CSTE Coaches

Sam Hoekstra
Head Coach
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Sam Hoekstra brings a rare combination of elite athlete experience and proven coaching expertise to CSTE. As a former NCAA Division I All-American swimmer and seasoned coach, Sam has developed a reputation for technical precision, clear communication, and an approachable coaching style that helps swimmers of all levels unlock their potential. Sam’s path to swimming began after years as a diver and water polo player in his home state of Michigan. His natural speed quickly translated into success in the pool, but it was the lessons of discipline, detail, and hard work that shaped his career and philosophy. “I learned that talent can only take you so far,” Sam explains. “To succeed at the highest level, you need work ethic and an intense attention to detail. That’s the standard I bring to coaching every day.”

On deck, Sam is known for breaking down technique into clear, simple adjustments that yield big improvements on race day. His sharp eye for underwaters, body line, and propulsion has helped athletes from age-group swimmers to Olympic Trials qualifiers find new levels of
speed and confidence. “Each practice is an opportunity to get 1% better,” Sam emphasizes, a mantra that guides his athletes to embrace growth, stay curious, and take ownership of their development.

Before joining CSTE, Sam served as Associate Head Coach at The Race Club, working under Olympic champion Gary Hall Sr. He has also led both high school and club programs, and traveled nationally as an Elite Clinician with the Fitter & Faster Swim Tour. His balance of athlete and mentor makes him a trusted coach for swimmers looking to reach their best.

Athletic Career Highlights
● NCAA All-American (University of Louisville)
● NCAA Championship Finalist in the 200 & 400 Free Relays
● Multiple school records at Louisville and Michigan
● Big East Champion in multiple relay events
● Division 1 Michigan Swimmer of the Year (High School)
● 15-time All-American in swimming and 3-time All-American in water polo

Personal Life
Originally from Michigan, Sam and his wife Lauren have been married for 14 years and are proud parents of three daughters. After spending most of his life in the Midwest, Sam is excited to embrace the Southern California lifestyle with his family and the CSTE community.

 
Anna Bai
Assistant Coach
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Coming from her hometown of Tucson, Arizona, Anna brings a wide range of experience in age group coaching, swim lessons, and competitive and open water swimming. After joining her local swim team at the age of eight, what began as a hobby quickly grew into a lifelong passion for the sport. Specializing in breaststroke and distance freestyle, Anna developed adaptability and cross-functional skills that serve her both on and off the pool deck.
 
After deciding to conclude her competitive career during the pandemic, Anna smoothly transitioned into teaching swim lessons for children of all ages and abilities. Her greatest takeaway from teaching was not only watching confidence grow in the water, but also seeing that confidence carry over into the children’s everyday lives.
 
With four years of swim lesson experience, Anna made the jump from lessons to coaching by joining CSTE. Immediately welcomed by the CSTE community and staff, she played a key role in building the South location’s Bronze and Silver groups. Anna believes that retention and a love for the sport begin with a swimmer’s relationship with their teammates and coach. For swimmers to continue through high school and beyond, those early years are critical in fostering a healthy, supported outlook on swimming. From there, athletes are equipped to achieve incredible things both in and out of the water.
 
Outside of coaching, Anna works in corporate retail and enjoys the perfect San Diego climate. Swimming, yoga, paddleboarding, and hiking are her favorite ways to stay active. She also loves visiting home and will never turn down the opportunity to attend a University of Arizona basketball game.
 
Kyle Valdez
Assistant Coach

Kyle Valdez has been immersed in competitive swimming from a young age, holding multiple age group records including the 11-12 North Texas record in the 200 breaststroke and the 15-16 South Texas record as part of the 400 medley relay team. This extensive early experience has given him deep insight into the technical and mental development required for young athletes to succeed. Kyle applies this knowledge to help nurture stroke technique, fundamentals, and competitive skills as an Assistant Coach with CSTE.

Kyle competed for Arizona State University from 2021 to 2024, where he trained under renowned coach Bob Bowman. During his collegiate career, he earned his place on the 2022 Pac-12 team, made the 2024 Pac-12 Winter Academic Honor Roll, and contributed to ASU’s 2024 NCAA National Championship team. Additionally, he went on to represent the Philippines National Team at the 2024 World Aquatics World Cup in Korea, showcasing his skills on the international stage.

In addition to his athletic achievements, Kyle served as a Senior Representative for the South Texas LSC and Southern Zone Athlete Committee, where he collaborated with athletes and board members to advocate for athlete interests and improve competitive opportunities.

 
Ella Pratt
Assistant Coach
Ella Pratt is a former competitive club and junior college swimmer who leverages her background in exercise science, physical therapy, and years of coaching and swim instruction to provide athletes with science-based, effective training programs. She served as Head Coach for a novice swim team in Los Angeles County from 2021 to 2023, during which time she also built a strong private lesson clientele, successfully coaching athletes of all ages and skill levels.
To further her education and expand her expertise in coaching and exercise science, Ella earned a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from San Diego State University. She became a lifeguard for the City of Coronado Aquatics Center and has since advanced to the role of Aquatics Coordinator. In this position, she specializes in lifeguard training, pool safety, and serving the Coronado community.
In August 2025, Ella launched a swim team preparation program for the City of Coronado designed for beginner athletes transitioning from swim lessons to competitive swimming. With over 20 athletes on the team, she prides herself on fostering a positive team environment while developing strong, competitive swimmers.
Ella also works part-time as a physical therapy aide, where she utilizes corrective exercise, stretching, and therapeutic modalities to support injury recovery. As a certified corrective exercise specialist, she is committed to bringing science-based training and strengthening strategies to CSTE—helping swimmers continue to progress while prioritizing long-term health and injury prevention.

David Marsh
Owner & Advisor
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Internationally renowned swimming coach David Marsh is an associate head coach of both the men's and women's programs at Cal. A 2021 International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee, Marsh is the founder and director of Team Elite Aquatics, considered to be one of the top professional swimming training groups in the United States. Marsh served as the U.S. Olympic Women's Head Coach in 2016 and was a three-time U.S. Olympic Men's Assistant Coach in 1996, 2000 and 2012.

Marsh was the head coach at Auburn from 1990-2007, leading the Tigers to an unparalleled run of success with seven men's NCAA team championships (1997, '99, 2003, '04, '05, '06, '07) and five women's NCAA team championships (2002, '03, '04, '06, '07). He amassed 17 SEC titles (13 men's, four women's) while at Auburn. Durden was an assistant coach on Marsh's Auburn staff from 2000-05, helping the Tiger men's and women's teams to six national championships during that span.

A native of Miami, Florida, Marsh has coached more than 60 Olympians from 20-plus countries. His swimmers have combined to win 89 individual NCAA titles and 277 individual SEC titles. He was also the head coach at UC San Diego from 2017-19, and most recently led the LA Current of the International Swimming League (ISL) during the 2021 season.

 
 
Summer Sanchez
Assistant Coach
 
 
Rachel Klinker
Assistant Coach