Meet the Vacaville Swim Club Leadership Team

Our coaching staff is passionate, experienced, and committed to helping every swimmer—from first-time beginners to seasoned competitors—reach their full potential. Whether you're diving into your first race, training for a triathlon, or swimming for fitness, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Head Coach – Grace Erkeneff

Senior 1 | Senior 2 | Senior Prep Coach
Coach Grace has been coaching for nearly 16 years and has been part of the Vacaville Swim Club since 2008. A swimmer since age 7, Grace started with our Intro to Swim Group and gradually moved up the ranks, coaching every level from Novice to Senior. She's helped guide swimmers to qualify for Junior Olympics, Far Westerns, and more.

After a brief time away, Grace returned as Head Coach, bringing with her a wealth of experience and a heart for mentorship. Off the pool deck, she enjoys playing disc golf with her husband, son, and their dog Breeze, and spending time with family and friends.

Age Group 1 Coach – Clinton Freed

Clinton swam for Winters High School, favoring sprints and IM events. He’s been coaching since he was 18 and is known for his strong technical instruction. He’s coached swimmers to championship meets including SWAGR and Far Westerns.

Away from the pool, he enjoys outdoor adventures with his wife, baby girl, and dogs Olive and Jane.

Age Group 2 & Discovery 1 Coach – Emma Wilhite

Emma started swimming with VACA at age 12 and quickly became a standout in butterfly. She began coaching summer league at 18 and is now a key part of the year-round team. Emma has guided many swimmers to LSC Championship meets and continues to compete in USMS Masters Meets.

She’s studying at Solano College and aspires to work in dentistry. You’ll often find her at her family’s cabin or training alongside her swimmers.

Age Group 3 & Discovery 2 Coach – Tiare Holokahi

Coach T started swimming for VACA at 7 and joined the coaching staff in high school as a junior coach. She brings energy and compassion to her practices and aims to create a fun, positive learning environment—just like her coaches did for her.

Discovery 3 & Intro to Swim Team Coach – Jayden Kifer

Jayden has been with VACA for over a decade, first as an athlete, then as a junior coach and swim instructor for the City of Vacaville. Now a coach on our year-round staff, he works with our newest team members, helping them grow into confident, capable swimmers.

Jayden attends Napa Valley College and enjoys golfing, basketball, and talking football—especially anything Rams-related.

Masters Coaching Staff

Our Masters coaches bring passion, expertise, and enthusiasm to every practice. Whether you're swimming to stay in shape, train for open water events, or just want to connect with others in the community, you're in great hands.

Toni Frederick

Toni has been swimming since age 10 and brings elite experience to the pool deck. She holds certifications from USMS, USA Swimming, and ASCA, and is a Level 3 Strength and Conditioning Coach. She’s also a proud swim mom and a big believer in building a supportive, inclusive environment for all athletes.

Jamie Fussell

Jamie joined VACA as a swimmer in 2005 and never looked back. A graduate of UC Davis with a degree in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, she’s now a Saturday morning Masters coach and loves open water swimming. Outside of coaching, she’s a Park Ranger Assistant and outdoor enthusiast—often seen with her dog, Wrangler.

Mark Frazier

Mark has been swimming since childhood and brings decades of coaching experience to the team. He’s worked with athletes of all levels in swimming and water polo, and is especially passionate about stroke technique and adult swim education. Mark also helped implement VACA’s Adult Learn to Swim (ALTS) program in partnership with the City of Vacaville.

Kayla Freed

Kayla found her love for swimming while coaching the Winters Warriors Swim Team and now leads evening Masters practices at VACA. A full-time special education teacher in the Vacaville Unified School District, she loves kayaking, camping, and gardening with her husband (Coach Clinton) and their two adventurous dogs—who even kayak with them.

Parent Board Members

Our Parent Board helps make everything possible behind the scenes. They volunteer countless hours to support our athletes, coaches, and events. Meet the team:

  • President: Jenni Martinez

  • Vice President: Will Lightfoot

  • Secretary: Nicole Finger

  • Treasurer: Bevan Lewis

  • Fundraiser: Jessica Meyers

  • Age Group Reps: Lou Cabral, Gary Barrow, Nick Brady

  • Masters Rep: Dave Stewart

If you ever have questions or want to get more involved, feel free to connect with any of our staff or board members. We’re here to help and thrilled to have you as part of the Vacaville Swim Club family!