Coaches and Directors
With over a decade of coaching experience, Coach Vince brings a wealth of expertise to the swimming community, drawing from his background as a competitive swimmer, dedicated coach, and seasoned business professional. As an ASCA Level 4 certified coach, Vince has guided swimmers to excellence at all levels, helping them achieve significant time drops and accolades.
Vince’s swimming journey began early in Ohio and at Nations Capital Swim Club, where he distinguished himself as an Alternate High School All-American, Junior National Finalist, and Olympic Trials qualifier. His success earned him a full scholarship to the University of Maryland, where he competed for four years and was honored as Team Captain. His passion for the sport extends beyond performance—he believes every athlete is unique and focuses on developing their individual strengths and skills.
As Head Coach of a USA Swimming Club with approximately 130 young athletes, Vince fosters a culture of honesty, integrity, and dedication. His coaching philosophy is centered on personal growth, goal setting, and perseverance, providing a structured yet supportive environment where swimmers can push themselves to reach their full potential. “The biggest joy I get from my work is helping student-athletes hit their goals in and out of the pool,” he says.
Beyond the pool, Vince’s background is as dynamic as his coaching career. He grew up in Philadelphia, Ohio, and the DC metro area, earning a degree in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland, followed by a Project Management Certificate from the University of California, San Diego. After his collegiate swimming career, he ventured into the business world, excelling in technology sales with GE Capital and Sun Microsystems before returning to his true passion—coaching.
An avid participant in US Masters Swimming, Vince also enjoys golf, reading, and spending quality time with his family and dogs. His diverse experiences and commitment to holistic athlete development make him a valuable mentor, dedicated to shaping not just great swimmers, but well-rounded individuals ready for success in all aspects of life.
Coach Joseph has been part of Cerritos Aquatic Club since March 2015, bringing his passion for aquatics and mentorship to the team. In addition to coaching, he serves as a swim instructor for the City of Cypress during the summer months.
Joseph has over 9 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 6 years playing water polo. His background in both sports gives him a well-rounded perspective that he brings to every practice. A lifelong athlete, Joseph loves staying active and enjoys playing all kinds of sports.
Outside the pool, Joseph is a full-time college student majoring in Law and Criminal Justice. He recently achieved one of his long-term goals and now proudly serves as a Detective for Los Angeles County. He’s committed to making a positive impact both in his community and in the lives of the athletes he coaches.
Coach Joseph has been part of Cerritos Aquatic Club since March 2015, bringing his passion for aquatics and mentorship to the team. In addition to coaching, he serves as a swim instructor for the City of Cypress during the summer months.
Joseph has over 9 years of competitive swimming experience and more than 6 years playing water polo. His background in both sports gives him a well-rounded perspective that he brings to every practice. A lifelong athlete, Joseph loves staying active and enjoys playing all kinds of sports.
Outside the pool, Joseph is a full-time college student majoring in Law and Criminal Justice. He recently achieved one of his long-term goals and now proudly serves as a Detective for Los Angeles County. He’s committed to making a positive impact both in his community and in the lives of the athletes he coaches.
Fun Fact: When he’s not on the pool deck or working in law enforcement, Coach Joseph loves to travel and explore new places.
Coach Paul McManus has been a cornerstone of Cerritos Aquatic Club since 1979. A standout high school and collegiate swimmer and water polo player, Paul brings decades of competitive experience and coaching insight to our team.
For the past 25 years, he has served as the Varsity Girls Swim Coach at Whitney High School, where he continues to develop and mentor student-athletes with a focus on discipline, technique, and personal growth. While he formerly coached water polo at both the club and high school levels, his current focus is on helping swimmers reach their full potential in the pool.
Coach Paul’s long-standing commitment to Cerritos Aquatic Club has played a key role in shaping the program’s success and tradition. He takes pride in working with swimmers of all levels and is dedicated to fostering a strong team culture built on respect, hard work, and continuous improvement.
Fun Fact: Paul has two grown children, one grandchild, and enjoys spending his free time on the golf course.
Coach Ethan's swimming journey began at Cerritos Aquatic Club at the age of five. Coming from a family of high-achieving swimmers, he developed a deep passion for the sport early on—one that continues to shape his approach as a coach today.
Over a 15-year competitive career, Ethan specialized in individual medley and mid- to long-distance events, ultimately reaching the Futures level. He was a standout swimmer at Cypress College, where he earned the title of State Champion—one of his proudest achievements.
As a coach at Cerritos Aquatic Club, Ethan is committed to fostering a positive, motivating environment where swimmers of all levels feel inspired and supported. His coaching philosophy emphasizes enjoying the process, celebrating progress, and always bringing positive energy to the pool. Ethan takes pride in being more than just a coach—serving as a mentor and a trusted guide in each athlete’s development.
Coach Clarissa brings over a decade of experience in the water, combining 10 years as a swim instructor with 4 years of competitive coaching. A lifelong swimmer, she began her journey with the Norwalk Stingrays and went on to compete for five years before earning a spot on the varsity swim team at Santa Fe High School. She continued her swimming career at Cypress College, competing at the collegiate level.
With a strong emphasis on technique and a passion for athlete development, Coach Clarissa is committed to helping swimmers grow in and out of the pool. Her coaching philosophy centers on building confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for the sport. She strives to create a positive, supportive environment where every swimmer can thrive and reach their full potential.
Fun Fact: Coach Clarissa’s favorite stroke is backstroke. Outside the pool, she enjoys attending music festivals and exploring new experiences.
A proud Cerritos Aquatic Club alumnus, Michael Garcia returns to his roots as an Assistant Coach. Growing up as a competitive swimmer with Cerritos and other local clubs, Michael understands firsthand the dedication and hard work required to excel in the sport.
Currently enrolled as a full-time student at Mt. San Antonio College, Michael is pursuing a BA in Business while bringing his passion for swimming and coaching to the next generation of swimmers. He has experience coaching both high school athletes and young swimmers, teaching fundamentals and advanced techniques. His previous coaching roles include working with Kennedy High School’s diving team and providing one-on-one swim training.
Michael’s competitive swimming background spans over 15 years, where he competed as a registered USA Swim Athlete, representing top local clubs including Cerritos Aquatic Club, Whittier Aquatic Club, and La Mirada Armada. During his high school years, he helped lead his teams to two Empire League Championships and competed at the CIF Div3 level in the 500 freestyle.
Michael’s focus is on developing well-rounded athletes, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere, and continuing his own growth as a coach and individual. He is excited to contribute to the success of Cerritos Aquatic Club’s swimmers, sharing his experience and passion for the sport.
Jeremy Yee brings over 5 years of experience coaching both Age Group and Masters swimmers, with a deep background in biomechanics and motivational psychology, thanks to his degree in Kinesiology from Arizona State University. His coaching journey includes roles at prestigious Olympic training facilities, where he worked with swimmers of all ages, from developmental athletes to high-level competitors.
Jeremy is passionate about providing tailored coaching experiences for each swimmer, with a focus on technique, performance, and mental strength. He has coached various levels, including Gold, Pre-Sectional, National, and High School Development groups, and has led Masters programs with athletes ranging from 18 to 102 years old. At Rosebowl, he also developed a High School Development program and took swimmers to the WAGS competition.
In addition to his coaching, Jeremy is pursuing his dream of becoming a concept artist for animation and video games. He relocated to Orange County to study Entertainment Arts at Fullerton College, all while continuing his dedication to coaching and the sport of swimming. Jeremy combines his expertise in swimming with his artistic background, offering a unique perspective on motivation and development. He is excited to bring his passion for coaching and lifelong commitment to aquatics to Cerritos Aquatic Club.
Coach Aira......
