Alto New Staff Welcome!

This season, we are happy to introduce five new full-time staff members to our team! Please join us in welcoming Ashlyn Varga, Jack Smithson, Daniel Ramm, Ryan Burch, & Julie Jacobs to our Alto Community. The next time you see these coaches on the pool deck, feel free to introduce yourself and say hello.

Ashlyn Varga - Age Group Coach

Ashlyn brings experience in both education and competitive swimming to Alto. Prior to joining Alto, Ashlyn was as an Assistant Coach with South Valley Makos, where she worked with swimmers across multiple training groups to develop foundational skills, refine technique, and build strong practice habits. Previously, Ashlyn also coached at Almaden Valley Athletic Club and Leigh High School, helping swimmers prepare for competitive swimming while fostering a welcoming and collaborative team environment. Outside of coaching, Ashlyn has worked as a music education teacher for students ages 4–12, developing differentiated teaching strategies and curriculum. She is passionate about creating positive learning environments, building confidence, and helping young athletes develop both in and out of the pool.

Jack Smithson - Senior Coach

Jack Smithson joins Alto as the Assistant Coach for Senior 1 and Lead Coach for Varsity. Before Alto, they were an assistant coach at Sunkist Swim Team in Jackson, Mississippi for four years, leading the 8 & Under and 11-12 Age Groups and assisting with the Senior Group. Jack also led a free learn to swim program in Jackson for three years, teaching water safety skills for hundreds of children. Jack emphasizes technical mastery and consistency in their coaching while maintaining a safe, fun environment. Prior to coaching, Jack swam competitively for Washington University in St. Louis, where they earned Scholastic All-America honors for their academic and athletic success. They have a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and are completing a Master’s Degree in Geographic Information Technology.

Daniel Ramm - Age Group Coach

Daniel joins Alto Swim Club with more than 10 years of teaching and coaching experience. Before joining Alto, he spent seven years teaching swim lessons and coaching the pre-competitive team at AVAC Swim School, where he helped swimmers build confidence, refine their technique, and develop strong water safety skills. As a former competitive swimmer for the South Valley Stingrays and De Anza College, Daniel understands the dedication, discipline, and teamwork that swimming instills in athletes. He is excited to bring his knowledge, passion, and experience to Alto Swim Club, helping swimmers reach their full potential while fostering a lifelong love of the sport.

Ryan Burch - Age Group Coach

Ryan joins Alto Swim Club with more than 10 years of coaching and teaching experience. He has served as Head Coach of the Sactown Tsunami Swim Team and Assistant Coach for the Cosumnes River College Swim Team. Ryan has experience working with swimmers of all ages and abilities, and is passionate about developing strong fundamentals, building confidence, and helping athletes reach their goals. As a former competitive swimmer at Elk Grove High School and Cosumnes River College, Ryan understands the dedication, discipline, and teamwork that swimming instills in athletes. He is excited to bring his leadership, adaptive coaching style, and passion for athlete development to Alto Swim Club.

Julie Jacobs - Learn to Swim and Pre-Competitive Programs Director

Julie joins Alto as our Learn to Swim and Pre-Competitive Programs Director, bringing experience in aquatics leadership, operational management, and age-group athlete development. With a comprehensive background spanning club startups and program administration, Julie specializes in building strong technical foundations and water confidence for swimmers of all ages. Previously, Julie served as Lead Age Group Coach and Operations Manager for TC Falcon Swim Club, where she directed startup operations and shaped robust learn-to-swim curricula. Her coaching career also includes coaching roles with Alto, Bishop Alemany High School, St. Didacus School, and Eichler Swim & Tennis. Grounded in a coaching philosophy that emphasizes trust, water safety, stroke fundamentals, and whole-athlete development, Julie is dedicated to fostering an engaging and supportive environment where young swimmers can progress confidently in a fun and nurturing environment.

About Alto Swim Club

Alto Swim Club is a year-round USA Swimming club serving Peninsula families in Palo Alto, Mountain View, Menlo Park, Redwood City, Foster City, Portola Valley, East Palo Alto, Los Altos, Stanford, Atherton, and surrounding Bay Area communities.

From learn-to-swim lessons and stroke development to youth competitive swimming, fitness programs, high school swim training, and high-performance competition, Alto provides professional coaching and long-term athlete development from a swimmer’s first experience through the national level.

Looking for a youth competitive swim team, USA Swimming club, year-round swim program, or swim team tryouts in the Palo Alto area? Explore Alto Swim Club programs and find the right starting point for your swimmer.

Alto offers swimming programs at multiple locations throughout the Mid-Peninsula, including:

Stanford University, Avery Aquatic Center
235 Sam McDonald Mall, Stanford, CA 94305

JLS Middle School
480 E Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, CA 94306

Greene Middle School
750 N California Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94303

Alpine Hills Swim & Tennis
4139 Alpine Rd, Portola Valley, CA 94028

Alto Swim Club also offers programs at additional locations throughout Palo Alto and the surrounding Peninsula.

Ready to swim with Alto? Explore our programs, register for swim lessons, or learn more about joining Alto Swim Club.