Coaches and Directors

Coaches and Directors
Coaching Staff
Jake Soares Head Coach

Coach Jake has been with CRUZ (formerly called SCCA) since 2011. He has helped swimmers reach the Junior Olympics and earn college scholarships, and one of the things he enjoys most about coaching is helping athletes reach their goals.  He has previously coached for the Anderson AquaGators, West Valley High School, Redding Aqua Ducks, Soquel High School, and is currently the Head Coach at Harbor High School.

Jake grew up swimming with the Redding Aqua Ducks, and still holds a few team records there.  In 2007, he graduated from the University of the Pacific with a BA in History and a minor in Business Management.  Jake balanced school and athletics as a member of the UOP Swimming and Diving team (2005 Big West Conference Champions). In his free time he enjoys reading, playing music, fishing and surfing trips.

 
Andreas Wessels Associate Coach

Coach Andreas has been with CRUZ (formerly called SCCA) since 2009.  He regularly swam at the Junior Olympics and the Pacific Swimming Senior Circuit.  He graduated from PCS in 2015 and was an event winner at the MTAL Championships. The swimmers at CRUZ really like working with Andreas and their strokes and race results prove it. Right now he is a full time student at UCSC, and when he is not coaching or in class Andreas enjoys cooking, spending time with friends, and swimming.

Katie Crivello Associate Coach

Coach Katie started swimming with SCCA in 1999, competing at the Junior Olympics and eventually Sectionals.  She swam at Cabrillo College, has been coaching with CRUZ off and on since 2012, and is a very patient, effective, and motivational coach.  Katie is married to her husband Tony, and in her free time she enjoys spending time with family, art projects, camping, and traveling.

Aliveah Robertson Intern

Coach Aliveah started swimming with CRUZ in 2011.  She graduated from Harbor High where she was valedictorian and a swim team standout.  She now attends Cabrillo College with plans to become an elementary school teacher, and also works in the child care program at Toadal Fitness.  Aliveah coaches with enthusiasm and positivity, and knows how to balance each practice session with work and play. In her free time Aliveah enjoys exercising, crafts and painting.

Emily Norris Intern

Coach Emily has been swimming with CRUZ since 2009.  She is a Junior Olympic finalist, and school record holder @ Scotts Valley High School, helping the Falcons send relays to CCS Champs in 2019.  Emily is attending UCSB studying Biology.  She knows how to challenge and motivate our younger athletes to keep them on track for success.  In her free time Emily enjoys reading, baking, and crocheting.

 
Samuel Levy Intern

Coach Sam has been swimming with CRUZ since 2012.  He is a Junior Olympic finalist, and school record holder @ PCS, helping the Pumas send relays to CCS Championships in 2018.  After graduating this year, Sam hopes to work as a state park lifeguard while studying forestry and wildland fire science.  His relaxed and positive teaching methods keep the kids engaged and focused on improvement.  In his free time, Sam enjoys mountain biking and surfing. 

Board of Directors