve Age-Group Sectional, Sectional, Futures, Junior National, and Olympic Trials cuts. Coach Ryan is also an Assistant Professor at Union, where he teaches in the Education Department. His subjects include: Instructional Design, Educational Technology, and Mathematics. He earned his Bachelor's and Master's at the University of Kentucky, his Rank I and Ed.S. from University of the Cumberlands, and Ed.D. from Morehead State University.

Laura was born and raised in Brazil, where her passion for swimming took root and flourished. With a rich Brazilian heritage, she brings a vibrant, fun, and determined spirit to everything she does. Laura holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Union College, and an MBA from King University, specializing in leadership and management. With an impressive swimming background spanning 16 years, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge to her coaching role. Specializing in freestyle events, her dedication and hard work led her to achieve remarkable results throughout her career. Notable accomplishments include securing a spot among the Top 15 in Brazil for the 1500m Freestyle in 2018, as well as multiple appearances as a National Finalist in the 200m, 400m, and 800m Freestyle events. In the U.S., Laura's competitive journey continued to flourish. Competing at the NAIA level, she earned medals at the AAC Conference Championships and qualified for the National Championship Meet. Her prowess extended to the NCAA DII Division, where she played a vital role in helping King University achieve outstanding results both in and out of the pool. As a swim coach, Laura is known for her unwavering dedication and passion for the sport. Drawing from her extensive swimming experience and educational background, she brings a unique blend of technical expertise and motivational coaching to her athletes. Laura's coaching philosophy centers on fostering a positive and nurturing environment that empowers swimmers to unleash their full potential. She believes in instilling values such as perseverance, discipline, and teamwork (both in and out of the pool) to develop not just exceptional athletes but also well-rounded individuals primed for success in all facets of life. Laura's commitment to her swimmers' growth and success extends beyond the pool. With her infectious enthusiasm and supportive guidance, she inspires her athletes to dream big and achieve their goals. Under her mentorship, swimmers can expect to unlock new levels of performance, build lasting memories, and develop a genuine love for the sport.