Humboldt Swim Club's Coaching Staff

HSC Staff:

Casey Hnatiuk, [email protected]

Position: Head Coach

Coaching Background
Coach Casey Hnatiuk brings over 25 years of coaching experience to the deck, working with swimmers from beginners to national-level competitors. He has held leadership roles at various clubs including Lyons Aquatics, Sterling Stingrays, Delta Aquatics and others. He currently serves as Head Coach for Humboldt Swim Club, and hopes to retire there as well.

Casey has coached state champions and record holders, Sectional, Future, Junior National and Olympic Trial athletes, plus many more who went to swim at various collegiate programs. Early in his career, he coached 3-time gold medalist and Olympian Blake Pieroni as a developing age-group swimmer. He is known for rebuilding programs, raising competitive standards, and developing strong team culture focused on consistency, accountability, and personal growth.

Swimming Background
Casey grew up swimming competitively at the club and high school level, where he developed a love for training and team environments. His experience as an athlete and coach gives him a deep understanding of how swimmers grow through each stage of the sport. He has remained active in aquatics as a lifeguard, lesson instructor, and very part-time swimmer, while maintaining a lifelong commitment to the sport.

Coaching Philosophy
"Swimming is a tool for building strong people. I focus on teaching great technique, training with purpose, and building mental toughness so athletes are prepared not just for racing—but for life."

"Not every day will be your best day, but you should always give 100% of what you have."

Casey believes in earning success through effort and developing athletes as people first, emphasizing discipline, ownership, and confidence in and out of the pool.

Education & Certifications

Master’s Degree in Information Technology & Cybersecurity

Bachelor’s Degree in General studies with a military history background

ASCA Fellow, class of 2011

USA Swimming Coach (Current, APT & Background Check Cleared)

CPR/First Aid Certified

American Red Cross Lifeguard Certified

SafeSport Certified

Personal Interests
Coach Casey is a U.S. Army veteran who served six years in Military Intelligence, earning the rank of Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. Outside of coaching, he enjoys strength training, biking, exploring Northern California with his pup, Vader, road trips, and personal development. He is passionate about helping athletes discover their potential and creating an environment where hard work and belief lead to achievement.

Head Assistant Coach:

Jacob Ireland, [email protected]

Position: Lead Age Group Coach

Coaching Background
 
Hello Water Dog Family! This is my 6th year coaching with Humboldt Swim Club, and my 15th year being a part of this program if you include my years as a Water Dog athlete. I have also been the Arcata and Eureka High School coach for the past 3 years, and have previously been the Humboldt Masters coach for 2 years. I have had the pleasure of sending multiple swimmers to Far Westerns Championships, Western Zones Championships, and NCS Championships. Additionally, I have sent two swimmers off to college swimming, at UC Santa Cruz and Whitman College respectively, where they have set school records and placed very well at their conference championships.
 
Swimming Background
 
My swimming background includes 9 years with Humboldt Swim Club, and 3 years with Inland Coastal Aquatics Club in San Diego. I set multiple team records during my time with Humboldt Swim Club, most notably in the butterfly events, and was a Sectionals level swimmer in high school. During my time at Escondido High School, I helped set the school record in the 200 medley relay swimming the fly leg, was a 3-time Avocado League champion in the 100 Fly, and a 3-time Avocado League All-First team recipient. I placed top 5 at CIF San Diego Section Championships 3 years in a row. On the water polo side, I set school records for most steals in a season and career, as well as the CIF Division III record for most steals in a game. My senior year, I was the recipient of the Jack Thoreson Memorial Athletic Scholarship for my achievements in aquatic sports. Currently, I compete in Masters meets from time to time.
 
Coaching Philosophy
 
My coaching philosophy is that we are people first before we are athletes. Swimming can be intimidating, and trying to achieve goals that you are passionate about can be scary. The fear of coming up short and not meeting expectations you set for yourself are always present. I believe that it is important to validate these feelings, not deny them. It is normal to feel this way, but if you can find the courage to push through these emotions, maintain confidence in your abilities, and always stay grounded in the reasons you love this sport, you will be fine no matter what. It is important to remember that you have teammates and coaches that love you, and we'll always be there to give you support. Especially where you are finding it hard to give yourself support.
 
Education and Certifications
 
I completed my Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at Cal Poly Humboldt in the Spring of 2024. Along with my Bachelors, I completed a minor degree in kinesiology. I am currently enrolled in a teaching credential program with a single subject of focus of physical education along with a Masters in Education. Both of these programs are being completed through National University. My USA Swimming credentials include CPR/AED/Pediatric First Aid certifications, and I am currently a Level 4 ASCA (American Swim Coaches Association) certified coach. Additionally, I am a Level 2 USMS (United States Masters Swimming) certified coach.
 
Personal Interests
 
Some of my hobbies include backpacking, hiking, swimming, reading, and writing! I love to write poetry, and I am currently working on a short story. It is hard to find the time sometimes to do these things, but it is always important to make time for yourself and your leisure enjoyments! That is something I always tell my swimmers.
 
Thank you all for your contributions to Humboldt Swim Club! The coaches I had on this team growing up were some of the most impactful adults in my life. It really changed my trajectory. If I can give back to this team even a fraction of what it has given my life, then I would say I have done a pretty good job. Thank you.
-  Coach Jacob

 

 

Declan Bates
Position/Group: Assistant Coach for bronze and silver

Coaching Background

I have been a swim coach/instructor for three years primarily working with ages 4-13. This is my first time coaching on a team, however I previously taught swim for the city of Rohnert Park. My greatest achievement as a coach is getting kids who are scared to try to give it a shot. 

Swimming Background

I swam varsity in high school and train whenever I'm able. I have continued to be involved in aquatics through teaching.

Coaching Philosophy

I believe in pushing swimmers to do their best. To me, your best can change day to day, so keeping that in mind, I challenge my swimmers to give it their all each and every day, in and out of the water. 

Education & Certifications

I am currently a student at HSU getting my bachelors in chemistry. 

I have USA Swimming certifications in the Foundations of Coaching, and CPR/First aid. 

Personal Interests

Outside of the pool I can be found playing rugby for Humboldt, doing on campus research, and playing music (guitar, bass, and piano,).

Assistant Coach:

 

Name: Chloe Kraft
Position/Group: Assistant Coach

Coaching Background

I bring two years of coaching experience working with athletes of all skill levels. In my previous roles teaching swim lessons at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center and currently coaching the Masters team at the Arcata Community Pool, I have developed training programs that support both individual and team growth.

Swimming Background

I began swimming at the age of 11 with my local public pool’s swim team in Los Angeles, where I discovered my passion for swimming and water polo. In high school, I competed on both the swim and water polo teams, advancing to three CIF championships and earning two first-place titles with my water polo team. Outside of school, I played club water polo for both South Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley, further developing my skills and love for the sport. After graduating, I worked as a lifeguard at the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center for five years, where I also swam with their Masters program. Today, in addition to coaching the Water Dogs, I coach the Masters team and stay active in the water by surfing whenever I can.

Coaching Philosophy

I believe in creating a supportive and fun environment where athletes can grow in skill, confidence, and character—both in and out of the water. My coaching focuses on building strong fundamentals, encouraging consistency, and fostering a lifelong love for the sport.

Education & Certifications

I am a student at Cal Poly Humboldt and am finishing my final semester toward a degree in Biology with a concentration in Microbiology. I hold USA Swimming certification as well as CPR and First Aid certification, alongside seven years of lifeguard experience.

Personal Interests

Outside of coaching, I enjoy surfing, hiking, and creating artwork. I am also conducting pitcher plant research for the university and hope to eventually pursue a career in agricultural research.

Assistant Coach:

 

Name: Christopher Larson
Position/Group: Assistant Coach

Coaching Background

I have been coaching since 2020 at the club level with all age groups. I have coached for the Ukiah Dolphins swim team as a junior coach, assistant coach, and head coach. I have been on the Humboldt Water Dogs team since 2023 as a lead age group coach and an assistant coach. 

Swimming Background

I started swimming when I was 7 years old, and kept swimming all the way through high school on the varsity swim team as a long-distance swimmer. I was the team captain my senior year, and I have continued to swim, along with pursuing scuba diving and lifeguarding. 

Coaching Philosophy

My coaching philosophy is creating a supportive and safe environment, along with making my practices interesting, challenging, and fun. 

Education & Certifications

I am currently working to get my Bachelor's degree in business and a minor in communications at CPH. I am also a CPR/First Aid certified, SafeSport Certified, and have all my USA Swimming coaching credentials.

Personal Interests

Outside of the pool, I enjoy swimming, thrifting, and the outdoors. It's always nice being in Humboldt!

Assistant Coach:

 

Jeanette Zhang

Position/Group: Assistant Lead Coach

Coaching Background
With 7 years of coaching experience, Jeanette has worked with swimmers of all ages, from 4-year-olds to adults. Her coaching journey started at Calphin Aquatic Club and continues to provide private lessons independently. Trained under a Chinese Olympic medalist and a retired Olympian coach, Jeanette has developed a coaching approach grounded in technique, hands on corrections and basic fundamentals. Including creative ways of teaching new techniques that help better support swimmers as they learn something new. She has the ability to think outside the box and explain concepts in different ways! Notable achievements include successfully coaching swimmers of varying levels, from beginners to swimmers with disabilities to competitive athletes, with an emphasis on proper technique and personal development/goals  

Swimming Background
Though competitive swimming was brief from a high school swim team in San Jose to a community college level in Livermore, she gained valuable experiences that shaped her coaching style. She has always remained involved in aquatics and understanding the intricacies behind proper body form and fluid mechanics alongside which she not only apply to coaching but also informing swimmers so they can understand what to be aware of! 

Coaching Philosophy
Jeanette believes in meeting each swimmer where they are, tailoring her approach to the athlete’s intent and willingness to learn. By focusing on mastering the fundamentals, swimmers can develop a strong foundation that further supports greater achievements as they progress. Technique, consistency and body mechanics are core to her coaching philosophy.

Education & Certifications
With one semester left at Cal Poly Humboldt majoring in Chemistry with a Minor in Physics, Jeanette is passionate about emergency medicine. She further applies her academic background in teaching body mechanics and form in the water so swimmers have a better understanding of the drills they are set to perform. She holds USA Swimming certifications, including CPR/First Aid and SafeSport, alongside previous lifeguard training.

Personal Interests
Outside of coaching, Jeanette enjoys traveling and has visited over 13 countries so far, with more to go. She is also deeply involved in PPD/IGP dog sports.