A:
I originally lived in Oakland for 13 years, then I moved out to Orinda
in the summer going into 8th grade. I attended Campolindo High School,
go Cougs!!
Q: Did you play any other sports or have any other hobbies when you were in high school?
A: In high school, I played football, basketball, soccer, and of course, swimming.
Q: How long have you been coaching at OPP?
A: I’ve been coaching for 5 years and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made!!
Q: Where do you go to college? And what is your major or primary focus there?
A: I am currently going into my sophomore year at Baylor University. I am in the Business school there and am still seeking out my options for what in particular I want to major in
Q: What is your very favorite swim stroke?
A: This is a hard one but I’d probably say butterfly
Q: Is there any specific technique or topic that you like to really help kids with during lessons and practices?
A: I love working on everything but especially dives!!
Q: As a senior coach, what is a real memorable moment that you keep with you from your days as a stingray swimmer?
A: I have so many but either my last couple of OMPA’s or breaking the pool record with my friends.
Q: Do you have any coaches on the team that you were good friends with while you were a swimmer at OPP?
A: Yes, basically all of my friends were coaches, but shout out to Charlie, Fraser, Fritz, Colin, and every other coach on the staff
Q: Do you have any memorable stories about coach Erin, Quinn, or Brad that you know they wouldn't want you to share--but you'd like to anyway?
A: After my last race at OMPA, all of them were there to give me a hug once I hopped out. This was a memory I’ll never forget.
Q: What is one of your favorite meals that you used to eat before a big swim meet?
A: PB&J with the crust cut off thanks to my amazing mom.
Q: Do you have any routines or messages that you would like to share with some of our more timid swimmers that might help them up the intensity a bit--something that we've been told you were pretty good at doing?
A: I would tell them to just go for it. A valuable lesson I learned was, you never know if you’ll like something until you try it. Come to practices as much as you can, go to as many meets as you can, once you’ve done this, then you can decide where you want to be as a swimmer.
Q: Do you have anyone that you'd like to say hello to as we wrap this interview up?
A: Thank you Dr. Gade for doing this and shout out to the people who make this place so special.
