Coach Ben
My name is Ben Contessa and I am originally from Knoxville. I have been involved with competitive swimming since I was five years old. I graduated from Farragut High School, served in the US Navy, trained in the Navy Seals program, and graduated recently from UTK with a degree in Kinesiology. This will be my third season coaching with Cherokee. I also teach swim lessons to children and adults and in my free time I love to scuba dive and play water polo. I am excited to be back coaching for Cherokee this summer and am looking forward to more great water polo matches during our Fun Fridays!
Coach Mary Kate
Hi I’m Mary Kate Heagerty. I am a sophomore at Boston University studying Business Management. I started swimming with Cherokee at age six and have spent twelve summers on the Cherokee Swim Team! Out of the pool, I participate in theater with BU’s On Broadway, the premier musical theater organization on campus. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining Ben and Drew this summer and continuing my time with Cherokee Nation!
Coach Drew
My name is Drew Freeman. I am graduating from Bearden High School and will be attending The University of Tennessee Knoxville in the fall. I have swum competitively, in summer league swimming, and in high school swimming for more than 10 years. I have volunteer coached with the Feeder Program at Gettysvue Country Club Swim Team and I have been life guarding at Cherokee for several years. I am excited to now take on a new role at the Cherokee pool!
