Yuma Heat - Coaches

ONE TEAM ONE DREAM

Arizona Swimming

Coaches and Directors

Coaching Staff

Myriah VanBuskirk Head Coach - Inferno 1 & 2

Before returning to Yuma, Myriah was the Head Age Group Coach for Northwest Arkansas Aquatics (NWAA) for 3 years. She is a former collegiate athlete who coaches, guides, and empowers each swimmer to achieve individual and team goals. Myriah possesses excellent leadership skills, dynamic communication skills and strong mentoring ability. During her tenure at NWAA Club, she coached numerous Junior National, Futures, and Sectional Qualifiers which lead her to being named a Level 3 Coach by the American Swimming Coaches Association. During her college years, Myriah earned MVP in 2011 at Limestone College and was the women's team captain the following season. She still holds multiple swimming records for Yuma High School and our very own Yuma Heat Swim Team. Myriah's philosophy is that, “Everyone has potential. I want each swimmer to know that competitive swimming isn’t just about being the best; it’s about being the best you can be.”

*Fun fact about Coach Myriah*--She was born and raised in Yuma and her parents actually started the Yuma Heat! From a very young age, Myriah loved swimming so her parents created this team for her and children in the Yuma community to allow them the opportunity to be a part of a competitive swim team.

Justin Pollock Head Dive Coach

I began a local swimming program at age 4. I started competitive swimming and diving in 1994 just before high school and continued through high School and college. I was a swimmer and diver at College of the Sequoias from 1999-2000, 2002-2003 and also at California State University Bakersfield where I was a member of the 2004 NCAA National Championship team. I finished as an NCAA All American in the 1 meter and 3 meter events. I have a passion for all water sports as I believe it creates and builds character for all participants involved. Diving is a great opportunity for all to overcome fear and push oneself toward progress and self discipline.

Andrea Hauck Assistant Coach - DIVE

Coach Hauck is a native of Maine where she graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Elementary Ed and a Master's in Higher Education Academic Advising, both from the University of Maine. Andrea is currently a counselor at Cibola High School and is the Head Coach of the Yuma Union High School district’s dive team. She's passionate about diving and brings a determined outlook and individualized approach to coaching all members of the team. She has previously coached Cheer/Gymnastics, softball, basketball and field hockey and is an avid sports fan. She lives in Yuma with her husband and their two daughters. Her daughters have swam with the Yuma Heat for 6-years. Andrea is an NFHS-certified dive coach and official in Arizona since 2023. She is a USA swim meet Marshall and is First Aid and CPR certified.

Renee Libkie Assistant Coach - Sparks 2 & Inferno 1&2

I started competitive swimming at the age of 8 with the Yuma Sidewinders and swam until I was 18. I competed with Kofa Girls Swimming from 1975 to 1979. After my senior year of swim, I choose to start working as a assistant coach with the Southern AZ Otters during summers.

After my first full year of teaching, in 1986, I started coaching again for the high schools. I coached as an assistant coach for Yuma and Kofa. I then took over the head coach's position for Kofa and later at San Luis High School. During this time, I was also hired as head coach for the Southern AZ Sandsharks, where I coached for many years.

I earned my degree in teaching from ASU and began my teaching career with Gadsen District in 1985. I taught 1st, 2nd, 7th and 8th grades. After 37 years with the district, I retired in 2022.

After a few years off from teaching and coaching, I'm back as an assistant coach for the Kofa Swim Team and The Heat

Mark Van Voorst Assistant Coach - Inferno 1&2

Bradley Broschat Assistant Coach - Sparks 1 & 2

Born and raised in Sitka Alaska, Coach Brad became involved in competitive swimming at an early age, leading to competing at the high school and college level as a backstroke and distance swimmer. Since moving to Yuma in 1993, he has been a deck coach, Master’s swimmer, and head coach of area swim teams while teaching in local schools, with an emphasis on stroke development and team building. He loves travel, working out, visiting his now grown children, and attending 80s Rock concerts with his wife.

Kelly Katz Assistant Coach- EMBERS 1&2

Coach Kelly has been a Yuma Heat swim mom since 2016. Before becoming a swim mom and coach, Kelly was an elementary school teacher with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. She loves working with children and enjoys applying her teaching skills at the pool. When she’s not on deck, Coach Kelly is busy homeschooling, helping out with her daughters’ Girl Scout troop, and decorating sugar cookies.

Miah Duarte Olivas Assistant Coach - Sparks 1

Victoria Nunez Ortiz Assistant Coach- EMBERS 1&2

Hi everyone! My name is Victoria Nunez and I am excited to be one of the new coaches for Yuma Heat! I previously swam competitively for Yuma Heat from age 11-18 and also swam for Kofa High School. I am currently a nursing student at NAU Yuma. I am fluent in Spanish and love to work with little kids! Over the summers I also teach swim lessons for the City of Yuma. I am excited to meet everyone!

Charlee Webb Assistant Coach- EMBERS 1&2

Coach Char has been a Yuma Heat swim Mom since 2019. Before volunteering as a Coach, Char served as a member of the Yuma Heat Board of Directors where she was actively involved in the organization and planning of local Swim Meets. Coach Char is a 2001 graduate of Fort Hays State University, and competed at the collegiate level in both Volleyball and Track. Coach Char's goal is to safely and effectively prepare all her young swimmers for continued advancement within the Yuma Heat, while simultaneously developing them mentally and physically as future Champions! When she's not on the pool deck, Coach Char can be found spending time with her friends and family.

Fun Facts: Coach Char was a State Champion Long Jumper and prior to moving to Yuma, lived in Japan for 4 years!

Isabella Castillo Assistant Coach - Precomp

Coach Isabella is a dedicated and passionate swim coach with years of coaching experience. Their commitment to the sport of swimming and their ability to inspire and motivate athletes sets them apart as a valuable addition to our team.