Dan Kaster

Over the years, Dan Kaster has developed expertise as a swimming coach and trainer, teaching adults and children in school, military, and private instructional settings. Mr. Kaster is the founder of Maverick Aquatics, a private swim academy, and the current Special Operations Instructor and Facility Manager at Fayetteville, North Carolina’s Pope Field. One of Dan Kaster’s specialized skills as a swimming instructor lies in the design and execution of remedial and rehabilitative programs for active-duty soldiers.

In addition to his work at Pope Field, Dan Kaster trains swimmers of all skill levels and ages and provides free swimming lessons to the local military community around Pope Field. A certified Level 4 USA Swimming Coach and member of the American Swim Coaches Association, Dan Kaster has completed several safety training courses from The American National Red Cross, including lifeguarding, CPR, and first aid.

Dan Kaster launched his career as a swim coach after earning his Bachelor’s degree in English Education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. As a wellness and fitness instructor at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, he taught courses in nutrition, aerobics, exercise, and swimming, benefiting students and residents of the Green Bay area. From there, Dan Kaster spent five years in the United States Air Force, during which time he served in the Persian Gulf War as a Combat Controller.

After his military service, Dan Kaster began his teaching career as a swimming coach and English and drama teacher at Niceville High School. For 17 years, Dan Kaster led his swim teams to several county, district, and regional championships, as well as multiple top-five state championship performances and undefeated seasons for both the boys and girls teams. A collegiate All-American and All-Conference athlete and State Champion in Forensics and Storytelling, Dan Kaster also oversaw numerous theatrical productions at Niceville High. During his time at the school, he won several Coach of the Year and teaching awards. Dan Kaster also holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Mental Health Counseling from Troy University, Fort Walton Beach Area.