Coaching Staff

ANTHONY GARONO

HEAD COACH 

Email: cgstcoaches@gmail.com 

Anthony has been a proud part of all three Crozet Gator championships, contributing both as a swimmer and now as a coach. This summer marks his fourth year coaching the team, and his passion has only grown stronger each season. He currently swims at the Division I level for George Mason University, where he continues to sharpen his skills in the pool. Anthony brings that same dedication and energy to every practice with the Gators. He loves coaching these kids with all his heart and takes great pride in watching them grow both as swimmers and individuals. His experience, enthusiasm, and love for the sport make him a cherished part of the Crozet Gator family. 

LUCY NICHOLSON

ASSISTANT COACH 

Lucy grew up in Charlottesville and has been swimming since she was 5 years old. She started out in summer league, which was where she developed her love for the sport, and swims for Cavalier Aquatics and the Western Albemarle High School team. She started coaching the summer after her 8th grade year and has been on the Crozet Gators coaching staff for the past 3 years. She plans to attend Towson University in the fall where she will join their Division I swim team. Helping swimmers learn to love the sport as she does has been the best part about Crozet Gators for her and she loves watching all of the improvement each swimmer can make in just one summer. She is excited for another fun season as a Crozet Gators coach and can’t believe it’s her last season as a swimmer herself!

Jonathan Alexander

ASSISTANT COACH 

Coach Jonny grew up in Crozet and swam for the gators from 2014-2024. He also swam for many other teams including Western Albemarle. This is his second summer coaching the team, and his favorite part is helping his swimmers grow and improve both as athletes and individuals. He is very excited to return as a coach and have another successful year. Go Gators! 

Jackson Hankins

ASSISTANT COACH 

Jackson has lived in Crozet his whole life, and has been swimming since he was eight years old. He has swam for a number of teams over the years including Crozet Gators, CYAC, SMAC, BASS and the Western Albemarle High School team. As a rising senior and future captain at Western, Jackson has been a part of two state champion teams, as well as contributed to a few region and district titles. Jackson’s favorite races include freestyle, breaststroke, and IM. This is his first year as an official Gator coach, but he has been a volunteer junior coach for the past three years. This summer, Jackson is looking forward to watching all of his swimmers grow and improve, while also swimming for the Gators himself. Go Gators!! 

Sammy Nicholson

ASSISTANT COACH 

Sammy grew up in Charlottesville and has been swimming since she was 5 years old. She started out in summer league, which was where she developed her love for the sport, and swims for the Western Albemarle High School team. She started junior coaching in the summers and is excited to be part of the Crozet Gators coaching staff for this season! Sammy is a 15-18 swimmer on the Gators and continues to lead by example both in and out of the pool. 

Grace McCardle

ASSISTANT COACH 

Grace has lived in Crozet her whole life and has been swimming since she was nine years old. She started out doing summer league and currently swims at the Division I level for William and Mary, where she competes in freestyle and backstroke events. Grace has been coaching and doing swim lessons for the past three years, helping swimmers of all levels improve their technique and love for the sport. Her favorite part of coaching is seeing swimmers gain confidence in the water and achieve their personal goals. She is thrilled to join the Crozet Gators coaching staff this year and looks forward to a fun season!