Meet our Orca Coaches
Head Coach - Tiffany Forbres
Tiffany's impressive background includes time spent working with some of the world's top swimming coaches and athletes. She trained for three months in Perth, Australia, alongside Olympian Bill Kirby at the Kirby Swim School, gaining valuable insights into the Aussie approach to youth training. She also had the privilege of coaching with and learning from two-time Olympian Karen Moe Humphreys. Additionally Tiffany has coached for over 12 years in the Bay area, including time as a US Masters coach and coaching in the OMPA league.
Tiffany also has extensive experience with US. Synchronized Swimming (now Artistic Swimming), where she was a coach for the national team from 2014 to 2019.
Tiffany is excited to bring her extensive knowledge and passion for the sport to our Orca swimmers this summer and beyond.
Junior Orca Lead Coach - Renee Andrews
Renee grew up on the Hibiscus Coast in South Africa. Her journey with swimming began at the age of 5 when she became a "Nipper" (a young lifeguard), learning to swim in the ocean under the guidance of experienced lifeguards. This early start eventually led to a competitive swimming career. At the time, swimming was a primarily male-dominated sport, and she was one of the first two girls in South Africa to compete. This was a pivotal moment, as it opened the door for more opportunities for women in the sport.
Renee's passion for teaching swimming truly ignated after she had her three sons, all of whom shared a love for the water. She began her coaching career in South Africa at Swim America, and then operated two private swim pools for a number of years. In 2016, Renee moved to the Lamorinda area, coaching and running the Learn-to-Swim programs first at OCC and then at Sleepy Hollow.
Renee is thrilled to be joining us as our Junior Orca lead coach. She will work closely with all of our entry level swimmers and work to nurture a love for the sport of swimming!
Coach Kaia
Kaia began swimming at six years old with Miramonte Swim Club, where she quickly developed a love for breaststroke and the energetic poolside atmosphere. As a teenager, she transitioned to year-round swimming with Orinda Aquatics while continuing to stay involved with MSC as a coach. This sparked her passion for teaching and helping others achieve their personal best. She is inspired daily by the younger swimmers she mentors, and we are thrilled to have her continue her coaching journey with OMSC. Kaia brings a deep passion for the sport, a commitment to technique, and a positive influence as a role model for our athletes.
Coach Sophia
Sophia's love for swimming began at the age of seven with Meadow Swim and Tennis Club. After a break from the sport, she returned at 14 and joined the Miramonte High School swim team as a freshman. She has been swimming ever since and is now a senior, excited to pursue college in the near future. Sophia specializes in breaststroke and freestyle and loves to share her passion for the sport with younger swimmers.
Coach Paetyn
Paetyn began swimming competively at the age of five with Miramonte Swim Club and now swims for Miramonte High School where she is a Senior. She specializes in IM and Freestyle and has been coaching for four years. Paetyn loves helping swimmers build confidence in the water and refine their technique. She is excited to continue sharing and imparting her passion for the sport.
Coach Tess
Tess began swimming at five years old on Springbrook Swim Team where she started to develop her passion for swimming. She then transitioned to club swimming at thirteen years old and continues to swim for Orinda Aquatics. She attends Acalanes High School and is a member of the high school swim team. Backstroke and butterfly are Tess's main strokes but she enjoys coaching all strokes. Tess loves both the competitive and social aspects of swimming. She feels that coaching is a great way to share her strong interest in the sport and serve as a role model for younger athletes. She is excited to be a part of the OMSC staff!
Coach Amelia
Amelia began swimming at three years old at the Irvine location of Waterworks swim school. She then started with Miramonte Swim Club after moving to the Bay Area at seven. She is now a senior at Campolindo High School, where she is also competing in her fourth year of high school swim. Amelia specializes in sprint freestyle events. She has enjoyed coaching for the past five years. Amelia values the discipline and athletics of the sport and she loves the teamwork, community, and camaraderie of swim. Amelia is looking forward to encouraging our Orca swimmers this year!
Coach Maya
Maya began swimming at the age of 5 with MCC and MVP and continued to develop her skills and love for the sport over the years. She swam competitively through her sophomore year at Campolindo High School and has remained dedicated to the water ever since. She has continued to uphold her passion for swimming by working as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the past 5 years, sharing her love for swimming with younger athletes. Now a college freshman, she continues to stay involved in aquatics as the Marketing Coordinator for her school’s aquatics program, while still lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons. Maya is thrilled to be stepping into the role of junior coach and is excited to help inspire and support the new generation of Orcas!
Coach Kaelan
Coach Kat
Coach Aurea
