Bolles alumnus Jake Gibbons ’15 returned to his high school alma mater in 2021 to help with the swimming program in a part-time capacity. His joy of coaching and connecting with current swimmers has led to his taking on a full-time role at the school and Sharks club programs.

Gibbons’ experience as a talented swimmer, successful student and proven leader translates well into coaching acumen. He understands time management and the balance of academics and athletics, while also encouraging the right mix of hard work, fun and team bonding.

Following a successful two years as a student-athlete at Bolles, Gibbons went on to swim at Texas A&M University. He earned the Distinguished Letterman Award, the highest award presented to a student-athlete once a year by the A&M athletics department. The individual is someone who displays extraordinary talents in the areas of athletics, scholarship, leadership and service. Gibbons also served as a team captain during his junior and senior seasons as well as the Chair of the SEC Student-athlete Advisory Council and as a member of the NCAA Division I SAAC. Gibbons was a two-time College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America Scholar All-American and a recipient of the Brad Davis Scholarship. Gibbons was also a member of the SEC Community Service Team.

Gibbons earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and master’s degree in Public Administration and Service with a specialization in Education Policy, both from Texas A&M. He spent a season as a volunteer coach with the Aggies following his swimming career. He returned to Jacksonville to work with Xtra Point Group, an organizational development company devoted to enhancing the effectiveness and success rate of people within an organization. Gibbons specialized in the company’s workforce development services for athletes to translate the unique skills and qualities of the athlete into advantages within the workplace. He continues in a consulting role with Xtra Point along with his full-time coaching role at Bolles.

His passion for teamwork and a spirit of camaraderie were fostered at Bolles and he enjoys passing on his experiences as an athlete to the current swimmers. In a recent video interview with Bolles President and Head of School Tyler Hodges, Gibbons shared more about his transition to coaching at Bolles: