Through world-class coaching, Patriot Aquatics strives to build self-esteem, character, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, and we encourage our student-athletes to apply these values to all aspects of their lives.
Coach Tijmen Egtberts was recently selected to be a 2021 Positive Coaching Alliance Double-Goal Coach Award recipient. He was in a class of 100 coaches across all sports and was the only water polo coach to be given the award.
Coach Duje Grubisic was recently selected to be a 2020 Coach of Character Award recipient by the Orange County Athletic Director Association.
Coach Tijmen Egtberts was born and raised in The Netherlands. He started playing competitive water polo at the age of 8. His talent got recognized at Santa Rosa Junior College where he played for two years and was added to the coaching staff for one year as well. Tijmen continued his education at Concordia University where he played water polo for one year and was Senior Captain of the swim team his final year. He graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in sports management. He also has a Master’s degree in coaching and athletic administration. As a coach, Tijmen has 12 years of experience and in 2017 he coached a 10U team that won the gold division at NJO’s, in 2019 his team got 3rd place and in 2021 Tijmen coached both 10u girls and 10u mixed to become national champions. That was the first time in usa waterpolo history two teams from the same club won JOs at the 10u level.
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.
Welcome to the world of swim coaching with Ana Karen Granados! Hailing from Guanajuato, Mexico, Coach Ana brings a wealth of experience and a passion for developing young athletes. With over 2 years of experience coaching in various sport clubs and governmental facilities, she knows what it takes to help young swimmers reach their full potential.
At Patriot Swim Club, Coach Ana’s mission is to create a fun, supportive environment where athletes can develop not only their swimming skills, but also important life skills. She believes that communication, empathy, and fun are the keys to success, both in and out of the water.
With more than 10 years of experience as a swimmer and 6 years as a Waterpolo student-athlete, Coach Ana is excited to put her knowledge and skills to work for Patriot Swim Club and the entire community. So whether you’re a young swimmer looking to improve your skills or a parent searching for a coach who truly cares, Coach Ana is the perfect choice!
Get ready to make a splash with Coach Carlota! Born and raised in Cascais, Portugal, Coach Carlota has a lifelong passion for swimming. With her father as a coach and mentor, she started swimming at the young age of 7 and quickly developed her skills and passion for the sport.
Coach Carlota has competed in numerous swimming competitions, showcasing her dedication and talent in the water. Her passion for swimming has taken her to the highest levels of competition and she is eager to share her knowledge and experience with the next generation of young swimmers.
In 2021, Coach Carlota made the move to the United States to further her education and continue her coaching career. She previously attended Azusa Pacific University and has now transferred to University of Westcliff.
At Patriot Swim Club, Coach Carlota is excited to bring her passion and expertise to the team. Whether you’re a young swimmer looking to improve your skills or a parent searching for a coach who truly understands the sport, Coach Carlota is the perfect choice!