Welcome to CAT5 Aquatics, Coach John Burke

CAT5 Aquatics is excited to welcome John Burke as our new Head Coach and begin the next chapter of our program.



Coach John comes to CAT5 with more than 35 years of coaching experience, having worked with swimmers from the developmental age-group level through national and international competition.

Most recently, John served as Head Coach of Pearland Aquatics in Texas from 2015–2026. During his time there, his swimmers competed successfully at TAGS, Sectionals, NCSA Junior Nationals, USA Swimming Winter and Long Course Junior Nationals, and the U.S. Open.

Throughout his career, John has coached athletes to some of the highest levels of the sport, including two U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. He also coached an athlete who represented the U.S. Virgin Islands at the 2015 and 2017 FINA World Championships. John is an American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) Level 4 Age Group and Senior Coach.

While John's experience and accomplishments are impressive, what makes us particularly excited about his arrival at CAT5 is his approach to developing athletes and building a swim program.

His coaching philosophy centers on long-term athlete development, individual growth, competitive excellence, and building a strong swimming family. He believes swimmers should be encouraged to set meaningful goals, embrace challenges, develop confidence and independence, and ultimately take ownership of their progress.

He also believes that successful swimming programs are built through a shared commitment among swimmers, coaches, and parents, a philosophy that aligns closely with the community we want to continue building at CAT5 Aquatics.

John understands that commitment from both sides of the pool deck. He and his wife, Ann, have four children, and their three daughters grew up immersed in competitive swimming. His years as both a coach and swim parent have given him a firsthand understanding of the practices, travel, meets, sacrifices, celebrations, friendships, and memories that make swimming an experience for the entire family.

As John settles into his new role, we are excited for our swimmers and families to get to know him and for him to get to know the CAT5 community.

We have a strong foundation, talented swimmers, committed families, and an exciting opportunity ahead of us. We look forward to seeing where Coach John's leadership takes CAT5 Aquatics next.

Please join us in welcoming Coach John and his family to CAT5 Aquatics and to Panama City!