Talyna Morgan
Head Swimming Coach
Coach Morgan grew up in Richardson, Texas swimming for the City of Richardson Swim Team. She graduated from Berkner High school, where she won district, regional, and state titles for the team leading the Berkner High School women’s team to the only state championship win to this date. She was a three-time high school All-American, and went on to compete for the University of Illinois. She continued to swim well after her college years, and competed in the World Master Swimming Championship placing 7th. She was inducted into Berkner High School’s Athletic Hall of Honor in 2007.
Coach Morgan began her coaching career with the City of Richardson Swim Team and has coached for almost 25 years, for Ursuline Academy, Hillcrest High School, and Berkner High School where she has coached multiple, regional, TAPPS, and state qualifiers. Coach Morgan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Literary Studies, a Master of Science in Sport Psychology and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Psychology. She has taught all levels of English Language Arts 9-12, as well as, dual credit Psychology, and dual enrollment Rhetoric. This will be her second-year teaching at Plano East, and her first year as head coach for the Panthers.
Drew Byrd
Assistant Swimming Coach
Coach Byrd was once a student at Plano East and left as part of the Class of 2012. He initially wanted to be an architect but realized education was where he belonged, so he attended and graduated from UNT in 2019, majoring in English Literature. He began teaching English in 2021 and is ecstatic to return to PESH!
While new to the team, Coach Byrd is excited to learn with the swimmers and contribute in any way he can.
Amanda Rieff
Diving Coach
Coach Rieff is the Diving Coach for Plano East Senior High. She has taught and coached over 17 years at Ursuline Academy, Lovejoy High School, and Plano East Senior High. During her coaching career she has won TAPPS swimming and diving state championship titles 4 times and produced several individual state champions. During the 2020-2021 school year she was recognized as the District 7 Diving Coach of the Year; 2021-2022 as the Girls District 7 Diving Coach of the Year; and 2022-2023 as the Girls District 6A Diving Coach of the Year, as well as 6A Regional Girls Coach of the Meet. Amanda is an alumna of Plano East Senior High where she swam for 3 years and was part of the record setting 200 freestyle relay. She is a graduate of Ball State University where she was a member of the Women’s Swimming and Diving Team.
Coaching Philosophy
High School swimming provides an opportunity for student-athletes to develop as individuals and as contributing members of a TEAM. As coaches it is our mission to create an environment in which athletes are challenged both mentally and physically on a daily basis in practice and competition. We strive to facilitate balance between competitive swimming and a rigorous academic schedule. And, we pursue success through positive instruction and continuous learning.