Coaches and Directors
Coach Abi swam for the Chinese National Team, becoming a World Cup winner and National Champion. Prior to BCST, she coached the USA Swimming Junior National Swim Team and was named 2019 Pacific Swimming Coach of the Year, she is American Swimming Coaches Association level 5 certified coach. Abi’s coaching philosophy is quality over quantity. She believes doing the right things can set swimmers up for a long, successful journey.
“I love the sport of swimming because it builds community not only for youth, but also for parents, volunteers, coaches and officials. I call these people family!”
Ash graduated from Penn State University and started his coaching career on the East Coast through various academic programs. Locally, he coached at the KING Aquatic Club and was named two-time Pacific Northwest Age Group Coach of the Year and All-Star Coach before coming to BCST. Ash’s coaching philosophy can be best described by the phrase “WE not ME.” By putting the team at the center of his efforts, it allows him to coach as a collective and take care of all the athletes.
“I love the sport of swimming because, while it is individual in competition, a team driven environment is always where people are the most successful.”
Dwight has been coaching swimming since 1992, including as a Pacific Norwest Swimming All-Star Coach and the head coach for multiple area high schools. He brings a great deal of experience to BCST and has been part of the team since 2007. Dwight’s coaching philosophy is to strive to establish a relationship with each swimmer that is built on trust and honesty, and to teach strong fundamentals, work ethic, and sportsmanship.
“I love the sport of swimming because of how much you learn about yourself through it.”
Dwayne grew up swimming for multiple local clubs and was a member of the state championship team for Kentridge High School. After graduating from Western Washington University, he joined the Bellevue Club team as a swim instructor and became a coach in 2003.
Dwayne’s coaching philosophy is to introduce and grow a solid stroke base, from which each swimmer can become established in the sport they love.
“I love the sport of swimming because you never meet your opponent, yet every time you race, you have another chance to beat them.”
Paloma was a member of the Mexican National Team and swam for Riverside Community College. She brings her personal experience to every coaching position she has had, which includes various Pacific Northwest clubs and facilities. Paloma’s coaching philosophy is to teach the athletes how to work hard and have fun while doing the sport. She also helps swimmers to be the very best version of themselves.
“I love the sport of swimming because I always enjoyed the challenge and competition. It taught me so much, and I made so many friends. Also, I love being in the water!”
Coach Kevin grew up in Vancouver, Canada, where he swam for the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. He was an Academic All-Canadian and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. In addition, Kevin has a research and sport science background. He was an Athletic Performance intern at UCLA, where he developed competencies in load monitoring and injury assessment technologies such as force plates, velocity bands, and GPS load profiling. In Los Angeles, Kevin was a volunteer swim coach for UCLA Swim & Dive and an assistant coach for Rose Bowl Aquatics. Kevin completed his Master's of Exercise Science at CSU Long Beach, where he investigated changes in heart rate variability using rhythmic breathing exercises.
Coaching Philosophy: To provide a TEAM environment where swimmers have an opportunity to seek out challenges where they can learn and grow into leaders in the community.
"I love the sport of swimming because when it's all said and done, no one remembers the medals and times. It is the memories and experiences that last a lifetime."
Kara grew up swimming in Georgia as an age grouper and continued her swimming career in college at The University of Georgia where she was an All-American, Academic All American, SEC Champion and team captain. Kara was also a member of the USA National Team and competed at the 1997 World University Games in Sicily, Italy. Kara’s coaching philosophy is to guide swimmers to become better people both in and out of the water while placing an emphasis on teamwork and setting goals.
“I love the sport of swimming because of the lifelong lessons it teaches you and the friendships you develop along the way that will be a part of your life forever.”
