Coaches
 
 
Lauren Skinner - Head Coach
ASCA Level 1&2
I have been swimming competitively since age 8, and began competitive water polo at age 13. Through water polo, I was able to compete against the top 100 teams from across the country at the Junior Olympics for several years.  Although sidelined by shoulder surgery during college at USC, I was able to swim recreationally.  Because I can't stay out of the water, after graduating college I began competing in open water swims and triathlons. Among many ocean swims, I've completed the Alcatraz swim numerous times, and competed in dozens of triathlons, including several Ironman events.  I credit water polo with my ability to navigate large groups of swimmers! 
After more than 10 years in the corporate world, I was lucky enough to join the Riptides in 2017, and became the head coach in 2019.  Over these years the team has grown both in speed and in spirit! I am so honored to be able to watch our swimmers grow into great athletes and great people.  I firmly believe that once a swimmer, always a swimmer- and try to impart a love for the sport in all of our athletes. 
 
 
 
Olga Tovstogan, MBA- Coach
Senior & Elite
ASCA Level 1&2
With 18 years of swimming experience, including achieving an Olympic Cut in 2012, I bring extensive knowledge and expertise to help swimmers excel in their club training and competitions. As a 12-time Pacific Conference Champion, twice named Swimmer of the Year, top-2 finalist in the NCAA Championships, and a competitor in World and European Championships, I exemplify dedication, resilience, and a passion for excellence. With my educational background with a bachelor's in psychology and a master's degree in business, along with a Harvard certification in business and computer science, I bring a holistic perspective to enhancing performance and managing swimming-related endeavors. My coaching style focuses on refining techniques, optimizing performance, and fostering a supportive team environment. Through personalized training plans and tailored feedback, I am committed to helping each swimmer reach their goals and unlock their full potential. 
email: olga.tovstogan @arcadiaswimclub.org
 
Kelin Michael, Ph.D.- Coach
Age Group Competition
I started swimming competitively at age 9 for Portage Aquatic Club in southwest Michigan, making it to the State level in several events before I graduated high school (meet divisions are a bit different here and I’m still learning all the levels!). I was a varsity athlete in swimming and water polo throughout high school before swimming in college for all four years at Oberlin in Ohio (Division III). I was co-captain of the team my senior year and helped lead us to our first undefeated dual meet season in over a decade. I continued to swim for Emory University’s masters swim team while in graduate school in Atlanta, until the pandemic came in 2020(!!!). Swimming has changed my life, both in and out of the pool. I have made lifelong friends through the sport, have learned how to prioritize and time manage, and have figured out how to overcome adversity (I was diagnosed with a fractured spine at age 14). I am committed to helping young swimmers find their love for the sport and accomplish their goals safely, whether it be by achieving their first JO cut, or by being a good teammate and role model. I incorporate technique work, aerobic, and anaerobic work during swim practice (and coordination and strength work during dryland) to ensure that everyone in Silver 1 levels up as a well-rounded swimmer. I can’t wait to see what we can do!
 
Eszter Heins, ASW- Coach
Age Group Development 1&2
I started swimming competitively at age four because I wanted to be just like my big sister. With every stroke, I found more freedom and developed a deeper connection to the water. Over twenty years later, swimming is still a source of joy, passion, and creativity--now as an athlete, coach and clinician. My experiences living, training, and competing around the world have molded my approach into one where our sport is--at its core--a source of fun, learning, and connection. It transcended language, culture, and differences. My goal is to bring this core of the sport to the forefront of practices every day.
In my groups, swimmers will develop sound technical foundations; explore and foster what they enjoy about the sport; cultivate self-confidence, critical thinking skills, and resilience; and have a safe space to learn and grow--wherever that takes them!
As an associate clinical social worker and near-decade as a registered yoga teacher, my practices center mindfulness; mind-body connection; and evidence-based, developmentally appropriate skill-building for all swimmers. I love getting to know swimmers as their whole human selves and see them grow, learn, and flourish.
 
David Schmall- Coach
High School Prep
 
Matt Lu- Coach
Age Group Prep
 
Jason Valdecantos- Coach
Stroke Development 1&2