Meet FAA SWIM CLUB Coaching Staff
Rich Rogers
Head Coach Swimming:
NATIONAL Grp
"COACH RICH"
Florida Atlantic Aquatics (FAA) is proud to have welcomed Coach Rich Rogers as Head Coach in 2023. In a short period of time, FAA has grown into a nationally recognized program under his leadership, earning a Top 20 finish (19th) in the ASCA Small Club Age Group Rankings, producing multiple USA Swimming #1 National Age Group rankings, and achieving scores of Top 10 NAG performances in less than three years.
In 2026, Coach Rich was named International Swim Coaches Association (ISCA) Coach of the Year at the Orca Awards, a national recognition reflecting his sustained impact on athlete development and program building across more than four decades in the sport.
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Coach Rich is widely recognized as a program builder, having developed teams from the ground up into large, multi-facility organizations, including serving as Program Director of a USA Swimming Gold Medal Club. His athletes have achieved success at every level of the sport, including:
- Hundreds of USA Swimming National Age Group (NAG) Top 16 and Top 10 swims
- Multiple NAG National Champions and Record Holders
- Junior National qualifiers in every event and champions in every stroke
- Finalists at USA Swimming Nationals and members of National Teams
- NCAA champions, U.S. Open competitors, American Record holders, and Olympic Gold Medalists
At FAA, that same long-term, development-focused philosophy continues to guide the program’s rapid rise and growing national presence.
Coach Rich has also found success across all areas of the sport, including collegiate coaching at the University of Tampa (DII) and University of New Orleans (DI), as well as Masters swimming, where his athletes have earned Zone, National, and World titles. His ability to connect with swimmers of all ages and abilities is a defining part of his approach.
“I love swimming. It has been a blessing to me and my family for many years. Helping people reap the benefits of engaging in a healthy, lifelong activity is my main motivator each day.”
Coach Rich brings a unique perspective, having experienced the sport as an athlete, coach at every level, and parent. This 360-degree understanding allows him to design programs that are developmentally appropriate and aligned with each swimmer’s goals—whether that is fitness, personal growth, or national-level performance.
At the core of his philosophy is a commitment to building an environment where swimmers and families feel valued, supported, and connected. His programs are known not only for performance, but for producing technically sound, motivated athletes who remain engaged in the sport long-term.
At Florida Atlantic Aquatics, Coach Rich and his staff continue to build a culture centered on development, accountability, and community, ensuring that every swimmer—regardless of level—has the opportunity to succeed and enjoy the process.
Eddie Fernandez
Stroke Coach
"COACH EDDIE"
Meet our esteemed Stroke Coach Eddie Fernandez, a dedicated and experienced professional with a passion for swimming.
With 25 years of coaching experience, Coach Eddie has consistently helped swimmers of all ages and skill levels achieve their goals in the pool. Despite facing career ending injuries for what would have been a promising NFL career, Eddie turned adversity into opportunity and emerged as a successful entrepreneur.
Eddie’s coaching journey includes six influential years as the head coach of the Irockets USA swim team in Vermont and currently coaching at the YMCA Peter Blum Family of Boca Raton.
He is known for an impressive track record of coaching recreational swimmers to Junior Olympics and NCSA Championships, as well as enhancing the performance of multiple high school Teams; through his dedication, expertise and ability to inspire swimmers.
Thank you Coach Eddie !!!
Nick Shaffer
Lead Age Group Swim Coach:
NATIONAL DEP. Grp
&
Summer Camp Counselor
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ADMIN: Swimming / Lessons
"COACH NICK"
Major
- Biological Sciences
- Graduated FAU in 2025
Career Accolades
- School record holder in 200 IM, 400 IM, 800 free relay
- Freshman record holder in 200 IM, 200 free relay, 400 free relay, 400 medley relay
- 2025 ASUN gold medalist in 400 IM
- 2025 ASUN gold medalist in 800 free relay
- 2024 ASUN bronze medalist in 400 medley relay
- 2023 CCSA silver medalist in 400 IM
- 2023 CCSA bronze medalist in 200 IM
- 2022-23 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll
- 2021-22 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll
Career Best Times at FAU
- 50 Free – 20.88 at 2024 Patriot Invitational (11/21/24)
- 100 Back – 49.17 at 2024 ASUN Championships (2/22/24)
- 200 Back – 1:47.57 at 2024 ASUN Championships (2/24/24)
- 200 Breast – 2:04.03 at 2022 Patriot Invitational (11/19/22)
- 100 Fly – 49.15 at 2025 ASUN Championships (2/21/25)
- 200 Fly – 1:49.26 at 2023 CCSA Championships (2/17/23)
- 100 IM – 51.12 at 2022 CCSA Championships (2/18/22)
- 200 IM – 1:46.82 at 2023 CCSA Championships (2/15/23)
- 400 IM – 3:48.79 at 2023 CCSA Championships (2/16/23)
Senior (2024-25)
- Opened senior year against Indian River with a second place finish in the 200 IM (1:57.38)
- Earned first win of the season in the 200 IM (1:55.87) at the TYR Fall Classic
- Finished second in the 200 back (1:54.93) in a tri-meet featuring Nova Southeastern/Barry/FAU
- Victorious in the 400 IM (3:53.03) at the midseason Patriot Invitational
- Finished FAU career with two gold medals at the ASUN championships, winning the 400 IM (3:51.55) and 800 free relay
Junior (2023-24)
- Finished in third place in the 200 IM (1:57.13) against Indian River
- Swam to third place in the 200 back (1:55.03) versus Nova
- Tallied third place in the 400 IM (4:12.86) at the TYR Fall Classic
- Victorious in the 100 back (52.36) and placed in second in the 200 IM (1:56.71) at Florida Gulf Coast
- Took first place in the 200 back (1:54.82) and third place in the 200 IM (1:55.48) against Keiser
- Part of the school record setting 200 free relay team (1:19.55) at the midseason Patriot Invitational, also placed in second in the 400 IM (3:53.45)
- Won the 200 back (1:51.24) versus St. Thomas
- Earned the bronze medal as part of the 400 medley relay while setting the program record (3:12.82) and finished in fifth place in the 400 IM (3:52.87) at the ASUN Championship
Sophomore (2022-23)
- Won the 200 IM (1:55.66) against St. Thomas
- Showcased school record-setting performances at the CCSA Championships in the 200 IM (1:46.82), winning a bronze medal, as well as the 400 IM (3:48.79) for the silver medal
- Placed in 10th in the 400 IM (4:29.93) at the TYR Pro Swim Series
Freshman (2021-22)
- Captured the silver in the 400 IM (3:54.39) at the CCSA Championships (2/14/22)
- Earned the bronze and set the FAU freshman record in the 200 IM (1:49.31) at the CCSA Championships (2/17/22)
- Set the FAU freshman record in the 100 IM (51.12) at the CCSA Championships (2/18/22)
- Finished in second place in the 400 IM (3:57.35) at the Patriot Invitational (11/18/22)
- Won the 200 IM (1:56.27) against St. Thomas (1/21/22)
High School
- Held All-American consideration times on three different occasions, twice in the 200 IM and once in the 100 back
- FHSAA 2A State Champion in the 200 IM (1:50.38)
- FHSAA 2A State bronze medalist in the 100 back (51.46)
- Two-time FHSAA 2A State Champion with back-to-back titles
- No. 42 swimmer in his class out of Florida, according to Swimcloud
- Coached by his father Bill Shaffer at Jesuit High School
- Swam for Academy Aquatic Club
Personal
- Born September 2002, in Tampa, Florida
- Majoring in Biological Sciences
- Son of Liz and Bill Shaffer
- Enjoys hanging out with friends, going to the beach and playing spikeball
Taylor Eaton
Age Group Swim Coach:
BLUE Grp
&
Summer Camp Counselor
"COACH TAYLOR"
Major
- Biological Sciences and Entrepreneurship
- Senior
Career Accolades
- Freshman record holder in 200 free relay, 400 free relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay
- 2022-23 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll
- 2021-22 CUSA Commissioner’s Honor Roll
Career Best Times at FAU
- 100 Back – 49.26 at 2024 ASUN Championships (2/23/24)
- 200 Back – 1:47.81 at 2024 ASUN Championships (2/24/24)
- 100 Breast – 59.32 versus St. Thomas (1/20/24)
- 100 Fly – 50.35 at 2023 Patriot Invitational (11/17/23)
- 200 IM – 1:50.05 at 2024 ASUN Championships (2/21/24)
Junior (2023-24)
- Took fourth place in the 100 back (52.62) and 200 back (1:55.33) versus Keiser
- Earned third place in the 200 back finals (1:47.93) at the Patriot Invitational
- Tallied a pair of third place finishes in the 100 breast (59.32) and 200 back (1:52.03) against St. Thomas
Sophomore (2022-23)
- Tallied a third-place finish in the 200 IM (1:59.35) against Florida
- Led the way for the Owls with a sixth place fiish in the 200 back (1:49.15) at the CCSA Championships
- Placed in 22nd in the 200 back (2:10.38) at the TYR Pro Swim Series
Freshman (2021-22)
- Tallied fifth place in the 200 Back (1:49.03) at the CCSA Championships
- Placed second in the 200 Back (1:58.45) against St. Thomas
- Finished in seventh place in the 100 Back (50.01) at the Patriot Invitational
- Member of the freshman record setting relay teams in the 200 Free (1:22.90), 400 Free (3:04.93), 200 Medley (1:32.30), 400 Medley (3:21.86)
High School
- Tabbed as a Scholastic All-American
- Recognized as a First Team All-State recipient
- Holds high school record in the 200 free relay
- Celebrated as a 200 free relay All-American
- Tabbed as a two-time 6A State Champion
- Logged the bronze medal in the 100 back at 6A State
- Swam for Dynamo Swim Club
- Qualifier for winter and summer junior nationals
- No. 27 swimmer in his class out of Georgia, according to Swimcloud
Personal
- Born February 2003, in Georgia
- Biological Sciences and Entrepreneurship major
- Son of Julie and John Eaton
- Interesting hobbies include fishing, snowboarding, boating and golfing
Logan Thornsberry
Age Group Swim Coach:
- GRAY Grp
- Stroke ACADEMY
&
Summer Camp Counselor
"COACH LOGAN"
Major
- Criminal Justice
- Graduated FAU in 2025
Career Accolades
- School record holder in the 200 free relay, 400 free relay, 800 free relay
- Freshman record holder in 400 free relay, 200 medley relay, 400 medley relay
- 2025 ASUN Championships gold medalist in 800 free relay
- 2025 ASUN Championships silver medalist in 200 free relay
- 2025 ASUN Championships silver medalist in 400 free relay
- 2025 ASUN Championships bronze medalist in 200 medley relay
- 2024 ASUN Championships bronze medalist in 800 free relay
- 2023 CCSA silver medalist in 500 free
Career Best Times at FAU
- 50 Free – 20.18 at 2025 ASUN Championships (2/19/25)
- 100 Free – 44.46 at 2024 Patriot Invitational (11/23/24)
- 200 Free – 1:37.77 at 2025 ASUN Championships (2/20/25)
- 500 Free – 4:27.82 at 2023 CCSA Championships (2/15/23)
- 1000 Free – 9:22.02 at 2024 CSCAA National Invitational Championships (3/16/24)
- 1650 Free – 15:31.42 at 2023 CCSA Championships (2/18/23)
- 100 Breast – 1:03.76 at FAU Fun Invite (12/20/23)
- 100 Fly – 50.29 at 2022 Patriot Invitational (11/18/22)
Senior (2024-25)
- Opened senior campaign with a win in the 100 free (46.16) against Indian River
- Earned a second straight victory in the 100 free (45.85) at the TYR Fall Classic
- Finished second in the 50 free (21.41) at a tri-meet featuring Nova Southeastern/Barry/FAU
- Had a pair of third place finishes in the 100 free (44.46) and 1650 free (15:44.41) at the Patriot Invitational
- Competed at the 2024 Toyota U.S. Open
- Walked away from the ASUN Championships with four medals including gold in the 800 free relay which also broke the school record
Junior (2023-24)
- Opened season with a win in the 1000 free (9:48.22) against Indian River
- Took second place in the 1000 free (9:46.65) versus Nova
- Earned second place in the 500 free (4:39.73) at the TYR Fall Classic
- Won the 200 free (1:42.01) at Florida Gulf Coast
- Victorious in the 1000 free (9:40.61) against Keiser
- Part of school record setting 200 free relay team (1:19.55) and finished in second place in the 1650 free (15:36.41) at the Patriot Invitational
- Earned a bronze medal as a member of the school record setting 800 free relay team (6:32.17) at the ASUN Championships
Sophomore (2022-23)
- Racked up second place finishes in the 200 free (1:41.65) and 500 free (4:40.74) at the TYR Fall Classic
- Winner of the 200 free (1:40.75) against Keiser
- Earned second place in the 1650 free (15:46.36) at the Patriot Invitational
- Reached the podium as a silver medalist in the 500 free (4:27.82) at the CCSA Championships
- Member of the record-setting 200 free relay (1:19.98), 400 free relay (2:56.28), and 800 free relay (6:32.57) teams at the CCSA Championship
- Placed in 10th in the 1000 free (9:28.40) at the CSCAA National Invitational Championships
Freshman (2021-22)
- Finished in sixth place in the 500 Free (4:33.29) at the CCSA Championships
- Winner of the 100 Free (46.18) against St. Thomas
- Placed in sixth in the 200 Free (1:41.25) at the Patriot Invitational
- Tallied third place in the 1000 Free (9:52.91) against Princeton
- Member of the freshman record setting relay teams in the 200 Free (1:22.90), 400 Free (3:04.93), 200 Medley (1:32.30), 400 Medley (3:21.86)
High School
- Received All-America swimming honors in the 200 free relay
- Seminole High School record holder in the 200 and 400 free relays
- Recognized as the Pinellas County Swimmer of the Year
- Was a state finalist all four years in high school
- Swam for Coach Spurgeon and Coach Cox at Seminole HS
- Graduated cum laude
- Member of West Florida Lightning Aquatics
- Named Most Valuable Swimmer for club team
- No. 27 swimmer in his class out of Florida
Personal
- Born January 2003, in St. Petersburg, Florida
- Majoring in criminal justice
- Son of Scott and Erika Thornsberry
- Interesting hobbies include fishing/shark fishing, hanging out with friends, boating and playing spikeball and volleyball
Lara Preacco, PhD
Owner, CEO, Program Director & FAU Head Coach
Former Florida Atlantic University swimmer Lara Preacco, PhD, joined the men's and women's coaching staff in May of 2012 as an assistant, and two years later, was elevated to head coach. Preacco is in her tenth season at the helm of the program, a position she has held since 2014.
Preacco swam for the Owls from 1994 to 1998 when the University was in the early stages of Division I status. She was also an assistant coach for the team from 1998-2001, while earning her master's degree, in Mental Health Counseling. While she earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from FAU, she went to Western Michigan University to obtain her Doctorate in Counseling Psychology.
She represented both FAU and her home country of Switzerland at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and was inducted into the FAU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010. Preacco is the second member of an FAU coaching staff, along with former swimming assistant coach Oliver Agh, to be both an FAU Athletics Hall-of-Famer and a former Olympic competitor.
Prior to coming to FAU, Preacco set five Swiss national records and captured 38 gold medals while competing at the Swiss National Championships from 1983 to 1997. At FAU, she was team MVP in 1995-96 and team captain the following season.
Besides her impressive résumé in the pool, Preacco also earned Honorable Mention in the All-American Scholar Excellence rankings, while placing on the FAU Dean's List four times and President's List three times.
Preacco’s Head Coaching Highlights
- Thirty-Seven Conference Champions
- Three NCAA Championships participants
- Thirty-four school record holders
- Two C-USA Newcomer of the Year awards
- Two C-USA Freshman Diver of the Year awards
- Two CCSA Diver of the Year awards
- Two CCSA Scholar Athlete of the Year titles
- Five CCSA post-meet awards (CCSA Most Outstanding Swimmer of the Meet and CCSA Most Outstanding Diver of the Meet)
- 16 CSCAA Scholar All-American Team distinction for women’s swimming & diving
- Nine CSCAA Scholar All-American Team honors for men’s swimming & diving
- Eight CSCAA Scholar All-American Honorable Mention recipients
- Five C-USA All-Academic Team recipients
- Nineteen CCSA Swimmer of the Week and 22 CCSA Diver of the Week award winners
- Seven C-USA Swimmer of the Week and eight C-USA Diver of the Week awards
Under Preacco's leadership
- the women's team marked the best finish for the Owls at the C-USA Championship, as well as the best placing at a conference championship since 2007-08 when the Owls were a part of the Sun Belt Conference.
- the men's team was the runner up at the 2019, 2020, 2022 & 2023 CCSA Championships. This runner up feat marks the best finishes in a Conference Championship for FAU in over 20 years.
FAA SWIMMING ADMINISTRATION
Nick Shaffer
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Lead Age Group Swim Coach:
NATIONAL DEP. Grp
&
ADMIN: Swimming / Lessons
- Swimming
Email Nick at FAASwimming@gmail.com
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FAA Coaches Bios
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