Coach Dara Carmack learned to swim in “Papaw Evan’s” pool when she was six years old with the help of her siblings. That moment sparked her love for swimming, prompting her to join the Knox County Piranhas swim team when she turned 10 years old.

Dara was mentored by Dee Dole, the “Godmother of Swimming” in Southeastern Kentucky. Dee coached for many years and taught Dara not only how to swim competitively, but how to coach competitive swimmers. 

Dara began coaching at the age of 16 and has never looked back. She has turned her passion into a career and has helped countless students learn how to swim and perfect their sport. Dara has coached teams, groups, and individuals over the years, fostering a love for not only the sport, but a passion to share her experience, and joy, as a confident and capable swimmer.

“It has been a privilege to teach, and coach, over 400 kids within the tri-county area, as well as a few adults, through individual lessons, the Piranhas Swim Team, KAC Aquatics, and the KCHS Men’s and Women’s Swim Team. Watching children and adults face their fear and learn how to become confident swimmers is an incredible feeling that I hope to pursue for as long as I can. As a mother, the assurance of knowing that my girls enjoy the water safely is priceless. Swimming is a life skill. No one regrets becoming a strong swimmer and I cherish being a part of that process.”