Ben Mechak, Head Coach

Ben is an enthusiastic and experienced coach bringing lots of team spirit to the Haddon Hall Hammerheads!!  He is Sophomore at NC State, majoring in Accounting and Business Management.  While studying at NC State, Ben is participating in the NCAA Division I Varsity Swim Team, swimming approximately 25 hour/week.  Some of Ben's many accomplishments include ACC Conference Championship Top 16 in 100 and 200 Back Stroke and 500 Freestyle, NC State Men's Swimming Second Most Improved 2008, NC State Men's Swimming All-Time Top 10 list in 200 Back Stroke, Junior National Team Qualifier 2005, 2006, 2007, National Training Group coached under Sue Chen, and Magruder High School Record Holder in the 100 Butterfly, 100 Back Stroke, and 500 Freestyle.  He has worked as an Assistant Coach for Flower Valley Swim Team, in Maryland, with children ages 5 - 18, teaching proper stroke technique and basic water safety. During his tenure at Flower Valley, he has completed team administrative tasks, organized and facilitated daily practices, and assisted in meet management.  Ben is an excellent addition to the Hammerheads!!

Ben can be contacted at bpmechak@ncsu.edu

Jen Kopenitz, Assistant Coach 

Jen is an energetic coach bringing her expertise in swimming to the Haddon Hall Hammerheads!!  She is a Sophomore at NC State, majoring in Industrial Engineering.  While studying at NC State, Jen is participating in the NCAA Division I Varsity Swim Team.  Some of Jen's many accomplishments at NC State include  ACC Finalist, National Qualifier, Scholar Athlete 2008, Hardest Working Award 2008, Most Valuable Freshman Award 2008, and NC State Dean's List 2008.  She is also listed in Who's Who Among America High School Students-Sports Grades 10, 11, & 12 and is the Skippack Swim Team Record Holder for six events in Grades 9-12, Easterns Interscholastic Swimming Champion Grades 9, 10, & 11, and National Champions Grade 10.  Jen has worked with a renowned Olymipic swim coach to provide instruction in stroke and breathing techniques, starts, turns, finishes, motivation, and sportsmanship.  She works to create a comfortable learning environment so all swimmers can succeed.  We are ecstatic to have Jen join the Hammerheads!!

Jen can be contacted at jlkopeni@ncsu.edu