Coach Aaron began his swimming journey at the age of 14 and quickly discovered a passion not only for the sport, but also for teaching and mentoring young athletes. In the same year he started competitive swimming, he also began teaching swim lessons and coaching for a summer swim team—laying the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in aquatics and athlete development.

By the age of 17, Coach Aaron had qualified for the 2000 Olympic Trials, an accomplishment that reflected his dedication, work ethic, and love for the sport. He continued his swimming career collegiately at CSU Bakersfield under renowned coach Bob Steele, where he further developed his understanding of high-level training, technique, and team culture.

Coach Aaron began coaching club swimming in 2000, focusing primarily on 10 & Under age group swimmers. Throughout his coaching career, he has been named Age Group Coach of the Year numerous times , has been selected as an All-Star coach, and has helped develop numerous swimmers into LSC Champions. Beyond the competitive side of swimming, he also helped build a successful swim school from the ground up—one that continues to operate successfully today under new management.

After moving to San Jose, Ca. Coach Aaron took over coaching responsibilities for a summer recreational swim team in Menlo Park that aspired to become a year-round program. Through years of development, leadership, and community building, the program grew to nearly 500 athletes and produced swimmers who achieved Junior National, Futures, and California High School State qualifying levels.

Coach Aaron is passionate about building strong relationships with athletes and families while creating an environment that emphasizes growth, confidence, accountability, and enjoyment of the sport. He is excited to continue growing the Rocky Mountain Rapids program and helping swimmers of all levels discover what they are capable of both in and out of the pool.

Outside of coaching, Coach Aaron enjoys spending time with his family, camping, traveling, and teaching his children everything he can about life, learning, and adventure.

A Colorado Springs native, Griffin discovered his love for swimming at a young age through a local summer club, a passion that grew into a 14-year competitive career. As an age group swimmer, he qualified for the Colorado Age Group Zones team in 2013, '14, and '15 where he consistently placed in the top 5 for his events. Griffin also qualified for the 2015 Colorado All-Star team. As a multi-time age group state champion, he knows what dedication it takes to reach the top. In high school, Griffin was a state champion in the 200 Free Relay and finished in the top three in all of his events Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior year.  

Since beginning his coaching journey in 2019, Griffin has developed a reputation for motivating swimmers through positivity, accountability, and a deep understanding of the sport. Outside of Rapids, he continues to serve as an assistant coach for the Rampart High School Men’s and Coronado High School Girl's swim teams, where he helps athletes reach their potential both in and out of the pool.

When not on a pool deck, he enjoys spending time outdoors with family, going to concerts with his friends, and watching any Houston sports team when they play. 

Assistant Coach, Rocky Mountain Rapids

Coach Rob has worked with all the groups at Rocky Mountain Rapids over the past several years, but primarily focuses on the Senior Group.  Coach Rob began coaching a summer club in Fort Collins as a young teenager,  coached  USA Swimming clubs in Fort Collins, CO and American Fork, UT, and has been coaching college swimming for the past 23 years.  Coach Rob grew up swimming in Fort Collins and swam at the University of Wyoming, where he was an Academic All-American.  He was conference champion in both IM events, competed at the USA National Championships and the NCAA Championships.

"I love to see change.  The rate at which the young athletes are improving is sometimes mind-boggling!  Whereas my college swimmers train all year to see ever-smaller improvements, the younger RMR swimmers are literally dropping their times weekly!  It is fun to be  a part of the process and to help swimmers achieve their goals.  I love helping athletes understand what they need to do to grow and enjoy seeing them embrace change and be rewarded as they improve in the pool."

Emelia’s love for swimming grew throughout her years in the sport,
beginning in 7th grade and continuing through 12th grade. She swam
competitively and had the opportunity to compete at the state level
during high school and in summer clubs! Her favorite stroke is
breaststroke, and she is excited to share her love of swimming with
younger athletes while helping them grow their skills and confidence
in the water.
Emelia is currently studying nursing at the University of Colorado,
Colorado Springs (UCCS), but outside of swimming and school, she
enjoys skiing, playing soccer, baking, and any time outdoors. She is
thrilled to be part of the Rocky Mountain Rapids coaching staff and
looks forward to helping swimmers develop a love for the sport.

McKeely has been involved in swimming her whole life as both a swimmer and coach in the Colorado Springs community. Her love for the sport began with a simple group swim lesson, and grew through summer swim teams, competitive swimming, and a 4 time state swim team member. She has taught swimmers at the YMCA, was an Assistant Coach for the Doherty High School Girls Swim Team, and a local summer swim team, 

McKeely loves helping swimmers grow their skills, build confidence, and develop a genuine love for the sport. Her coaching philosophy centers on creating an environment where every swimmer feels supported and challenged to reach their goals. She is excited to continue sharing her passion for swimming and supporting athletes both in and out of the pool.

When she's not on deck, she enjoys finding her next book to read, hanging out with her dogs, and searching for new places to paddleboard