Mike LoPresto
Swim Coach
“Several years ago, my passion for running led me to the world of multisport. I was very excited to broaden my horizons and enter the exciting sport of triathlon, but there was one small problem – I didn’t know how to swim. Enter Coach Mike. I was definitely a little intimidated when I started, not knowing what I was getting into, but knowing that I had a lot to learn about swimming. Coach Mike was always so friendly and welcoming. I never felt like he was looking down on me or getting frustrated with me when my body wouldn’t do what he and my brain were telling it to do. He celebrated my small successes with me, which kept me motivated to keep on learning. Unlike other swim coaches that I had experience with, Coach Mike did an awesome job of talking to me on my level…in terms that I could understand…and translate into performance in the pool. Thank you, Coach Mike, for teaching me to swim so I could realize my dream of becoming a triathlete!” – Suzy C.
Coach Mike has been a multisport athlete for over 18 years. Through his experience and participation in a wide array of individual as well as team sports, Coach Mike has learned what it takes to be an accomplished athlete, leader, and coach. With a strong emphasis on swimming and water polo, Coach Mike’s background also includes soccer, baseball, tennis, football, cycling and running. Coach Mike strongly believes that any individual, young or old, skilled or unskilled, has the ability to accomplish anything they strive to achieve, regardless of their sport of choice.
As a youth and as an adult, as an athlete and as a coach, Mike has succeeded at the highest levels. He is living proof of one of his core beliefs: In order to understand what it takes to be a true, dedicated athlete, you must first start in the trenches and work your way up. As an accomplished high school state championship swimmer and Captain of his team, and a state championship high school and Big Ten Champion college level water polo player, Coach Mike understands what it takes to reach your goals, no matter how high they may be.
With his well-rounded background in swimming, Mike has a keen interest in helping any athlete utilize and understand their body movements to become an energy efficient and faster swimmer. Mike has coached both youth and adult swim programs including masters swimming, youth swim team clubs and private lessons for over 14 years.
Mike is a graduate of Purdue University with a BA in Political Science, Law and Society, and Psychology. While at Purdue, Mike played on the Water Polo team and became a Big Ten Champion. He is an Eagle Scout, the highest rank attainable with the Boy Scouts of America. Mike currently resides in Chicago, within walking distance to his beloved Cubbies stadium. He works for a large news media company in their marketing division. In his free time, Mike enjoys playing the guitar, watching sports, and participating in intramural sports with friends.