National Team 2024
Orinda Aquatics has developed over 250 national-level swimmers and 30 Olympic Trial qualifiers throughout its history. This consistent and impressive production is the result of methodical process and philosophy which is outlined in the text below. Also, see the PDF "National History" below. Swimmers achieving the Winter Junior National standard will qualify for that meet (one west coach/one east coast), receive a National Team jacket and cap, and also be eligible for the USA Swimming Scholastic All American recognition (winter Junior cut and a 3.5 GPA for that academic year). Below, please find the Orinda Aquatics training philosophy, National history, recent National Development teams, time standards, and an overview of the team's and staff's deliberate approach to developing national-level swimmers.
2025 National Team Members
- Garrett Molitor
- Stella Canoles*
- Ethan Taylor*
- Elise Gratton
2024 National Team Members
- Adriana Smith*
- Jasmine Fok
- Emilia Barck*
- Lily Struempf*
- Miranda Stevenson*
- Garrett Molitor
- Stella Canoles*
- Ethan Taylor*
- Elise Gratton
- Kaitlin Lee*
* summer qualifer
National Development Team 2023
Training Overview
Training high-level athletes has been a debated topic in swimming with approaches varying widely from volume and distance and training, to IM-based training, to race-paced/speed-oriented training. Orinda Aquatics utilizes an approach that focuses on maximizing efficiency, allowing swimmers to develop technically while not breaking down under stress, and training/teaching swimmers how to race effectively. In addition, Orinda Aquatics places a premium on the overall career and physical and emotional development of every swimmer. This broad view represents the foundation of our coaching philosophy and is reflected in our training methodology and the relationships we develop with our swimmers.
Technique Overview
To be competitive at the national level, swimmers must be technically proficient and understand all nuances of their strokes. There should exist a culture of technique in which swimmers develop a dedication and a sense of pride in stroke development. Swimmers should become well-educated and accountable for technical improvement. Technical focus is intertwined into all areas of training. Athletes are prescribed detailed analyses for every aspect of their strokes and are coached to focus on technique daily.
Personal Development
As part of the mission of Orinda Aquatics, the overriding goal of the program is to develop high-character athletes and high-character individuals, and this begins at the national level. We require that these swimmers operate at the highest level of training, team commitment, leadership, academics, and character. It is also imperative that they remain humble and grounded in appreciation for their success, and become mentors to younger team members.
