Our Team
Lelah Davidson - Owner
Meet Lelah, the heart behind FWSwimming and a true force in the water. A lifelong swimmer and passionate educator, Lelah brings not only years of experience but a genuine love for helping children thrive in the pool.
Lelah began swimming at just 5 years old, diving into local summer leagues and later joining a competitive club team in 7th grade. As a well-rounded athlete, she found her sweet spot Junior Year in distance and mid-distance freestyle—talents that earned her a place on the NCAA Division I Swim and Dive Team at LIU Brooklyn.
But beyond competitive success, Lelah’s journey was shaped by something even more impactful: a club coach who once inspired her as a young swimmer. While actually taking private lessons herself, that early mentorship planted the seed for what would become a lifelong passion for teaching. From helping out with prep teams and summer leagues around the city to coaching with a local swim company at just 16, Lelah discovered what she now believes is her true calling—teaching children to swim.
Since then, Lelah has dedicated her life to the water—not just as an athlete, but as an educator, mentor, and advocate for water safety. Her passion, empathy, and experience make her a standout instructor who knows how to meet each swimmer right where they are, building confidence, skill, and joy in every lesson.
At FWSwimming, Lelah leads with heart, technique, and a deep belief that every child deserves to feel safe, strong, and supported in every activity they partake in.
Bryant Lapsley - Co-founder
Bryant started teaching swim lessons at just 16 years old and instantly fell in love with the energy of the pool deck—the fast-paced environment, the wild and wonderful kids, and the joy of getting tackled with hugs every week.
He quickly worked his way up at Nitro Swimming, going from instructor to swim manager, then assistant manager, and finally general manager. Along the way, he became one of the most respected instructors in the city, personally teaching over 1,000 kids how to swim.
But what really sets Bryant apart is his drive. Despite not growing up as a competitive swimmer, he was determined to be the best coach he could be—so he taught himself. He spent countless hours in the water working on his own technique, even training alongside college swimmers to master the strokes and truly understand what he was teaching. That kind of commitment is what makes Bryant such a powerful coach and mentor.
Two years ago, he co-founded FWSwimming with Lelah, bringing his passion, leadership, and heart to a company built on connection and quality. He’s proud of how far they’ve come—and even more excited for what’s ahead.
Samara Hughes - Instructor
Samara’s swim instructor journey is a true testament to what hard work, heart, and a love for teaching can accomplish. She began as a brand-new instructor, but from the very beginning, she stood out for her dedication and drive. Samara didn’t just want to be good—she was determined to become one of the best. And she has.
Both Lelah and Bryant vividly remember those early days—how Samara would constantly ask for feedback, reflect on her lessons, and seek out new ways to grow. Her willingness to learn and improve turned her into a truly exceptional coach. Now, with years of experience under her belt, Samara has become a consistent favorite among both swimmers and their families.
Currently studying Childhood Education at Indiana University, Samara is back home in Fort Wayne for the summer—and she’s stepping into a lead instructor role with FWSwimming. She’s beyond excited to bring her growing knowledge of child development into her swim lessons, creating an environment that’s not just focused on safety and skill, but also on confidence, joy, and connection.
Teaching swim lessons isn’t just a job for Samara—it’s something she genuinely loves. Whether she’s helping a nervous beginner feel comfortable in the water or pushing a more advanced swimmer to the next level, she brings compassion, patience, and energy to every single lesson.
We’re incredibly lucky to have Samara as one of our main instructors this season, and we know your kids will thrive with her in the water.
Riley Saalfrank- Instructor
Riley has been with FWSwimming since day one, and he’s played a major role in shaping it into what it is today. With over four years of experience as a swim instructor, he’s taught hundreds of kids across all skill levels and continues to be one of our most trusted and versatile coaches.
But Riley’s contributions go far beyond the pool deck; he also works closely with Lelah and Bryant to support both the daily operations and the long-term vision of the company. From scheduling and logistics to creative strategy, events, and marketing, Riley is a driving force behind the scenes—helping everything run smoothly so our instructors can focus on what matters most: the kids.
Currently, Riley is studying Tourism, Hospitality, and Event Management at the School of Public Health at Indiana University – Bloomington. Last summer he took on a competitive event internship at Daniel’s Vineyard, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.
Despite his busy schedule, Riley remains a vital lifeline for our team this season. He may even help expand our travel lesson offerings this summer—so stay tuned! If you see him around, don’t hesitate to say hi—he’s always happy to connect.