Jason Wascher - Director of Competitive Coaching

Coach Jason’s competitive swimming journey began at just eight years old when his parents enrolled him in the local year-round club team. Though he explored many sports growing up, swimming quickly became his passion and where he excelled most. With the guidance of exceptional coaches and teammates, he went on to compete at the collegiate level for Buffalo State University, crediting his lifelong connection to the sport for helping shape many of his best qualities.

As a father, Jason wanted to pass that same experience to his children. He founded the Planters Walk HOA swim team in 2011 and later Just Swim Charlotte in 2013, bringing his love of the sport to families across the community. He believes young swimmers can thrive in multiple activities while still reaching high levels of success—with the right kind of program, dedication, and consistent effort.

Coach Jason believes that his success as an adolescent wasn’t a result of being particularly special...it had a lot more to do with the resources around him, showing up to practice and the willingness to put in the work. Show up, follow the program and good things will happen.

With over 15 years of coaching experience and certifications through NCHSAA and USA Swimming, Jason has devoted countless hours to empowering youth swimmers. His passion, work ethic, and belief in showing up and putting in the work continue to inspire swimmers throughout Southwest Charlotte, where he lives with his wife, Dana, and their three children.

Siobhan Beam - Director of Youth Development

With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Coach Beam brings a lifelong passion for swimming, youth development, and education to every lesson and training session. A former year round competitive swimmer for 10 years and collegiate swimmer at James Madison University, Coach Beam combines strong technical knowledge with a supportive, encouraging coaching style that helps swimmers build both confidence and skill in the water.

In addition to her coaching background, Coach Beam is a longtime educator with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and a dedicated member of the Steele Creek community. Over the years, many local swimmers have gotten their start with Coach Beam — whether in the classroom or in the pool — making her a familiar and trusted mentor to countless families throughout the area.

Coach Beam specializes in youth stroke development, technique refinement, and building strong foundational skills for swimmers of all ages and ability levels. She has taught private and semi private swim lessons ranging from toddlers learning water confidence to adults improving endurance and stroke efficiency. Her patient and positive approach allows swimmers to progress at their own pace while developing proper technique and a genuine love for the sport.

In addition to individual instruction, Coach Beam spent eight years coaching a local swim team, where she helped young athletes strengthen technique, gain confidence, and grow both as swimmers and teammates. As a certified stroke and turn judge, she also brings extensive knowledge of competitive swimming rules, race mechanics, and efficient stroke technique, helping swimmers establish strong habits from the very beginning.

As Director of Youth Development, Coach Beam is committed to creating a positive and encouraging environment where every swimmer feels supported, challenged, and excited to improve. Her passion for teaching and deep connection to the local swimming community continue to make a lasting impact on swimmers and families throughout the Charlotte area.

Chris McGuire - Director of Programming

Growing up in the lakes of Northern Michigan, Chris spent his childhood turning every dock and shoreline into an adventure. That lifelong connection to the water, combined with years of summer league swimming, laid the foundation for his belief that swimming is the ultimate blend of life-saving skills, discipline, and personal growth.

While Chris brings a fresh perspective to swim coaching, he is a veteran leader with years of experience coaching and directing youth sports programs. After a standout inaugural season as a swim coach, he quickly became known for his high energy, organizational precision, and a unique ability to connect with athletes of all skill levels. Chris views his role as a "visionary bridge", merging his professional leadership background with a coaching philosophy that prioritizes character, perseverance, and self-belief.

At Just Swim, Chris leads the development and implementation of programming across all levels, helping design a progressive pathway that supports swimmers as they build skills, technique, and confidence in the water. He is also highly involved in the creation and execution of Just Swim’s video analysis program, helping athletes better understand stroke mechanics and accelerate technical improvement through visual feedback and individualized instruction.

Known for his energy, organization, and ability to connect with swimmers and parents alike, Chris remains highly involved during every program session. Whether assisting coaches on deck, working one on one with swimmers who need extra attention on a specific skill, helping manage logistics behind the scenes, or engaging with families poolside, he brings a hands on leadership style that keeps the athlete experience at the center of every program.

Jen Buffett - Senior Coach

Coach Jen's journey in swimming began with a literal splash when she was thrown into the pool at age six. That moment sparked a lifelong passion for the sport, leading her through years of competitive swimming across California and North Carolina. She spent over a decade on the USA Swimming circuit and served as captain of the nationally recognized South Mecklenburg High School Swim Team.

As a parent, Jen found new purpose in the sport through her daughter’s swimming career. She became a certified USA Swimming Stroke & Turn Official, allowing her to support from the pool deck while positively influencing the next generation of swimmers. Her commitment to the sport expanded further as she took on roles as a high school referee and starter.

With more than five years of coaching experience at Planters Walk Swim Team, Jen was a natural fit to help grow Just Swim as a managing partner. Her coaching philosophy blends technical excellence with a deep understanding of athlete development, shaped by her own competitive background and her experience as a swim parent.

Jen’s 10 & under 100 IM record stood for an impressive 20 years, a testament to her skill and dedication. Today, she continues to compete with the Queen City Dolphins masters team and cross-trains on her Peloton. Outside the pool, she enjoys long walks with her two giant German Shepherds and brings her competitive spirit from her high school and travel volleyball days into everything she does.