The Head Coach, Kevin Eslinger
Inspiring Excellence, Nurturing Champions
 
With a passion for swimming and a commitment to the growth of young athletes, Kevin has dedicated his life to the pursuit of excellence in the world of competitive swimming. Throughout his extensive career, he has been a guiding force, investing in kids and instilling in each swimmer a sense of importance and the drive to be their absolute best.
 
Coach Kevin's journey began as a dedicated swimmer himself, training with Covina Aquatics and later at the University of Southern California under the tutelage of the legendary Coach Peter Daland. Immersed in a competitive environment, Coach Kevin honed his skills alongside esteemed swimmers, including his roommate and primary training partner, Ken Fitzpatrick, a two-time Olympian and 1982 finalist. Their training group was 26 swimmers from 11 countries, nine of which represented seven countries in the 1984 Olympic Games, including gold medalists Jeff Float and Chris Cavanaugh.
 
Beyond his own accomplishments in the pool, Coach Kevin's coaching career took off with Heartland Swimming. After two years as a all-around coaching and adminstrative assistant, he became the Gold Team Coach. For the next 33 years he lead the team to remarkable achievements. Five times named SI Swimming Age Group of the Year and seven times serving as the SI Head All-Star Team Coach, Coach Kevin consistently pushed the boundaries of success.
 
Under Coach Kevin's guidance, swimmers set an astounding 217 team records, with 17 National Top Ten Age Group Swimmers, including three Junior National Qualifiers. One of his notable protégés, Felicia Castaneda, held the NAG Record in the 11-12 girls 50-meter breaststroke from 1999 until 2010, securing her place among the sport's elite.
 
Not only has Coach Kevin excelled within the confines of the pool, but he has also demonstrated his commitment to community engagement and philanthropy. Through his efforts, he raised over $100,000, providing 311 surfboards to deserving individuals, fostering a love for the water among those with limited access. Additionally, his dedication extends beyond the pool, as he has coached and served as the coach of record for 17 channel swims, including challenging endeavors like Catalina, England, and the Straits of Gibraltar. Furthermore, his coaching prowess has been recognized on numerous occasions, including his appointment as the Head Coach of SI Swimming's Swimposium and Catch the Spirit Camp in 2019.
 
Coach Kevin's unwavering dedication, coupled with his ability to inspire and challenge swimmers to reach new heights, has made him a highly respected figure in the swimming community. With his expertise and commitment to excellence, he continues to shape the future of competitive swimming, leaving an indelible impact on all those fortunate enough to train under his guidance.