My name is Heidi McMillan, this is my 5th year coaching Woodlands. My sister, Heather Maddox, and I grew up on Scottsdale Swim Team with our mom as director. They were some of the best summers of my life filled with great memories, too much chlorine, crazy rituals and life long friendships. I have a love for County Rec Swimming and what it teaches our kids, both in and out of the water. I swam at Scottsdale until age 12 and then at Walnut Creek Aquabears until I left for College. I attended Brigham Young University where I swam for 4 years, both before and after a mission. I have been a coach for over 20 years with both rec and USS experience. I have coached at very different rec teams. Some small, some large, some very competitive and some just starting out. I started at Antioch Delta Skimmers, then went to Valley Vista, Dana Hills and most recently Discovery Bay River Otters. The most rewarding part of coaching is seeing kids gain confidence and feel good about themselves as athletes and individuals. Upon graduating college, I became a full time coach with Walnut Creek Aquabears. I enjoy coaching all age groups and feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside and be mentored by incredible coaches and people.
Hi Woodlands! I’m excited to be returning to coach at Woodlands this summer - I swam on WST for 15 years and have spent the last 2 years swimming in college and coaching for Woodlands. I’m 20 years old and in my sophomore year at California Baptist University, after swimming and playing basketball and water polo in high school at Northgate.
My favorite thing about rec swimming and coaching are all the social events and meets at Woodlands! I love working with all ages and I’m very excited to be back for another summer at Woodlands:)!
Hi WST! I have been very involved at Woodlands for the past 15 years, and was our swimmer coach in 2023. I attended Carondelet and was on the water polo and swim teams for all four years. I’m currently attending San Diego State University and I am so excited to be back this summer as an assistant coach! I enjoy the team social events, bonding with kids of all ages and the friends and family at WST. Let’s go Woodlands!!
Hi Woodlands! I’ve been a lifelong swimmer, and am excited to join the Woodlands Swim Team coaching staff this season. I first learned to swim at Larkey Park before moving to Oregon as a young child where I grew up and deepened my love for aquatics. I moved back to the Bay Area to attend UC Berkeley and graduated with a BA in English literature. When I’m not at the pool swimming with Walnut Creek Masters, I can be found on the tennis court, hiking trails, and traveling around California. After time spent in San Francisco and Martinez, I am happy to call Walnut Creek home again and I’m looking forward to a fun season at Woodlands!
Hello WST! Summer rec swim was one of the highlights of my childhood and where my competitive swimming days began. I went on to swim year-round once I got to high school and swam at a collegiate level for UCSC. During my time in school, I spent summers at home where I lifeguarded and coached rec teams. I enjoy being able to work with swimmers as they begin their own swimming journeys. I prioritize making sure swimmers are enjoying their time in the pool, doing my best to emulate the joy I experienced as a rec swimmer. I continue to swim every day, but have added cycling and running to my list of hobbies -- triathlon is my newfound joy! Outside of the pool and training, I am starting medical school this coming Fall, with the goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon! I’m super excited to be coaching rec swim again and looking forward to a great season! Go Woodlands!
Hi Woodlands! I am so excited to be assistant coaching this summer! I am 21 years old and just finished my junior year of college at San Diego State University, pursuing a degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology with a minor in Interdisciplinary Studies, with the hope of working with kids in the future. I have been swimming competitively for 14 years: 10 years on Dana Hills Swim Team (recreational) and 4 years on Terrapins Swim Team (year-round). I also swam varsity for Clayton Valley Charter High School during my four years as a high school student. I have been doing private lessons for swimmers of all different ages and skill levels for about 3 years now and was an assistant coach at Walnut Country Swim Team. Last summer I also had the privilege of working with kids of all ages on learning how to swim or help in improving their swim skills at the Woodlands Cabana Club as one of the Cabana swim instructors. I’m so happy to now officially be a part of the Woodlands Swim Team family and have the opportunity to help in improving each individual swimmer’s technique and skill, but most importantly ALWAYS HAVING FUN!! GO WOODLANDS!
What’s up Woodlands! I have swam for 12 years on Walnut Country and Terrapins. I am a senior at Northgate and am excited to attend and swim at UCSB in the Fall. I am looking forward to coaching at Woodlands! I have heard such great things and am excited to meet the Woodlands community! I’m looking forward to creating personal connections with all of your swimmers, and having fun! Let’s go WST!
Hi WST! My name is Diego Castaneda, I’m 17 and go to Clayton Valley Charter. I have been swimming for 13 years now, and doing year round on the Terrapins for 5 and counting! I love swim and all that it entails! I am very excited to be coaching at Woodlands this summer, rec swimming is so fun and special and I can’t wait to get started. I’m looking forward to getting to know all the swimmers, and am excited to have fun and give everyone a great summer and great experience. Let’s make this year memorable and let’s pop some times!!!!! GO WOODLANDS!!!!
Hi Woodlands! I started on Woodlands as a Kermit when I was 3 years old! I am now 18 and this is my fifteenth year on Woodlands. I have been working with the Kermits program for the last few years, and I absolutely love helping introduce the swimmers to the water and the team! At Northgate I have swam, played water polo, and played basketball for all 4 years. I love WST for the community and all the fun, friendships, and memories it has brought me! I am very excited to be involved in coaching again this year and am looking forward to a great summer!
Hi Woodlands! I’ve been swimming for 13 years and on Woodlands for 11. I coached Kermits for 2 years and was a Junior Coach last year. I play waterpolo, basketball, and swim. I’m looking forward to helping swimmers of all ages reach their goals, as well as establishing meaningful connections with all swimmers!
Hi Woodlands! I have been swimming since I was 4 years old, and for the past 11 years with Woodlands. I coached Kermits for the last 3 years and was honored to be a Junior Coach last season. When I am not at my own swim practice or coaching, you might find me lifeguarding or whipping up delicious treats at home. I am most looking forward to keeping the Woodlands spirit alive and cheering on all of our swimmers - I cherish our team!
Hi WST! I am 17 years old, and will be a 15/18 for Woodlands this year - my 4th year on the team. I have been swimming for 12 years and I am excited for my first official year of coaching! I play 3 sports at Northgate: water polo, soccer, and swimming. I look forward to cheering on everyone and having a great season. Go Woodlands!
Hi Woodlands! I have been swimming for 11 years and at Woodlands for 3 years. I have coached clinics and Kermits at Woodlands and I am excited to be Junior Coach this year! I’m finishing my junior year at Northgate, and am on the swim team. My favorite part of coaching is playing and swimming with the kids and helping them have fun!
Hi WST! I’ve been swimming for 10 years, all on Woodlands! I’ve coached Kermits for the past 2 years and am excited to be a Coach this year! I enjoy volunteering in the community, playing water polo and swimming at Northgate. During the season I love competing and racing as a team. I can’t wait for another great summer to cheer on the team! Go Woodlands!