Cassidy Bayer
Cassidy Bayer
Elite Clinician
Cassidy Bayer
U.S. National Team Member | 100 & 200 Butterfly Olympic Trials Finalist | 3x NAG Record Holder
Hometown: Alexandria, Virginia
College: University of California, Berkeley & University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Career Highlights
National Team & Elite Experience
- USA Swimming National Team Member (2014–2020)
- 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials alternate: 3rd place in the 200m butterfly and 4th place in the 100m butterfly
- Former top-five world-ranked performer in the 200m butterfly
- Ranked as the #3 national recruit in the Class of 2018
National Record Holder
- 3x National Age Group record holder, including breaking Mary T. Meagher’s historic 34-year-old 13–14 record in the 200-yard butterfly
NCAA Division I Stature
- Competed at the elite Division I level for both the California Golden Bears and the Tennessee Volunteers
- Contributed to the California Golden Bears’ second-place finish at the 2019 NCAA Championships
Coaching & Mentorship
Developed her world-class foundation while training under elite NCAP coach Jeff King.
Bio
Cassidy Bayer is a U.S. National Team member, Olympic Trials finalist, and one of the most highly skilled butterfly specialists in modern American age-group history. Raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Cassidy emerged as a swimming prodigy while training under NCAP coach Jeff King. She captured the spotlight by breaking three National Age Group records—most notably erasing Mary T. Meagher’s legendary 34-year-old 13–14 NAG record in the 200-yard butterfly. Her explosive, rhythmic stroke propelled her to the top of the international rankings and made her the third-ranked recruit in the nation for the Class of 2018.
Cassidy’s elite competitive career is highlighted by her spectacular showing at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team Trials, where she finished third in the 200m butterfly and fourth in the 100m butterfly, missing the Olympic team by the narrowest of margins. She went on to compete at the collegiate level for powerhouse programs at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Tennessee. Through her triumphs and immense personal courage, Cassidy has developed a deep, holistic understanding of the sport. As a clinician, she excels at meeting athletes exactly where they are, focusing on feel for the water and mental resilience while empowering the next generation to prioritize both their athletic potential and personal well-being.
From the Clinician
You Belong on This Deck
If it weren’t for the mentors and athletes who walked this path before me—sharing their technique, their mindset, and their honest experiences—I would not be who I am today. My mission is to pay that forward to the next generation.
My coaching philosophy was permanently shaped during my first Nationals, when my age-group coach, Jeff King, told me:
“You deserve to be here. You belong here.”
I carried that statement with me to every competition where I didn’t feel worthy around my competitors. It was my first lesson in how profoundly your mindset dictates your performance, and it is a message of self-belief I aim to share with every swimmer I meet.
Prioritizing the Person Behind the Athlete
Another major shift in my career came from a deeply personal choice. The day I chose to step away from swimming to seek treatment for an eating disorder was the day I realized how many athletes quietly fight similar battles. More importantly, it helped me understand that—athlete or not—we must always put our personal well-being first if we want to succeed in whatever we do. As a result, it has become my goal to be a supportive voice and a relentless advocate for mental health on and off the pool deck. I want to teach kids that while we strive for excellence, their self-worth is never defined by a scoreboard, and taking care of themselves is the ultimate victory.
Working With the Water, Not Against It
On a technical level, I focus on helping swimmers understand how to work with the water rather than fighting against it. True speed isn’t about rushing your stroke—it is about finding the feel, the sound, and the rhythm of your movements. I pride myself on meeting athletes exactly where they are and growing with them from there. I never overwhelm a swimmer with critiques. Instead, we identify their current capabilities and build a step-by-step foundation of efficient mechanics.
Discovering the World Through the Pool
I bring a different, highly engaging, and energetic approach to the pool because I believe swimming should be as rewarding as it is fun. Because of this sport, I have seen the world, received opportunities of a lifetime, and met people I will keep in my life forever. I want to help young athletes refine their skills, build unbreakable confidence, and discover the absolute joy of this journey.
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