Our Story
Jason Kilderry
1982-2017, Founder
ETA Coach was the brainchild of its founder, Jason Kilderry. Through his science-based training method, fighting Irish attitude, and love for teaching, Jason touched many lives. After coaching and owning ETA for 11 years, Jason was diagnosed with a rare form of blood cancer in 2017. Up until his last day, Jason continued to work hard for ETA and his athletes. Most importantly, he was an amazing and dedicated father to his young son, Finn (pictured). He passed away on December 18th, 2017 at the age of 35.
Meg Smith
Owner, Head Coach
Jason left ETA in the hands of Meg Smith, his trainee at the time. During her first 5 years with ETA, Meg managed things from afar while she earned her MS and PhD in exercise physiology and human aging at Colorado State University. She recently moved back to the area with her husband Andrew and dogs Pie and Maple, and is a Professor of Health Sciences at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Meg is passionate about making open water swimming accessible and safe for everyone. She enjoys teaching clinics and swim lessons at the lake and spending as much time outside as possible!
Matt Ciociola
CLO
Matt is our CLO (Chief of Lake Operations) and is one of our Assistant Coaches. At his day job, Matt is a high school administrator and lives in Swedesboro with his wife Michelle, their dogs Luna & Jake, and cat Guinness. They are also expecting a son this fall! During open water swim season, you'll find Matt at the lake making sure everything runs smoothly and welcoming new swimmers.