Our Coaches

Megan Waters

Megan Waters

Head Masters Coach

Athlete:

Megan began her lifelong love of swimming at her hometown pool in Maryland, where she spent summer days playing sharks and minnows and competing for the summer league team. After her coach convinced her to join a year-round team at the age of 10, she worked her way up to competing at Junior Nationals, Nationals, and US Open in high school in the backstroke and freestyle sprint events. For Princeton University, she qualified and competed at NCAA in 2011 and Olympic Trials in 2012 in the 50 and 100 freestyle.

Coach:

Megan began her coaching career in high school, as an assistant coach and swim lessons instructor for her summer league team. In college, she coached for an age group team at Princeton in between classes and training, and over the summers expanded her knowledge and passion for technique by studying at the reputable U of Michigan and West Point swim camps. After college, Megan became an assistant coach at Denison University in Ohio, and spent a summer studying elite training technique as a coach at the UT swim camp in Austin, TX. Megan returned home in 2014 to coach the National Prep group for Machine Aquatics while juggling internships at various non-profits to gain experience in environmental policy. In 2015 she moved to the Bay Area to manage a sustainability program in local government and immediately joined the San Mateo Masters staff part-time. Over the years with SMM she built a reputation as the technique guru, holding several adult stroke clinics and private lessons with many of the Masters swimmers. Following the pandemic, Megan was looking for a change of scene and has been the full-time Head Coach for QuickSilver Masters ever since. In addition to her head coaching duties, Megan has participated in local and national coaching mentorship programs, is the current swim meet director for Quicksilver age group and Masters competitions, and runs a successful summer Adult Learn-to-Swim program.

Human:

Outside the pool, Megan enjoys cycling, reading, eating, and crafting. She dabbles in dancing. She is a NASM certified personal trainer.

Megan's Philosophy on Masters Swimming:

"I have two philosophies that guide the way I coach Masters: 'work with what you got' and 'fun in the water = feel in the water.' My approach is to guide adults to swim in a way that minimizes risk of injury, by emphasizing technique that works within their range of motion, and I encourage them to explore how their body moves in the water - every body is unique."

Eric Wong

Eric Wong

Masters Coach

Eric Wong is a dedicated Master's Swim Coach known for his passion both in and out of the pool. Before joining Quicksilver Masters in San Jose, Eric coached for Quicksilver Masters in Santa Cruz, and spent several years coaching club and youth rec teams in the East Bay. He loves that swimming is such an inclusive sport, and is a huge believer in its countless benefits. With a hands-on approach to training, he not only guides his swimmers to reach their personal bests but also continues to compete in swim meets himself, setting an example of lifelong athletic commitment.

Eric started swimming competitively at the age of six, where he took a liking to breaststroke because his face wasn't always in the water. He continued swimming throughout college, specializing in sprint butterfly at U.C. Santa Cruz. Now as U.S. Masters swimmer, Eric has returned to his breaststroke roots, setting best times in his mid-40s.

When he’s not coaching or racing, Eric can be found outdoors—hiking rugged trails and camping under the stars, where he finds balance and inspiration from nature’s calm.

Eric's Philosophy on Masters Swimming:

"I believe there is both an art and a science to swimming fast. I believe that by introducing new technical skills and perspectives I can empower and encourage swimmers to improve ,regardless of their current age or ability."

Ricki Cruz

Ricki Cruz

Masters Coach

Before becoming a coach, Ricki was (and still is!) a QuickSilver Masters swimmer. She felt welcomed from the moment she joined. The team treated her like family, and she wanted to give back to the same swim community that gave her this special family feel. Ricki became a coach for QuickSilver Masters.

Ricki's Philosophy on Masters Swimming:

"I am dedicated to providing a safe space for swimmers of all ages, to explore and become themselves, and hope to inspire adults to join the sport or get back in the pool."

Anne Vargas

Anne Vargas

Masters Coach

Anne's coaching experience began in Washington in 1994, where she coached several summer league and year-round teams over the years, eventually expanding her experience into Nevada as well. Just prior to joining QSS, Anne coached Sunnyvale "SUNN" Swimming here in the Bay Area. As a part-time passion, Anne also consults for SafeSplash Swim School where she teaches and trains triathletes. Anne holds credentials in Functional Fitness for Adults, with Special Adaptations for Disabilities.

Anne swam competitively for 16 years, specializing in Fly, Back and IM. During that time, she swam for Northview Terrace, Big Bend Manta Rays, Lake Forest College and University of Illinois at Chicago.

Anne's Philosophy on Masters Swimming:

"I believe that swimming is adaptable to all body types and beneficial to all fitness levels."