Email: [email protected]
Daria Belova is the head Swim Team Coach with a rich history of excellence both as a swimmer and a coach. With over six years coaching at the Bay Club, including four years as a head coach and two years as an assistant coach Daria combines a deep passion for the sport with a proven track of success. She has experience working with all levels of athletes from Learn to swim to Far Westerns finalist swimmers. Daria had been a swim coach for five years in Russia before coming to U.S.
As a swimmer, Daria competed at the National level with Russian National Team including World Cup and World Masters Championship. Daria came to U.S as an International Student-Athlete and had her college swimming career at Fresno Pacific University. As an FPU swimmer became an NCAA Woman of the Year nominee, 9-times NCAA All-American, multiple times CoSIDA Academic All-American, CSCAA Scholar All-American, National Swimmer of the Week, and 4-times PCSC Athlete of the week. Daria has been a 100 Fly record holder for the Pacific Collegiate Swimming Conference since 2016.
Daria finds passion in the success and excellence that is created by consistency, dedication, and relentless pursuit of improvement. She believes that true achievement is the result of not only hard work but also a deep commitment to personal growth and teamwork. Her coaching approach is grounded in cultivating a positive environment where every athlete is encouraged to push their limits and embrace the journey toward greatness.
Alina has been a competitive swimmer for 6 years and a swim instructor for over 8 years. In 2023 she coached at a club swim team in Southern California before joining us as a Panther. She has taught a wide variety of people including children, adults, and the elderly. From introducing beginners to the joy of swimming to fine-tuning the techniques of competitive athletes, Alina has been a part of countless success stories.
Alina has a passion for creating a fun and enriching environment for all swimmers to become the best version of themselves. She believes in creating a positive, motivating environment where swimmers feel supported to tackle any challenge. As a coach, Alina finds nothing more rewarding than witnessing swimmers shine. Her goal for every swimmer is to leave each practice feeling stronger, faster, and more confident than the last.
Sam began his coaching career in 2019 where he worked 2 seasons with the Danville Sea Devils. Sam has been a part of the Bay Club Panthers since February 2024, where he is lead coach of the Bronze group and assists with the Cubs group.
Prior to his coaching career, Sam was a lifelong swimmer. Beginning at the age of 8, Sam swam for teams all across the country. Later in life, Sam attended the University of California, Santa Cruz, where he swam at the division 3 level and specialized in distance freestyle. In 2020, Sam achieved his first team record in the 1000-yard Freestyle (9:29.47), whilst leading the men's team to the first Conference Championship in program history. In 2023, Sam and his teammates achieved an Division 3 NCAA Championship consideration time, while breaking the team record in the 800-yard freestyle relay (6:41.41).
Email: [email protected]
Maile Firenze is a dedicated coach with the Bay Club Panthers, having joined the team in september 2023. With a strong foundation of aquatic sports including swimming and water polo, Maile has been a swim instructor at the Bay Club since August 2021, where she has honed her skills in fostering a positive and engaging learning environment for her swimmers.
Currently a student at Foothill Community College, Maile brings over 10 years of competitive swimming experience to her coaching role, complemented by a background in water polo. Maile's coaching centers on creating a fun, motivating, and uplifting atmosphere for her swimmers. She is committed to developing not only skilled athletes but also well-rounded individuals, emphasizing personal growth both in and out of the pool.
Email: [email protected]
Coach Matt started as a lifeguard at Bay Club in 2010, and began coaching in 2011 purely by chance: an instructor was needed last minute, and Matt needed gas money. Surprising to Matt, a passion for teaching and working with kids developed.
After almost 15 years of coaching, the passion for working with kids never stopped, and he spends much of his free time assisting the swim team and stroke school. Coach Matt's main focus is on early stroke development and fundamentals. He takes a direct approach when coaching and tailors the instructions to the individual swimmer. Matt blends humor, exuberance, and a bit of sarcasm into practice to keep the kids engaged and having fun, while also keeping them focused on the task at hand.
Email:douglas.ryerson@bayclubs.com
Coach Douglas learned to swim at 4 and still swims masters. His love for swimming, coaching, and teaching will never end. 4 years at Cal NCAA All American, Olympic trial finalist, NCCA Division 1 National Water Polo Champion at Cal. Douglas coached since he was 18 for the City of Berkeley swimming and Water Polo programs, High School swim teams, and Private lessons. Allhis kids are excellent swimmers and still have swimming in their exercise routines. Coach Douglas loves seeing kids Enjoy, Listen, Work hard, Improve, and appreciate swimming for the rest of their lives.
