Coaches
JT Amrein, from Kansas, is a nationally recognized swimmer specializing in breaststroke and individual medley. A four-time Kansas State Champion, he set the state record in the 100 Breaststroke and earned High School All-American honors, receiving recognition from Olympic champions Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky.
At Oklahoma Christian University, JT became a two-time NCAA National Champion in the 200 Yard Breaststroke, NCAA Reserve National Champion, and a U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier. He earned multiple NCAA All-American honors, set school and conference records, and captained his team for three seasons.
Graduating Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Business Management, JT was also named Eagle of the Year for excellence in athletics, leadership, and character.
Matthew Waters, from Kansas, swam four years on the varsity team at Shawnee Mission East, specializing in the 500 freestyle. During his time with the Lancers, he was part of a Kansas State Championship team and developed a strong background in distance training and race strategy.
Matthew has three years of experience as a junior coach and is in his first year as an assistant coach. Having recently finished his high school swimming career, he enjoys helping swimmers improve their technique, build confidence, and get the most out of their time in the water. He also values team culture and traditions, bringing energy and a positive environment to the team.
In addition to coaching, Matthew is a lifeguard, with a strong focus on safety in and around the pool.
Zaira Kearns, from Kansas was a one year member of the varsity swim and dive team at the Pembroke Hill School. As a junior in college, she is studying Marine Biology and Environmental Science on the Pre-Veterinary track in the honors program. She is also a member of the NCAA division 1 volleyball team at the University of New Haven. Zaira is returning for her second year as an assistant coach. She has been a stroke and turn judge for three years in the MOKAN and Country Club swim leagues. She is excited to return for another fun year of summer swim and ready to help swimmers improve and shave time in their races.
I am a sophomore at the University of Missouri, going to pharmacy school next year through UMKC. I swam competitively for 10 years, starting at Blazers, then moving to KCSA, and then finishing up my last couple of years at Empire. I also swam for fourteen years at Milburn, although I started my swim career as a precompeter at Woodside. My main events were freestyle and IM, although the thing I probably know the most about is turns off the wall! This will be my second year as a coach, and I can't wait!!!
I am a senior at Rockhurst High School and will be attending Creighton University in the fall to study finance. During my time at Rockhurst, I served as co-captain of the swim team, helping lead our program to two state championships. I take pride in balancing a lighthearted, outgoing personality with the ability to stay focused and serious when it matters most.
Emma Hebbert, from Prairie Village, swims for the Kansas City Blazers and has for the past 5 years. She has experienced many different levels of competition through out her swimming career. Emma specializes in the 200 individual medley and other mid distance events. Her favorite stroke is butterfly. She is a student at Shawnee Mission East. She swam on the varsity team and made the Kansas State team.
Emma values good sportsmanship, hard work, team culture, safety and most importantly having fun. Building a positive team environment and helping young swimmers gain the courage to overcome challenges is of the utmost importance to her.
This is her first year with the Woodside Waves and her second year as a lifeguard. She is looking forward to a great season.