Weekly Schedule 📆
SWIM TEAM
Joining a swim team is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in swimming at a young age and can be a transformational experience for your kids, offering a multitude of benefits. Swimming clubs offer a tremendous team spirit, not just among the kids in the pool but also between the parents who all share a common interest of seeing their children and the club do well.
SWIMMING SCHOOL
Swimming is an important life skill that children and adults should learn as early as possible. There are many benefits in learning how to swim and it is an extremely important safety skill. Swimming is a unique activity that has the longevity of being a great form of exercise for toddlers, seniors and everyone in between. Swim lessons are important because they help teach your child proper swimming techniques, but also because it encourages them to be independent in the water.
ADULT SWIMMING PROGRAMS "MASTER SWIM"
Are you in search of a swimming experience that transcends boundaries and caters to all skill levels? Look no further than “Master Swim.” Whether you’re just starting your aquatic journey or you’re a seasoned swimmer, our program offers a comprehensive and inclusive solution to meet your needs.
ADULT LEARN-TO-SWIM CURRICULUM
Welcome to our Adult Learn-to-Swim Program, designed to cater to learners at three distinct levels: Level A (Entry Level), Level B (Mid-Advanced), and Level C (getting ready for the Master Program). Our program ensures a tailored and progressive learning experience for adults eager to become proficient swimmers or even join our Master Program.
Meet Our Coaches
Coaches are certified by USA swim and Red Cross - Safety Training for Swim Coaches
SWIM COACH
SEBASTIAN CORDOBA VALENCIA
Head swim coach
Coach Sebastian Cordoba brings a legacy of passion, skill, and dedication as the head coach of Patriot Swim Club. Born in Colombia, Sebastian’s swimming journey began in the warm waters of his hometown, where his mother instilled in him a love for swimming. By age 14, he was already teaching swim lessons, uncovering his natural talent for coaching and a gift for inspiring others. Today, with over 20 years of experience, he embodies a blend of dedication, technical expertise, and infectious enthusiasm that ignites Patriot Swim Club’s competitive spirit.
Sebastian’s early athletic career was marked by exceptional talent across multiple sports. At just 10, he earned a place on his state’s team in European handball, volleyball, and water polo, eventually focusing his passion on aquatics. His commitment took him to the Colombian National Team in water polo, where he represented his country internationally in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. This level of competition fueled his understanding of high-performance athletics, knowledge he now shares with Patriot Swim Club swimmers.
After moving to the U.S. at 19, Sebastian continued his education and swim training at American River College in California, where he competed in the 2007 and 2008 State Championships. His journey continued at Vanguard University, where he earned a dual sports scholarship in water polo and swimming. As captain of Vanguard’s water polo team, he led his squad to Nationals, and in swimming, he excelled as part of a 200 freestyle relay team that placed in the top 10 nationally. Graduating with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, Sebastian’s academic and athletic balance became the cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
Beyond his role as a seasoned coach, Sebastian is also a father with a vision. He founded and developed Patriot Swim Club to create a path for his daughter, Camila, and all young swimmers like her to compete at the highest levels of swimming.
With over 20 years of experience, Sebastian’s journey—from representing the Colombian National Team in water polo to leading Vanguard University’s swim and water polo teams—has shaped a unique coaching philosophy. He’s committed to bringing every swimmer the same level of opportunity, growth, and guidance he strives to give his own daughter. With over a decade in coaching, Sebastian is a trusted leader within the Irvine swim community. Known for his meticulous approach to technique, his focus on building personal connections, and his unwavering support for each swimmer’s journey, Coach Sebastian emphasizes an environment where athletes feel encouraged to achieve greatness both in and out of the pool. His philosophy extends beyond the lanes, encouraging swimmers to excel academically and prioritize their holistic growth.
Joining Patriot Swim Club means becoming part of a team driven by excellence, inclusivity, and passion. Coach Sebastian has designed a program that supports swimmers at every level—whether you’re diving in for the first time or training for elite competition. His leadership is built on values of teamwork, resilience, and joy in the sport, helping every Patriot swimmer thrive.
So, if you’re ready to push your limits, join Coach Sebastian and the Patriot Swim Club family. Under his guidance, you’ll grow as an athlete, achieve your goals, and make memories that last a lifetime. The pool is ready—are you? Jump in and start your journey with Coach Sebastian today!
ACTING PRESIDENT
DUJE GRUBISIC
Coach Duje: The Foundation of Patriot Swim Club
Coach Duje isn’t just the president of Patriot Swim Club—he’s the cornerstone of its success. His unwavering vision has shaped a program designed for swimmers to thrive, compete, and reach their full potential. With the strategic addition of Coach Sebastian, he has cultivated an environment that fosters excellence both in and out of the pool, setting a high standard for the club’s legacy.
Coach Duje’s swimming journey began at just five years old with the esteemed Jadran Split Swim Club in Croatia. By the age of 12, he had already made waves as a top-three breaststroker and butterfly swimmer in his region and ranked among Croatia’s top 20 in his age group. His passion for the sport extended to open-water swimming, where he dominated marathon events, securing victories in the 10-and-under, 11-and-under, and 12-and-under categories.
After a successful and fulfilling swimming career, Coach Duje transitioned to water polo at the age of 12, where his love for aquatic sports continued to flourish. Today, he remains a dedicated water polo coach, blending his expertise in both swimming and water polo to inspire and mentor athletes.
As the active president of Patriot Swim Club, Coach Duje's leadership is the driving force behind the program’s growth, creating a legacy of competitive spirit and community. For more on Coach Duje’s water polo achievements, be sure to check out his bio under the Water Polo section.
SWIM COACH
HELIA RAHIMIAN
12U/14U Girls
Meet Coach Helia, a UCI Biological Sciences major and swimming enthusiast! With over 10 years of experience in the pool, Coach Helia has been sharing her passion for the sport with the next generation of young swimmers. She joined Northpark Riptide in 2013 and competed for Beckman High School, honing her skills and developing a love for the sport that she still holds dear.
Since 2019, Coach Helia has been coaching and inspiring the next generation of swimmers. As the Assistant Head Coach for Northpark Riptide and Coach for the Patriots, her goal is not just to help her young athletes improve their skills, but to also instill the values of self-discipline and good sportsmanship in them. Coach Helia believes in building strong relationships with her swimmers and their parents and takes great joy in seeing her athletes grow and succeed. With a passion for the sport and a commitment to her young swimmers, Coach Helia is the perfect coach for families looking to provide a fun and supportive environment for their kids to learn to swim.
SWIM COACH
CARLOTA PEREIRA
Born into a family where swimming was a way of life, Coach Carlota Pereira’s love for the water was nurtured from a young age by her father, a swim coach. Swimming has always been more than just a sport for Carlota—it’s a part of who she is. Her lifelong commitment to the sport, combined with 14 years of water polo experience, has taken her to the international stage, representing her national team in the U19 European Championship and U20 World Championship.
Carlota’s international experiences have shaped her into a driven and well-rounded athlete, and she brings this same passion and dedication to her coaching. Currently competing at a high level in both swimming and water polo in the United States on a scholarship, Carlota knows what it takes to succeed. Her unique background enables her to coach swimmers to not only improve technically but also to develop the mental toughness and resilience needed in the pool.
Carlota is committed to helping each swimmer unlock their potential while fostering a love for the sport. Her coaching style combines discipline with empathy, creating an environment where athletes feel supported in both their personal and athletic growth. Parents can rest assured that their child will benefit from Carlota’s international experience, technical expertise, and genuine care for her swimmers’ development.
Blog ✍️
We place a strong focus on quality teaching in a family-friendly atmosphere, carried out by our qualified staff.
Swim Gear Essentials: Choosing the Right Swimsuit for Every Stage
Published on: October 28, 2024
Whether you're just starting out or racing at high-level meets, selecting the right swimsuit can make a difference in performance and comfort. At Patriot Swim Club, we guide our swimmers through choosing gear that matches their skill level and goals.
Understanding Swim Meets: Mandatory vs. Qualifying-Only
Published on: October 28, 2024
At Patriot Swim Club, our swimmers have a unique journey mapped out for growth, skills, and progression through each meet they attend. From mandatory meets to exclusive qualifying-only events, each stage helps swimmers and families see where they stand, track their improvement, and inspire them to reach the next level.
10 Things Only A Swim Parent Can Understand
Published on: December 13, 2021
Your child joined the swimming team. Did you notice how much it affected your life? You learned a lot about this sport, but also about yourself and your relationship with your child.
Keeping New Year’s Resolutions
Published on: February 1, 2021
Keeping New Year’s Resolutions - Find your own peace through meditation, plan, discover your purpose and share with someone you love.