Coach Rylee was born and raised in Elk City, Oklahoma. She started lifeguarding at the age of 16 in high school and fell in love teaching others how to swim. She then went to Oklahoma State University and received her Bachelor of Science degree in Entomology.

Upon completing graduation, she married her husband, a Marine who was stationed in North Carolina where they lived for 2 years. They then moved to Okinawa, Japan in 2019 and will be stationed here until 2025.

After moving to Japan, Rylee’s interest for aquatics reemerged while diving. Her certifications in diving range from basic all the way to rescue diver. Rylee started with Swim Life in 2021 as a stroke development instructor and then trained to receive the basic survival certification. She enjoys interacting with and teaching children the knowledge and survival skills they need, not only to be confident, but also to enjoy swimming.

Some of Rylee'’s notable certificates and affiliations are:

• Swim Life Aquatic Education Specialist

• Swim Life Stroke Development Technician

• CPR/First Aid

• Bachelor's in Entomology