San Clemente Aquatics Unveils 2025-26 Coaching Staff with Elite Additions!
San Clemente Aquatics Unveils 2025-26 Coaching Staff with Elite Additions
San Clemente, CA – August 18, 2025 – The San Clemente Aquatics Team (SCAT), is proud to announce its coaching lineup for the 2025-26 season, blending seasoned leadership with elite expertise to elevate swimmers at the San Clemente Aquatic Center.
Head Coach York, with over 21 years of experience, including roles at Santa Clara Swim Club and leading Buenaventura Swim Club to Silver Medal Club status, continues to drive the program’s excellence.
Joining the staff is Coach Todd Hickman, a decorated former swimmer and accomplished coach with a lifelong dedication to the sport. A three-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier (1984, 1988, 1992), Hickman finished in the top 16 in the 200 and 400 IM, was a nine-time USA Swimming Nationals qualifier with a career-best 4th-place finish in the 400 IM, and earned NCAA All-American honors at the University of Arizona in 1987. As a junior, he was a USA Junior National Team member (1984-1985), ranked top 15 in the U.S. and top 25 globally, and set a National Age Group Record in the 500 freestyle. As a coach, Hickman has guided athletes to Olympic Trials, Division I programs, and national success, including coaching National Team swimmers, National Select Camp athletes, and qualifiers for the 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials. His athletes have broken multiple Southern California Swimming and national records, including a National Age Group record in 2014, and he has led Junior Olympic teams to first-place finishes. Named to the 2016 USA National Team Coaches List, Hickman’s passion and expertise will elevate SCAT’s senior squad. “Todd’s remarkable competitive background and proven coaching success make him an invaluable addition to our program,” said York.
Also joining the team is Coach Wendy Theders, a seasoned coach renowned for her expertise in developmental swimming and stroke technique. Theders brings a patient, technique-focused approach to SCAT’s IM-based curriculum, emphasizing butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, and freestyle mastery for junior and age-group swimmers. Her ability to foster confidence and skill development will strengthen the team’s foundation. “Wendy’s dedication to nurturing young athletes aligns perfectly with our community-driven mission,” said York.
Returning to the staff are a talented group of coaches, including Dorian Johnson, a former SCAT swimmer who joined the club in 2009 and competed for 10 years, breaking numerous records and holding the 1500-meter and 1650-yard freestyle marks; Eve DiMagno, Director of Development Programs and Bronze Group Coach, who brings international experience coaching youth teams in the U.S. and Nepal, including athletes who represented Nepal at the 2018 Asian Games and 2020 Olympics; Aidan Pastel, a sprint freestyler, breaststroker, and IMer who swam for SCAT and San Clemente High School from 2013-2015 and led the county in the 100 and 200 freestyle events; Alex Ness, who began swimming with SCAT in 2008, contributed to Santa Margarita High School's second-place CIF finish in 2019, and graduated from Biola University in 2023 with a degree in Human Biology; Sandy Kos, the NCAA Division 3 All-American and Masters Coach; and Rylee Kervick, all supported by a committed board. “Our returning coaches provide continuity and depth, ensuring every swimmer has the guidance to thrive,” said York.
With tryouts open for the 2025-26 season, SCAT invites families to join its not-for-profit, parent-owned program, known for producing Olympic Trials qualifiers and fostering lifelong skills.
For tryout details, visit gomotionapp.com/team/scsscat.
