Sam Hoekstra
Head Coach
Email: [email protected]
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
Jon Burkett
Assistant Coach
Email: [email protected]
Anna Bai
Assistant Coach
Email: [email protected]
Melissa Eisenhamer
Team Administrator
Email: [email protected]
David Marsh
Owner & Advisor
Email: [email protected]
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.
