Chris Horner, Co-Head Coach
Chris began his swimming career in Martinez, swimming during his childhood with the Forest Hills Beavers and then later moving on to compete with the Walnut Creek Aquabears. In college, Chris first competed for DVC, setting school records in the 50 & 100 freestyle. Moving on to Cal State Bakersfield, Chris contributed to the team's national championship title before graduating in 2005. He continued swimming through 2008, competing in the 50 freestyle at the US Olympic Trials. Through his college years he developed a love of coaching as well as swimming, assisting various rec teams throughout the area. After graduating college he began head coaching with Round Hill Country Club and later became head coach of Meadow Swim & Tennis Club. Chris also coached at the Aquabears Viking Club, which he co-founded in 2012.
Chris believes that the goal for coaching swimmers is to teach them the fundamental physical skills and mental tools necessary to succeed while also developing a lifelong love for their sport. Athletics also provide an excellent environment for kids to learn more than just their sport. Life lessons such as sportsmanship, teamwork, commitment, work ethic, and dealing with success and failure in a positive way can all be fostered in a unique way through swimming.
Jason Kamp, Co-Head Coach
Jason Kamp has a 27 year history in recreational swimming as an athlete, coach and aquatic director. He began as a swimmer on Bonnie Brae Swim Team then joined the Walnut Creek Aquabears specializing in sprint freestyle. He began coaching in 1994 with teams including the Pleasant Hill Dolphins, Larkey Sharks, Aquabears, Diablo Country Club, Las Lomas High School, Monte Vista High School and, most recently, Walnut Creek Swim Club. He has held positions ranging from age group coach, assistant coach, head coach and aquatic director. Throughout his tenure, Jason has coached over 20 high school All-American swimmers, over 50 Contra Costa County champions, and several record holders. Jason balances training in the pool with strength training on dry land to build well rounded, versatile athletes all while keeping workouts engaging.
Jason is a member of the American Swim Coaches Association and holds a degree from California State University at Chico in Exercise Physiology with an emphasis in Coaching and Administration.
Mike Kocsis, Assistant Coach
Mike Kocsis is the newest addition to Diablo Aquatics. Originally from North Dakota, his experience includes 11 years of competitive swimming, 5 years of high school coaching, and 5 years of collegiate coaching as both an assistant and head coach.
Beginning his collegiate career with the Cumberlands Patriots, Mike coached 18 NAIA All-Americans and 12 Top-3 finishes at the 2018 NAIA National Championship. After shifting focus to the NCAA, the Manchester Spartans saw 20 school records fall during his two seasons leading the program.
Mike moves from Ohio after working with the Wooster Fighting Scots. Over the past two years, the Scots have seen freshmen break 3 school records as well as represent the team at the 2022 Division III National Championship.
Mike attended the University of North Dakota where he graduated with a major in Kinesiology and a minor in Coaching.
