Coaches

Nothing has a greater influence on the quality of children’s sports than the excellence of the coach. The Mississippi Makos Swim Team coaches are members of the American Swimming Coaches Association and have access to the most comprehensive training and certification program for youth coaches of any sport in the United States . Certified coaches in USA Swimming programs possess training and experience in the physiology and psychology of adolescent development. Our coaching staff provides the assurances that the time your children spend in swimming will be quality time.

To assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have, contact Brian or Eddie at 601-932-4800. When contacting the coaches, please be considerate. The best way to speak with the coaches is to meet them AFTER practice. They usually make themselves available for 10 minutes to answer questions, provide information, etc. Emailing or sending a note to the coach with your swimmer is also a good way to get information to them.

Coaching Staff

Brian Ware

Head Coach

Brian Ware grew up in Clinton, MS, achieving several state records and Junior National time standards as an age group swimmer. He began coaching for the Mississippi Makos in 1991 with only 8 swimmers and has steadily built the program to become a state champion with a current team roster of over 250 swimmers. Brian is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he was a three-year scholarship swimmer. While swimming for UK, Brian was a three-year conference scorer and two year SEC academic all-conference.

Over the years, Brian has produced numerous Junior National Level swimmers, state record holders and individual state champions. He has served several positions on the Mississippi Swimming Board and currently holds the position of Coaches Representative. Previously, Brian served as Admin Vice-Chairman, General Chairman, Technical Planning Chairman, Senior Vice-Chairman as well as coaching for the Mississippi Zone Team. In 2003, Brian received the Conoco/Phillips 66 Outstanding Service Award from USA Swimming in recognition of his outstanding service and dedication to the sport of swimming. Brian shared this award with his twin brother Eddie.

During high school season, Brian also coaches the Madison Central High School Swim Team and was named the MHSAA Boys Coach of the Year in 1999.

Brian is married to Allison and has a step-son Reed (17), son Cooper (4), and daughter Sarah Payton
(1 month).

Eddie Ware

Assistant Coach

Eddie Ware is originally from Clinton, MS, and began coaching the Mississippi Makos in 1992. Eddie is a graduate of the University of Kentucky where he was a four-year scholarship swimmer. While swimming at UK, he was a three-year conference scorer and two year SEC Academic All-Conference. Eddie was also awarded the Scholastic Award (highest GPA on team) and Coaches Award during his swimming career at UK.

As an age group swimmer in Mississippi , Eddie set several state records and achieved Junior National time standards. Eddie was named American Swimming Coaches Association Age Group Coach of the Year in Mississippi for 2003. He has served several positions for Mississippi Swimming and currently holds the position of Sanctions Chairman. Eddie has served as the head or assistant coach for the Mississippi Zone Team numerous times. With his brother Brian, he was the winner of the 2003 Conoco/Phillips 66 Outstanding Service Award. Eddie also coaches the Clinton High School Swim Team.

Lauri Collins

Assistant Coach

Lauri Stamm Collins swam competitively from age 4 to 18 in Vicksburg, MS. She broke numerous records and specialized in distance freestyle. She began teaching private lessons at age 13 and also assisted with the 8 & Unders on her team. After graduating from Millsaps College , Lauri coached River Hills Club team to 5 straight undefeated seasons. She coached 8 & Unders for Sunkist Swim Team from 1983 to 1986 and returned to help at Sunkist when her own children joined the team in 1998. From 1991 to 1993 she also coached the Courthouse Masters swim team.

In 1998, she began coaching for the Courthouse at the Cypress Lake location. The team has grown to include over 200 swimmers. The team has won the City Championship for 10 straight years. Lauri enjoys teaching young beginners. She tries to teach, not only stroke techniques, but also the discipline and lifelong skills that competitive swimming provides children. And most of all, Lauri and her husband Riley (a former swimmer and coach himself) love having their own 3 children, Riley III, MariMac and Jack, involved in the sport of competitive swimming.

Fernando Reis

Assistant Coach

Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Fernando Reis has several years of experience as a swimmer and as a coach. Fernando swam for Delta State University, where he was a four-time conference champion swimmer. He was a top five scorer at the national meet each year and was awarded the Statesmen Award, Workout Award and Most Valuable Swimmer while swimming for the Statesman. Fernando broke DSU team records in the 200-yard and 500-yard freestyle.

While swimming as an age group swimmer in Brazil, Fernando was a member of the Brazilian National Team in 1999 and 2001, winning 5 national championships. He also competed in the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Trials. Before joining Makos, Fernando coached for the Delta Aquatic Club and the Tunica Swim Club. Fernando currently works at Sanderson Farms and also coaches the Brandon High School swim team.

Savannah Valentine Reis

Assistant Coach

Savannah Valentine Reis is originally from Tupelo, MS, and a graduate from Delta State University where she was a four-year scholarship swimmer. At DSU, Savannah was a four-year conference scorer and a recipient of the Lady Statesmen Workout Award.

As an age group swimmer in Mississippi, Savannah set many state records and competed on the Mississippi Zone Team from 1996-2000. Savannah has been a swim coach for the Shockwave, the Delta Aquatic Club and the Tunica Swim Club. Savannah is currently a second grade teacher at McNeal Elementary in Canton, MS.

Jimmy Zila

Assistant Coach

Jimmy began coaching for the Makos in Magee, MS, and currently coaches at the Lakeland pool When his oldest daughter, Jordan, started swimming, Jimmy became hooked on the sport and tried to learn everything he could so he could help out. Jimmy stresses discipline and drive to his swimmers and hopes they learn that hard work pays off.

A former athlete himself, Jimmy went to Mississippi College where he was on the National Championship football team. He and his wife, Kirsten, have 3 children: Jordan, Ashlee, and Patrick.