Encore Swim Team

We are pleased to share that Aidan Hemming will be our Head Coach for the upcoming 2024 Season. Aidan spent 4 years swimming and playing water polo competitively in high school, followed by one year in both at West Valley College.  He has been a coach at Santa Teresa high school for the past two years and is First Aid, Water Safety & Lifeguard Certified.

"Coaching has been an amazing opportunity for me to share my passions and knowledge with the next generation of athletes. I am looking forward to watching Encore swimmers develop their skill sets and increase their excitement about being in the pool as the season progresses."

Raena used to coach Swim for AVAC for a couple of summers, was in charge of the summer aquatic program at the Boys and Girls Club, and was a lifeguard for numerous camps.   She enjoyed seeing the kids progress from knowing nothing to being able to swim relays. She loved seeing the light in their eyes when a concept clicked.  

In addition to swimming, she's also coached soccer for the south San Jose league and dance for Action Day primary Plus and West Valley Dance Company. Her well rounded coaching experience is a great addition to our team, and she's excited to make the Encore season fun and exciting for the kids. 

"I am thrilled to have a chance to be on this team, to push these swimmers to do their very best, and to feel the joy of being a coach again."

Ruby is returning for her 4th year of coaching with Encore. Ruby joined Encore when she was only 6 years old in 2011! Ruby is a naturally gifted athlete who also plays water polo for Santa Teresa High School and is the Varsity's team captain. Ruby was part of the 2023 graduating class at Santa Teresa High School and this marks her last summer as a swimmer with Encore.  She was a varsity starter on the water polo team as well as a varsity swimmer on the swim team. She specializes in swimming butterfly and loves helping to teach kids the stroke. Ruby loves working with all age brackets but especially enjoys the older brackets as she is able to break down drills and technique to help every swimmer advance. She is super excited for this season to start and to see all the swimmers and their families again!

El began swimming when she was only 2 months old learning how to hold her breath under water. She grew up in swim lessons & trained as a Jr Lifeguard at Manresa State Beach with the California State Guards 10-15yo & was their women's top distance swim competitor. El began swimming competitively at age 7 on a year-round team & joined Encore when she was 8. El is on VCHS water polo's team & is certified in lifeguard training, CPR, 1st Aid & First Responder & Water Safety Instruction. This is El's 4th year on varsity at VCHS's swim team & is part of the CCS team. Her top racing event is the 200 Fly but she also races the 200 IM, 500 Free & relays. El was a volunteer assistant coach for several years and this is her 2nd year as part of the coaching staff. El is not only a coach with Encore but also works as a swim instructor & lifeguard year round. El's passion for children & swim makes coaching with Encore a dream come true! 

This season is Bella's second season with Encore Swim Team but she has been around swimming for years. Bella has always had a love for swim and comes with 4 years of swimming with Osprey Aquatics. Bella specializes in breaststroke so for those swimmers that are looking to improve that stroke specifically - you know who will be more than excited to help! Bella is not only a coach with Encore but also works as a lifeguard at her community pool. Outside of swimming, Bella is a competitive golfer. Bella just graduated from Santa Teresa High School and will begin her higher education journey at Pepperdine University majoring in Psychology/Pre-Law this Fall. 

Aaron joined Encore when he was only 10 years old! This is Aaron's first year as part of the coaching staff but has been a volunteer coach with Encore since 2018. Aaron is a year round swimmer with Quicksilver Swim Club and also swam for Pioneer High School's Varsity Swim Team his freshman & sophomore years! Aaron specializes in breaststroke but also races fly. Outside of swim, Aaron keeps active with Kendo which is a traditional Japanese martial art. Kendo is a style of fencing with a two-handed wooden sword. Aaron travels for national meets to compete in Kendo! Aaron is a very dedicated athlete and is enjoying coaching with Encore! 

This season is Kevin’s first season with Encore Swim Team. Kevin loves being in the water and is excited to meet all the swimmers for the first time. Kevin swims on the Valley Christian High School swim team. He is also a captain and the starting goalie on the Valley Christian varsity water polo team. Even though this is Kevin’s first year with Encore, he is very excited to get to know the team and be apart of the Encore community.

JJ joined Encore when he was 6 years old. JJ began swimming when he was a baby and has been in lessons until he joined Encore. This is JJ's second season assisting during practices. JJ loves helping the 6U's and has a lot of fun with the kids. JJ likes to joke around with the kids and enjoys seeing them progress. JJ keeps busy with tackle football year-round, 7-on-7, 5v5, linebacker training & tournaments & is excited to enter his freshman year at Valley Christian High School. Several of JJ's football coaches have told him that they are glad he swims off-season since swim helps workout and strengthen your core, flexibility and lung capacity!