Ryan YMCA Tidal Waves

Coach Sara was a NCAA Division I swimmer at Loyola University in Maryland, where she held university records in the 100 breast and as the freestyle leg of the 200 medley relay. She also held university top 5 times in the 200 breast, 200 IM, and multiple relays. She has eight years experience as an age group swim coach, including as the head coach of a struggling team that she led to division champions within four years. 

Sara’s BA and MS are both in speech-language pathology, and her five years as a pediatric speech therapist helped her hone her skills with behavior management, communication with children and parents, and supporting kids with a variety of needs. She believes in the power of a growth mindset and the fundamental importance of efficient technique. She has a passion for creating a physically and emotionally safe environment to nurture swimmers' innate desire to be their best self in and out of the pool. As the Ryan Tidal Waves head coach, her vision is to create a cohesive, supportive team that inspires all swimmers to strive for their goals. 

Sara and her husband live in OB with their five kids, ranging in age from 11 to 15. When she has free time, Sara enjoys running, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and camping with her family.

Coach Rebecca has been an integral part of the Ryan Tidal Waves coaching team since Spring 2023. Her passion for swimming stems from her own experience growing up immersed in the sport. With nine years of club swimming under her belt, she achieved multiple placements at San Diego CIFs and continued her journey in the water by swimming with various master teams during and after college.

Rebecca brings a wealth of experience to her coaching role, having previously taught private swim lessons and coached a high school swim team. Beyond the pool, she dedicates her time to shaping young minds as a first-grade teacher in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD). Her enthusiasm for teaching and swimming creates a positive and inspiring environment for her students and athletes alike.

Originally from the Bay Area, Coach Marissa has spent over a decade immersed in competitive aquatic sports. As a swimmer for 13 years and a full-time, year-round water polo player for 6 years, she developed a deep passion for the water. When COVID-19 led to the cancellation of her college program, she transitioned into full-time coaching while pursuing her college education—a decision that sparked a new chapter in her journey.

With 9 years of swim coaching experience working with children of all ages and 6 years dedicated to competitive water polo, Coach Marissa has successfully guided multiple B-level teams to the platinum division of Junior Olympics. Her expertise, commitment, and ability to cultivate strong, confident athletes set her apart.

Recently, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Child Development from San Diego State University and is now working toward her Master’s in Special Education alongside a moderate/severe special education teaching credential. Outside of coaching, she works as a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) at a school for children with severe autism. This experience fuels her dedication to fostering an inclusive and positive swim community where every athlete feels supported.

Coach Marissa is thrilled to be part of the Tidal Waves team and looks forward to empowering swimmers both in and out of the water!