Jessica McCoy, "Coach Jess", is a swim coach located in Midland, Texas. Jessica swam for 22 years where she competed both nationally and internationally. Jessica was recruited by the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Rice, LSU, Purdue, Columbia, Yale and TCU, before signing for a swimming scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in 2010. Jessica swam for SMU for three years before retiring to complete her two Bachelor of Arts degrees in English Literature and Sociology. Jessica also holds a Graduate Certificate from SMU Cox’s School of Business in Accounting and Finance. She is now getting her M.Ed. of Sports Management at the University of Texas, with the goal of growing Head Above Water Midland. 

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Coach Jess' coaching style is that of compassion, patience and adaptability towards her students. Jessica is passionate about coaching children without fear, using evidence based curriculum and support from child life professionals. Jessica has collaborated with professionals such as Licensed Professional Counselors who specialize in working with children and adults to write Head Above Water Midland's curriculum. This curriculum also aligns closely with that of USA Swimming and the American Red Cross' philosophy of teaching swim lessons. 

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Jessica works diligently to participate in continuing education by taking courses through USA Swimming, American Red Cross, the United States Swimming School Association, and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance. Jessica is also a certified American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid course instructor, with the ability to train and certify aquatic professionals in these credentials. 

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Jessica is married to her husband of nearly 7 years, Matthew McCoy, who is a native Midlander. They have two children under the age of 5. Jessica is from Austin, Texas, and while she misses the wildflowers of the hill country, West Texas is her permanent home. 

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Being adopted greatly influenced how Jessica views the world. She hopes that her coaching can help equip and empower parents with the tools they need to keep their children safe, as well as doing so for their children. 

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