Meet the Gilbert General Manager: Tayler Coats

While our Big Blue swim instructors make swim lessons so special for your kids, it's the managers who keep our swim school operations running smoothly day-to-day. Tayler Coats is the General Manager at Big Blue Swim School Gilbert. In this interview, Tayler shares her background and gives insight into what it's like to work at Big Blue Swim School. We encourage you to give it a read and say hi to Tayler when Big Blue Gilbert opens!

What is your background?

I was born in Preston, a small town in rural Idaho (population: 5,000). I was raised in Idaho and moved to Arizona a few years ago. I love living in Arizona and feel recharged by the sun.  I completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Management at the University of Idaho. I received my Master’s Degree in Organizational Leadership and Management from Northern Arizona University. I hope to complete a doctoral program in the future.

Prior to working with Big Blue, I was traveling in Ecuador working with elementary-age children and their families in underserved communities. Before this, I worked in a management role overseeing children’s gymnastics programs. While completing my degrees, I mainly worked in student housing and community programming. One of my career highlights thus far is earning the Distinguished Person of the Year award through my work with North Idaho College. I’ve served on various academic committees and have volunteered with athletic events throughout Arizona including PDGA National Championships & Arizona State Gymnastics Tournaments.

Family means a lot to me. I have three brothers who have impacted me the most throughout my life. I also have an incredible sister-in-law who doubles as my best friend! I’m genuinely grateful for these relationships.

Why are you passionate about Big Blue Swim School?

From a business perspective, I love the Big Blue Operational Model. Everything from employee coaching to capacity planning to swim curriculum is values-driven. Big Blue is data heavy and is well supported. The professional structure is refreshing.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

Outside of work, I live an active lifestyle and love to run, lift weights, and swim. I’m particularly interested in yoga inversion training and love anything dance/art/music. I love to travel, eat new foods, and learn about different cultures and communities. I like to read; my favorite books involve conversations around motherhood, women’s health, and holistic living. I’m also learning Spanish!

Where would you visit, anywhere in the world, if it was free? 

India

What is your favorite season of the year?  

Summer

Describe yourself in 3 words:

Calm, Reflective, Dynamic

What do you love about Big Blue? 

I love the foundation that Big Blue was built on: to unlock kids’ potential in the water. Children are a wonderful gift to our world, and I love that Big Blue contributes to the community that helps develop them. It really does take a village!