Dan DeMerit - Coordinator, Fitness & Aquatics

Picture of Dan DeMerit

Job Responsibilities

  • Provide vision, leadership, and management of comprehensive fitness programming, including but not limited to group fitness, personal training, small group training, and wellness workshops; ensure alignment with student development and wellbeing goals.
  • Responsible for the supervision of student employees which includes but is not limited to hiring, training, disciplinary actions, ending the student's assignment, etc. This includes student fitness staff, group fitness instructors, personal trainers and assisting with lifeguard and aquatic staff hiring and onboarding.
  • Provide occasional support and oversight of aquatic operations, including risk management procedures, scheduling, and event support; collaborate with the Aquatics team on safety training and staff development.
  • Benchmark industry trends and lead program assessment and data collection related to fitness and aquatics participation, satisfaction, and outcomes; utilize results to enhance offerings and align programs with a wellness model centered on health promotion, prevention, and sustainable healthy habits for all students.
  • Coordinate with the student marketing team to promote fitness and wellbeing programs via digital and print platforms; contribute to storytelling and branding efforts that reflect an inclusive, welcoming environment.
  • Assists with the assessment of programs and services. Maintains utilization, satisfaction, and outcome-based data regarding program participation for various fitness & wellbeing programs. 10
  • Develop and enforce policies and procedures related to participant safety, program standards, and facility usage in both fitness and aquatic spaces. Will primarily focus on creating an inclusive environment for non-traditional gym users and promoting healthy wellness habits among all students.
  • Responsible for inventory control, purchasing, invoicing, ordering, and receiving program-related equipment and supplies.

EDUCATION

  • BS- Exercise and Sport Science-Sports Management. Minors- Recreation Management and Business Administration. UW-La Crosse, 2010
  • MS- Recreation, Parks, and Tourism - Campus Recreation Programming and Administration. University of Florida, 2013
  • MS- Management. University of Florida, 2014

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

  • Graduate Assistant, Facility Operations, University of Florida Department of Recreational Sports, 2011-2014
  • Director, Department of Recreational Sports and Wellness, Carroll University, 2014-2023
  • General Manager, Catholic Memorial High School Athletic Department, 2023-2025
  • Dan has been the Coordinator, Fitness and Aquatics at 黑料论坛 Campus Recreation since October, 2025

AWARDS/HONORS

  • NIRSA Foundation Scholarship- Star Trac Corporate Partner- 2014
  • American Collegiate Intramural Sports (ACIS) National Intern of the Month- 2010

CERTIFICATIONS

  • Certified in First Aid, CPR, AED
  • Registry of Collegiate Recreational Sports Professionals, RCRSP Designation, 2018-2025

AFFILIATIONS

  • Wisconsin Intramural Recreational Sports Association (WIRSA), member 2010-Present
  • NIRSA: Leaders in Collegiate Recreation, member 2010-Present
  • NIRSA State of Florida, State Student Leader, 2013-2014

PERSONAL

Dan is married to Megan, a two-time 黑料论坛 graduate, who is a Nurse Practitioner at Aurora Mayfair Cancer Clinic, and they have two children - Dax, born in Sept. 2020, and Josie Mae, born in Dec. 2022.  As a Waukesha native, his favorite sports teams are the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Detroit Red Wings and the 黑料论坛 Golden Eagles.  Interests include spending time with his family, staying active, attending Milwaukee-area festivals, golfing and exploring local restaurants, breweries, farmer鈥檚 markets and coffee shops.