Justin Smith– Head Coach

I grew up swimming for the Amador Polar Bears, if you swam last year- you saw my stomping grounds, and went on to swim for NCAA Division III UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. Since college I have continued competition in triathlon, running, and open-water swimming events. My favorite swimming events include Trans-Tahoe relay, and Donner Lake swim.

As a coach, I was mentored by All-American Swim Academy Founder Chris Breitbart. I had the pleasure of coaching with Chris for 4 seasons at Sierra Community College, during which 16 of our 19 records were broken, multiple Conference Champion titles earned, and a 2nd place finish at State Championships. During this time, I also coached for the Rocklin Area Masters Team, All-American Swim Academy, and a season for the Rocklin Wave Summer Recreation Team. I also coached a single season of water polo, after it was reinstated, before I left for a graduate program. Unfortunately the school cut the funds and the program, and I followed another passion of mine, teaching environmental and outdoor education. The past few years have included backpacking, rock-climbing, snowshoeing, and checking out the stars- exploring and inspiring while gaining a better appreciation for our planet.

In my spare time I enjoy traveling, photography, backpacking, cycling, running and of course swimming. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you, and having a great time in and out of the water.

Scott Hougham – Assistant Coach

"Welcome back Dolphins!!! I am very excited for the opportunity to participate with the team again this summer. Though I am currently a biology student at Sacramento State University, I have been at the Arden Park pool in various capacities every summer since I was born, and I am thrilled to continue that trend. I started off as a little brother watching my big siblings swim, then I fought to stay afloat for a while, and continued transitioning over the years, eventually helping young Dolphins through the learning process that I have so many memories of.

I look forward to being a part of the coaching staff and working with each swimmer. Keep building the excitement of a new season! Go Dolphins!!!"

Ross Hougham – Assistant Coach

As residents of Arden Park, my family has enjoyed being "Dolphins" for about 20 years now. I joined the team when I was four years old and immediately loved it. It was exciting to be part of swimming just like my older brothers and sister; and as I grew older, the water became my second "home." I began helping and then coaching at an early age. This opportunity to pass on my enthusiasm for swimming and be part of people's lives has been a highlight of my growing-up years. For two years before college, I had the opportunity to be part of Arden Hills USA Swimming, where I swam on both the National and Senior teams. This grew my appreciation for both attention to detail and the benefits of hard work and commitment.

Now a freshman in college competing for the UCLA Swim Club, I look forward with great anticipation to coaching for the Dolphins again this coming summer. Being a swimmer is not just about swimming fast: it's about habit-building, character and perseverance. I eagerly await working together with the other coaches toward these ends and making the mindset of achieving goals through hard work a reality at the pool. See you there!

Wally Harmon – Swimmer Coach

I started swimming for the AP Dolphins when I was 7 and last year I played winter water polo with American River Water Polo for the first time. I love both sports and played goalie on the freshman water polo team at Rio last semester. I am getting ready to swim for Rio now. My favorite stroke is breaststroke. I loved helping out with the younger Dolphins last summer and can't wait to get in the pool with them again this year.

Sami Grey– Swimmer Coach

I started swimming for Arden Park when I was five years old. Although I did not continue the following season, Arden Park was always special to me, being "the Dolphin park with the swimming pool." I came back to the team when I was 10 and have been back ever since. I am currently a senior at Rio Americano, where I have competed on their water polo team and swim team. I played water polo for American River Water Polo Club for two years and traveled to Stanford University to compete in the Junior Olympics. Even though I love swimming and playing water polo, I found I love coaching much more. The opportunities of helping a swimmer improve their technique and times are rewarding in every aspect. Although times are an important piece of swimming, I believe the real achievement lies within the execution of personal goals and fears. I am eager to get back in the pool and start the exciting new season with all my fellow Dolphins!