Head Coach and Age Group Program Director

UPAC Head Coach Aaron Hughes has been a part of the Puget Sound swim community for over 15 years in a variety of roles including USA Club Coaching, WIAA High School Coaching and as the Aquatic Operations Director for the University Place School District. As Head Coach of Curtis Vikings Girls Swim, he has mentored and inspired swimmers to pursue excellence in the pool, classroom and as community members. He now carries that philosophy to UPAC where Aaron directs the Pre-Senior training group and oversees all age group programs. 

Coach Elena has extensive knowledge about competitive swimming and training. She is a former National Swimmer from Russia. Elena is an outstanding coach with immense patience and kindness. She creates a fast-paced, disciplined yet enjoyable environment to make her swimmers swim fast without burnout. Her love of coaching and of the sport of swimming transfers to the athletes she coaches and that shows itself in their improved times and longevity.  

Coach Ryan has been teaching swim lessons and coaching competitively swim athletes in theb Pacific Northwest since 2000.  Presently Coach Ryan is the UPAC Silver Coach and Girls Swim Assistant Coach at Curtis High School 

I grew up swimming in the pacific northwest. I swam competitively for 9 years. I believe that anyone can accomplish anything if they want it bad enough. I’m a technique first coach! Efficient technique is paramount in competitive swimming. I think the sport of swimming is amazing and challenging. As a coach I’m always learning new things. I do a lot of reading and am fascinated by coach’s such as Eddie Reese, Bob Bowman, Cus D’Amato and Freddie Roach. I often look at other sports to find new ways to engage the athletes. I hope to inspire swimmers the same way my coach’s inspired me.