About Swim NODAK
Swim NODAK is a Grand Forks swim school centered on year-round indoor private swimming lessons, led by coach and instructor Jenn Stephens.
Every swimmer brings a different comfort level, pace, and reason for getting in the water. Private lessons make room for the one thing group programs cannot always give: focused attention.
“Your goal is our goal.”
Meet Jenn Stephens
Jennifer “Jenn” Stephens has devoted more than 30 years to the aquatics industry as a lifeguard, manager, swim coach, and instructor. Her experience spans every stage of the swimmer’s journey, from babies learning their first water skills to competitive athletes and adults.
At Gold Medal Swim School and Gold Medal Swim Club in Arizona, Jenn helped shape core values and teaching methods for swimmers of all ages. As General Manager, she led both the Baby Swim and Swim Team departments, developing programs that made a lasting impact at every level.
A deep coaching background
Most recently, Jenn served as Head Coach of Competitive Programs, overseeing nearly 300 pre-competitive swimmers. She developed confident, independent athletes through stroke technique, racing strategies, start and turn clinics, intrasquad meets, and team-building activities.
Jenn also worked as an Assistant Age Group Coach and Assistant Senior Swim Coach for Gold Medal Swim Club, coaching alongside 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist Mike Troy and Olympic and collegiate coaches Mike Walker and Mike Chasson. Gold Medal Swim Club was recognized as a USA Swimming Silver Medal Club in 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Over 11 years at Tempe Preparatory Academy, Jenn led both high school and middle school swim teams. She was named Coach of the Year by the Canyon Athletic Association and inducted into Tempe Prep’s Knights Hall of Fame in 2023.
Jenn has coached multiple Arizona High School State Champions in the 200 IM, 50 Freestyle, 100 Butterfly, and 100 Breaststroke. She also led two boys’ high school state championship relay teams that achieved NISCA All-American Consideration times.
Jenn is passionate about teaching lifesaving swimming skills through a progressive, layered approach that builds strong fundamentals, confidence, and a lifelong comfort in the water.
She believes every champion starts somewhere, and that with dedication and hard work, anyone can achieve their goals. Above all, Jenn considers herself the world’s greatest cheerleader, encouraging swimmers to believe in themselves, celebrate their progress, and push beyond their limits.
Making Grand Forks home
Jenn and her husband, John, were excited to make the move from Tempe, Arizona, to Grand Forks. They believe Grand Forks is an underserved aquatic community and that everyone, regardless of age, should have access to the lifesaving skill of swimming.
They are excited to grow their roots in Grand Forks and become active members of this wonderful community.
When Jenn isn’t swimming, she enjoys just about anything that gets her outside on the Greenway, including walking, cycling, and snowshoeing. She hopes to add cross-country skiing to that list soon.
Jenn has also discovered a new love for gardening since moving north. After years of desert gardening, she is enjoying learning about an entirely new world of plants and perennials. She has also been learning how to grow, preserve, and can her own vegetables, embracing all the new experiences that come with calling North Dakota home.
Join the interest list to hear about upcoming private lesson opportunities at Swim NODAK.
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