Our Coaches

Coach Cal and his daugher, Patsy M*C*A*L COACHING STAFF Coach Cal Elder began swimming in 1973 and was a top ranked swimmer in his day. While attending college at Indiana University, he continued his swimming career under the legendary Doc Counsilman. Coach Cal has been coaching swimmers of all ages and abilities for over 25 years. He truly specializes in teaching people the correct way to swim. Although Coach Cal is well-known for being the best in Birmingham in teaching younger kids the art of competitive swimming, he also has expertise in successfully coaching the older, high school aged kids. While the Aquatics Director at a YMCA in Ohio, Coach Cal's high school team achieved unmatched success while he was there. In addition, some went on to achieve All American status. Coach Cal has coached numerous Top 16 Individual and Relay Age Group qualifiers as well as many Southeastern Conference champions. Coach Dena Richards has been coaching swimming for over 20 years and currently coaches at Riverchase Country Club in the summer. Coach Rafael Cadena is an ASCA Level 4 coach. He has been coaching for over 30 years both in Mexico and the United States. Coach Rafael has coached many T16 swimmers, Juniors qualifiers, Sectionals qualifiers and Southeastern Champions. Coach Rafael is the father of Nicole and Brittney and their dog, Bingo. Coach Dawn Motter Todd began swimming in 1981 and got her start coaching summer league swimming in 1992. Coach Dawn currently coaches at the Brook Highland Racquet Club during the summer. She has had experience with youth swimmers in Birmingham, Atlanta and Baldwin County, AL. She particularly enjoys working with young swimmers who are just beginning their team experience. Helping young people to find success and be proud of their accomplishments - however small - is a top priority for Coach Dawn. Coach Emily Ward Currently coaches for the Vestavia Swim Association in the summer. MORE INFO TO FOLLOW Coach Paige Tatarek joined the M*C*A*L family this year to head up the Lakeshore program. And will continue with M*C*A*L working at the LJCC. Paige was a long-time coach at Birmingham Country Club before retiring to take care of her family and run her own business. She is married and has two children - one of whom, Hannon, is an 8 & Under swimmer. Coach Liz Elder (Coach Cal's wife) began swimming competitively at age 4. A Southeastern top ranked swimmer, she continued swimming through high school. She and Coach Cal swam on the same team growing up and even life guarded together. They have known each other since junior high school. Coach Liz doesn't do much coaching anymore. In between driving her 4 children here and there, Coach Liz works behind the scenes updating the website and tending to all the adminstrative duties required to run a swim team. Coach Liz also heads up our M*C*A*L Masters Team. Visit the M*C*A*L MASTERS page for more information. Magic City Aquatic League is blessed to have these highly qualified, highly regarded swim coaches dedicated to the success of your children. For more information about the M*C*A*L swim program, contact Coach Cal Elder at 205-541-4737 or email Cal Elder. ©2007 Magic City Aquatic League. All rights reserved.