Coach Kayla Mumpower has been coaching with the Columbus Aquatic Club since 2015. Kayla grew up in the water, swimming through high school as a Hurricane swimmer under Coach Mike McCardle. Her passion for the sport goes beyond competition—she believes swimming teaches lifelong skills that benefit all kids. While not every athlete pursues college swimming, Kayla emphasizes that all kids gain valuable lessons in goal-setting, perseverance, teamwork, and resilience, along with a healthy fitness activity they can carry throughout life.

Kayla is a Level 3 ASCA Coach, an ASCA Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and a GAIN Coaching Clinic participant. Kayla takes a “whole swimmer” approach to coaching, focusing on more than just strokes and times. She incorporates body mechanics, strength, flexibility, and mental discipline into her training, helping athletes grow both in and out of the pool. She especially enjoys working with multi-sport athletes to ensure well-rounded conditioning and development.
 
Outside the pool, Kayla enjoys spending time outside with her husband and two kids – gardening, hiking, exploring nature and caring for her apiary.  She is a dedicated beekeeper and enjoys mentoring local students in beekeeping. She shares her love of nature through her small business, Mulberry Hive, where she creates custom resin art to preserve wedding bouquets, keepsakes and fresh flowers.  She is also the author of Staying Afloat: In the Swim of Things, a resource designed to help athletes and parents stay organized and focused during the swim year.