Ken Heis
Head Coach Mason Manta Rays
Head Coach Mason Manta Rays
Ken Heis has been the Head Coach of the Mason Manta Rays in Mason, Ohio, since the program’s inception in 2003. Under his leadership, the Manta Rays have grown from a small, recreational program to a nationally recognized team. The team achieved the prestigious Gold Medal Club status in the USA Swimming Club Excellence Program and was ranked 8th out of over 3,000 teams in 2017, the highest placement for any team from Ohio.
Ken’s coaching career spans over 20 years, during which he has developed numerous top-tier athletes. He has coached 30 Olympic Trial qualifiers, 50+ Ohio High School State Champions, and multiple National Junior Team members. His swimmers have consistently set and broken records, reflecting his commitment to excellence and athlete development. Ken himself is a decorated swimmer, having been a three-time Ohio High School State qualifier, an NCAA D-III National Record Holder, and a 16-time National Champion. He is also an inductee of the Kenyon College Athletic Hall of Fame.
Before starting the Mason Manta Rays, Ken served as the head coach of the Aiken-Augusta Swim League and as an assistant coach at Clemson University. He is an ASCA Level 4 Certified Coach and has been involved in various capacities with Ohio Swimming committees. Ken lives in Terrace Park with his wife Jeni and their three children.