Leo Briceno (owner and head coach)
(Founder)
In 1989, Leo Briceno started teaching in a preschool while swimming competitively and doing triathlons. Having an extensive experience with special needs individuals of all ages, he worked on developing new techniques to help people learn to swim. He co-founded a foundation that offered swim programs for special needs kids, and he has been a volunteer for the Special Olympics for several years now.
Leo had worked at the YMCA in Venezuela for over 15 years as summer camp director, swim coach, and a teacher of water safety. He helped develop a program for homeless children and incorporated the swim curriculum as part of an important activity for these under privileged youth. In 1999 Leo moved to the US and made Clearwater his home. He started working at the YMCA as a Lifeguard, then Pool Coordinator, and eventually became the Teen and Family Director, developing aquatic programs for the less fortunate. These included swim lessons for babies, older children and adults.
Leo also worked at the Carlouel Yacht Club for 6 years and became the head swim coach, with up to 80 kids in the team. Currently, Coach Leo is managing the Outspokin Multisport Team, with over 300 athletes. Every Tuesday evening you can find him on Clearwater beach coaching the largest and most successful Open Water Swim Training in the region, OWS Cross training With Leo. In addition, he also coaches the St Pete Beach Masters program.
Education
Master’s Degree in Special Education
SlowTwitch Triathlon Swim Coach
USA Swim Coach Certified
Member of WOWSA
Member of ASCA American Swim Coach Association
Certifications include personal training, swim coaching and swim therapy
\United States Masters Swim Coach Level 3
Swimming Analysis and Evaluation Course Ironman University
