Our staff

Our staff is dedicated to providing a positive, supportive, and challenging environment for every swimmer.

Our Coaching Philosophy

At B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, our coaching philosophy is centered on providing a positive, supportive, and challenging environment for every swimmer. We believe in fostering a love for the sport while developing each swimmer's full potential. Our certified and experienced coaches are dedicated to:


  • Providing quality instruction in proper stroke technique and training methods.
  • Encouraging a strong work ethic and a commitment to personal improvement.
  • Promoting teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship.
  • Creating a fun and engaging atmosphere where swimmer’s develop a lifelong love of the sport.

Our Coaches and Staff

Craig Charlson

Aquatics Director

Originally from Wisconsin and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, Craig’s 25-year aquatics career has been dedicated to helping others achieve their goals, in and out of the pool. Notably, he served as the Director of Aquatics at New York City nonprofit, Asphalt Green. During his time there, Craig grew the organization’s impact expanding free and paid programming, and facilities while supporting a wide range of participants, from first time swimmers to Olympic-bound competitors. As Director of Aquatics, Craig oversaw Big Swim Big Kick, the organization’s largest annual event which brought together thousands of families for a free swim meet while raising $1M annually for the organization’s free and reduced price programs.


Prior to his time at Asphalt Green, Craig served as the CEO and Head Coach of BearCat Swim Club in Salem, OR. While there, he worked with many talented athletes, including a National Champion and several Olympic Trials qualifiers. 


As a leader in aquatics, Craig focuses on fostering teamwork while supporting athletes and staff to achieve their personal best. Craig is excited to guide the B-Town Brazadas Swim Club and make a positive impact on the community in Bakersfield.


Email: craig@brazadas.org

Jackson Buyers

Head Coach

Jackson's background in aquatics began in Loveland, CO, swimming for Fort Collins Area Swim Team (FAST) and coaching for both Special Olympics Colorado and SwimLabs, a swim school for kids and adults. Following his time as a swimmer at Grand Canyon University and California State University, Bakersfield, he began coaching in 2017. As Age Group Head Coach for Roadrunner Aquatics, he led the team to a second-place finish at the Central California Age Group Championships before founding Ace Aquatics in 2020. Ace Aquatics grew rapidly under Jackson's leadership, producing high-achieving athletes, securing top placements at age group championships, Sectional qualifiers, and athletes reaching Junior Nationals and Futures standards. He has also contributed to Bakersfield College's swimming program, coaching numerous State Qualifiers and School Record Holders.


At B-Town Brazadas Swim Club, Jackson’s emphasis is on humility, work ethic, and teamwork, creating a supportive environment for athletes to develop both as swimmers and individuals. His commitment to continuous improvement and his passion for developing young talent are core to his work in the Bakersfield community.


Email: jackson@brazadas.org

Larissa Martinez

Swim League Head Coach & Assistant Swim Team Coach

Larissa Martinez has a long-standing passion for aquatics, beginning her career in 2021 with the City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks as a lifeguard and swim instructor before moving into management. She has experience coaching and instructing swimmers of all levels and currently serves as Assistant Coach with our year-round team as well as Head Coach for Swim League, where she overseas the entire program. She is also a certified lifeguard and swim instructor trainer.


In addition to her role at B-Town Brazadas, Larissa is the Girls Head Water Polo and Swim Team Coach at Highland High School. She is a member of USA Swimming and is pursuing a degree in Kinesiology at California State University, Bakersfield. Larissa is dedicated to growing the Bakersfield swimming community, supporting both recreational and competitive swimming with a focus on athlete safety and performance.


Email: larissa@brazadas.org

Questions? Email swim@brazadas.org or call (661) 456-8401 Monday through Friday, 1pm-3pm.

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