Walnut Creek’s Larkey Pool looked like a pumpkin patch as orange-capped swimmers replaced the usual Saturday practice with a costume contest, games, performances, and a BBQ. The festive day began as athletes and coaches dazzled friends and family with (mostly) home made costumes depicting Minions, Super Hero’s, Synchro Barbies, and Flamenco Dancers. Even Snookie and Howard Stern made an appearance. The event was a great way for the girls to blow off a little steam after fall training, and get to know their 2014 teammates and coaches.
What’s New for 2014?
The upcoming season ushers in 30 new athletes and 4 new, very credentialed, coaches; Heather Olson, Mariya Koroleva, Hiea-Yoon Kang and Yuliya Roysental. Heather Olson was the former head coach for synchronized swimming at Stanford University, leading the program for 11 consecutive seasons to four straight national titles from 2005-2008. Heather will coach the 13-15 B Team. Mariya Koroleva was part of the 2012 Olympic Duet competing in London, a Silver Medalist at the 2011 Pan American Games and is a graduate of Stanford University. Mariya will coach the 11-12 B team.
Hiea-Yoon Kang has been involved in synchronized swimming for over 15 years, finishing off her competitive career swimming for Ohio State. More recently she was Head Coach of the La Mirada Aquabelles. Kang joins the club as the Jr. A, Head of Figures Coach. Yuliya Roysental is a former Santa Clara Aquamaid and has dedicated herself to the sport of synchronized swimming since the age of six. Now retired from competitive swimming, Yuliya has joined the Aquanuts as the 13-15 C Team coach.
In addition to new athletes, WCA welcomes new club President Jeff Langner. Jeff is an 8 year veteran of the club, and lives in Lafayette with his wife and 3 daughters. Jeff succeeds Yvonne Mink, who recently stepped down after successfully leading the club for 4 years.
About the Walnut Creek Aquanuts
The Walnut Creek Aquanuts (WCA) is a world-renowned synchronized swim club based in Walnut Creek, California. Over its 45-year history, WCA has produced over 30 Olympic athletes and garnered more than 200 national and world competition titles. WCA is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization, with a roster of over 100 athletes ranging in age from 6 – 21, and in ability from novice to Olympic hopeful. Our mission is to provide a program that builds both bodies and minds””instilling skills that serve our swimmers throughout their lifetime…
Aquanuts learn the importance of individual effort, integrity, and compassion””fostering teamwork and good sportsmanship.For more information, please visit www.aquanuts.org, or call the event hotline at (925) 934-4792. Individuals or companies interested in sponsoring the club and/or its events should call (925) 289-9229. Also, please “Like” us on Facebook.
For more information on this press release please call Linda Bowers at (925) 324-5907
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