Alto Coaching Staff

Joey Sementelli is the Head Coach of Alto Swim Club and Lead Coach for the National Group. Joey has been instrumental in developing Alto into one of the best club teams in the country. In 2019, Alto won 1st place at the USA Swimming Phillips 66 National Championship. Under Joey’s guidance, Alto swimmers rank among the best nationwide each season and have represented the team at the highest level meets locally and internationally, including Olympic Team Trials and the Olympic Games.

Learn More about Coach Joey Here

Laura Mitchell is the Head Coach of Alto Swim Club and Lead Coach for Senior 1. Laura has worked to elevate the team's performance and drive significant growth and success. In 2019, Alto won 1st place at the USA Swimming Phillips 66 National Championship. In local championship meets, Laura has coached Far Western and Junior Olympic champions and Far Western and Pacific Swimming record holders. Prior to Alto, Laura spent 8 years with Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics as Head Coach and Owner of PASA (Stanford Site).

Learn More about Coach Laura Here

Dan Schemmel works primarily with the collegiate & post-graduate swimmers. Dan is the Head Coach of Stanford Men’s Swimming. Dan has led Stanford to multiple top 10 NCAA Championships and 2 Stanford swimmers competed at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Learn More about Coach Dan Here

Richie Barth - Head Age Group Coach
Richie Barth joined the Alto staff in 2022 as Alto's Head Age Group Coach and the Lead Coach for Age Group Gold and Age Group Silver. He has over 13 years of coaching experience internationally in Austria, Switzerland and California. Before moving out to California, Richie was a Senior coach at Bern Swimming Club (Switzerland), the Team Leader of Education and Training at Campus Sursee Sports Arena and Head Coach at Swim Team Lucerne. He has coached athletes to 22 Top 3 finishes at the Swiss Junior Age-Group Championships, 4 Top 3 finishes at Swiss Championships, and one Swiss National Single-Age Record (50 Freestyle, Womens 16-year-old). In the spring of 2022, Richie fulfilled a dream of his by traveling around California for 3 months, visiting swim teams from San Diego all the way up to the Bay Area. He loved having the chance to visit and observe more than twenty club and college programs and interact and learn from coaches at every level!

Alec Scott - National
Alec Scott has been with Alto since 2018 and is one of the Lead Coaches for the National Group. He is also an Assistant with the Stanford Men's Swimming & Diving team, helping guide the team to four top-10 NCAA finishes. At Alto, Alec has coached swimmers to over 110 Junior National cuts and 5 Olympic Trials qualifications. The team has earned 9 Sectional titles and won the 2019 USA Swimming National Championship. During his time with the Stanford men’s team, Alec has helped coach 3 Olympians, Andrei Minakov, Ron Polosnky and Jonathan Tan. He also helped Henry McFadden qualify for the 2025 USA World Championship team and Andrei Minakov to a 2025 World Title, where he swam the butterfly leg of the men’s medley relay. In NCAA competition, he has helped Stanford to over 60 All-America honors and four consecutive top ten NCAA team finishes from 2022 to 2025. He also helped coach Andrei Minakov to the NCAA title in the 100 Butterfly in 2022. As an athlete, Alec swam for the University of Alabama and was an Olympic Trials qualifier. Alec holds a degree in Journalism and brings a thoughtful, competitive approach to coaching.

Dustin Fukuda - Senior
Dustin Fukuda is in his fourth year coaching with Alto as the Lead Coach of Senior 2 and assisting in all aspects of the team development. Dustin joined the Alto coaching staff with 12 years of coaching experience, most recently a Senior coach at Punahou Aquatics in Hawaii. In 5 years with Punahou Aquatics, Dustin developed multiple Junior National and National level qualifiers, Future's finalists and a USA Swimming Scholastic All American. Multiple swimmers ranked top 10 in the United States in their respective age groups. Additionally, Dustin served as a physical education teacher for Punahou School. Prior to coaching with Punahou Aquatics, Dustin was a Senior Coach at Kamehameha Swim Club for 5 years. Kamehameha won every Age Group and Senior Championship meet in Hawaii during his time with the team. Swimmers set a National Age Group record for a 15-16 year old boys relay and posted multiple nationally ranked swims. The club ranked as a United States Silver medal throughout the course of his tenure. Dustin competed at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. He competed four years at Conference USA Championships and qualified for USA Swimming Nationals.

Michael Skarzynske - Lead Coach, Greene Pool
Michael Skarzyske brings over 20 years of experience teaching and coaching swimmers of all ages. Before joining Alto, he led the youth swim team at Flying Fish Swim School and helped develop the program’s instructional philosophy and technical standards. He played a key role in training and mentoring swim instructors at all levels. Michael is passionate about building confidence, teaching strong fundamentals, and helping athletes foster a lifelong love for the sport. He has also served in youth education and community engagement roles at Belle Haven Elementary School.

Aaron Parrott - Lead Coach, Alpine Hills Pool

Aaron Parrott is the Lead Coach for Senior Prep 2 and Imagination 2. He was previously the Lead Coach for Alto’s Discovery 2 and Senior Prep 3 Groups. Prior to joining Alto, Aaron served as a Lead Age Group Coach at Cypress Fairbanks Swim Club in Texas, where he led the daily swim, dryland, and strength programming for competitive age group athletes. He also coached full-time with Spring Swim Team, working with swimmers across the full developmental pathway, from learn-to-swim through U.S. Olympic Trials qualifiers. He brings extensive experience in age group athlete development. Aaron is a former NCAA Division I swimmer at Louisiana State University, where he competed at multiple SEC Championships, the U.S. Olympic Trials, and national-level meets. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from LSU and brings a strong foundation in exercise physiology, injury prevention, strength, and conditioning to his coaching.

Michael Hung - Age Group
Michael Hung comes to Alto with over a decade of coaching experience. He is the Lead Coach for Discovery 1 and Discovery 3 and he assists with all levels of the Age Group Program. Michael started his coaching career with Kaneohe Swim Association in Hawaii, where he worked with athletes of all ages and levels including Hawaii Age Group Short Course and Long Course State Championships qualifiers. From 2018 to 2022, he assisted with the Age Group and Senior programs at Punahou Aquatics. Since coming to Alto, he has coached 14 and under swimmers to Zone Championships, Age Group Championships and Far Western Championships. Michael is a current member of the American Swimming Coaches Association and he is involved in local swimming governance and organization.

Jake Bridges - Age Group

Jake Bridges joined the Alto staff in January 2026 and is the lead coach of Age Group 1 and Age Group 2. Coach Jake joined the Alto staff with over 5 years of coaching experience. Before joining Alto, Jake coached for the Greenbrier Valley Aquatic Center, where he led multiple West Virginia State Long Course and Short Course Championship finalists and medalists. Prior to that, he led 8 & Under groups at the Virginia Gators and 9-10 swimmers at Alleghany Highlands YMCA. Outside of coaching, Jake has also contributed to the sport as a journalist for SwimSwam.com. Since joining Alto, Jake has coached and led swimmers at Age Group Championships and Far Westerns Championships. 

Daniel Ramm - Age Group
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.

Jack Smithson - Senior
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.

Ashlyn Varga - Age Group
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.

Ryan Burch - Age Group
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.

Lillie Nordmann - Senior

Lillie Nordmann is a two-time USA Swimming National Team member and two-time varsity captain of Stanford Women's Swim team. She grew up in The Woodlands, TX with her 3 sisters and swam competitively for 17 years. Swimming has given Lillie the opportunity to travel the world and meet many incredible people, and she wants to instill her passion for the sport in others. While coaching at Alto, Lillie will be pursuing her Master's degree in Management Science and Engineering at Stanford.

Enrique Munguia - Assistant Coach
Coach Enrique started swimming at the age of 12 and quickly developed a passion for the sport, competing throughout high school. After coaching for the South Valley Sting Rays, Enrique moved to San Diego, where they taught private lessons at Aqua Pros Swim School for two years. Coach Enrique is excited to share their experience, expertise and enthusiasm for swimming with Alto!

Jessica Moore - Assistant Coach
Coach Jessica is happy to return to coaching after several years away. She began swimming after nearly drowning as a child and competed through high school, then became a rower when she attended college at the University of Michigan, where she studied exercise science. After college, she coached age group swimming for several years in the metro Detroit area, where her swimmers ranged from beginners to zone qualifiers. She moved to the Bay Area in the early 00's to work as a Pilates instructor and exercise specialist for clients with chronic health conditions and post-rehabilitation needs. Jessica has long been fascinated by human performance, and brings a technique-focused, supportive approach to her coaching, a legacy from her own age group swim coaches. Her favorite quote about human performance comes from physical therapist Gray Cook: 'First move well, then move often.'

Tim Spurling - Age Group
Tim Spurling is an Age Group Coach at Alto Swim Club, and he assists with multiple competitive team groups at the Alpine Pool. Tim also leads the pre-competitive swim team and private lesson program at Alpine Hills Country Club. Prior to coaching with Alto, Tim taught at Menlo Swim and Sport at Burgess Park, where he discovered his passion for coaching and helping swimmers grow both in and out of the water. He grew up swimming in the Bay Area. He is committed to fostering a positive, supportive environment that empowers swimmers to build confidence, enhance their skills, and develop a lifelong love for the sport.

Jack Wadsworth - Assistant Coach
Before joining Alto Swim Club, Jack spent a year coached the Arizona Dolphins in Anthem, Arizona, working with swimmers across a wide range of ages and ability levels. As a freshman at Ithaca College, Jack won the NCAA Division III national title and set the NCAA Division III national record in the 100-yard backstroke. He later transferred to Arizona State University, where he won a Big 12 title and was named a First-Team All-American while training under coaches Bob Bowman and Herbie Behm. Jack’s coaching philosophy centers on developing technically sound swimmers through purposeful drills, video analysis, and an emphasis on understanding why a movement works rather than simply performing it. He strives to ensure that every swimmer feels supported throughout their journey, both in and out of the pool.

Samantha Rhodes - Assistant Coach
Sam is joining Alto as an Assistant Coach for Senior 2 after graduating from UC Davis in 2025. Sam was a 4-time top-3 conference finalist in the 400 IM, earned MPSF and Big West swimmer of the week recognitions, and was named All-Conference in the 200 BR and 200 IM. She grew up in Evanston, IL, where she started swimming competitively at 6 years old and competed at Illinois State Championship meets. Throughout her swimming career, Sam helped with her club team's learn-to-swim program, led private lessons for new swimmers, and coached local age group teams. In addition to coaching at Alto, Sam works as a Clinical Research Coordinator at the Stanford Stroke Center, where she facilitates the recruitment and enrollment of patients in stroke research studies.

Arjuna “Jay” Shenoy - Assistant Coach
Jay brings experience in education, competitive swimming, and coaching to Alto as an Assistant Coach. Prior to joining Alto, Jay served as a Lead Coach with Triton Aquatics, working with the Pre-Competition and Novice groups to develop foundational skills and build confidence. Jay has also spent much of his career as a special needs science and math teacher, working with students in grades 6–12. A former competitive swimmer, Jay competed with Quicksilver Swimming and Willow Glen High School before swimming collegiately at Clark University, where he earned his B.A. in Chemistry and competed on the Varsity Swim Team. He is passionate about creating positive, supportive environments and helping swimmers develop confidence, embrace growth, and achieve their individual goals both in and out of the pool.

Josh Rines - Senior and Age Group
Josh Rines joined the Alto coaching staff in 2019 and he has worked with both the Age Group and Senior programs. He currently assists at all levels of the team. Prior to coaching with Alto, Josh was an assistant coach with the Executive Swim Club in Manchester, NH. He was also involved in managing and coaching the Bates College Swim Camp in Lewiston, Maine. He has worked with swimmers of all ages and ability levels, from young age groupers to elite high schoolers. Josh graduated from Bates College where he was a student athlete and member of the swim team. During his college career, Josh was a two-year captain, school record holder, and helped lead the team into the NCAA national rankings for the first time. He graduated from Bates with a BS in mathematics and physics, and a concentration in art and visual culture. In addition to coaching, Josh is currently a PhD student at Stanford in Geophysics.

Gaku Ito - Alto Team Manager
Gaku Ito is a Team Manager for Alto Swim Club. He brings over two decades of coaching and leadership experience. Gaku has coached with multiple local clubs, including Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics and the Pacifica Sea Lions. He excels in team operations, athlete development, and event coordination. With a strong background as a Head Coach, Masters Coach, Meet Director, and Zone Vice Chair, Gaku’s expertise in planning, organization, and communication supports Alto’s pursuit of becoming the premier swim team in the nation. His leadership on and off the deck ensures excellence at all levels of the club.

Thad Gunther - Alto Team Manager
Thad Gunther is a Team Manager for Alto Swim Club. Thad is a seasoned aquatics professional with over 15 years of experience in coaching, program management, and pool operations. He most recently served as Head Coach of Central Iowa Aquatics. Thad has led diverse coaching teams, secured long-term facility agreements, and managed all aspects of team operations, including budgeting, payroll, and community outreach. His career also includes leadership roles as a pool manager and head coach in Alaska and Minnesota, where he developed innovative programs and built strong swimmer development pathways. Known for fostering a positive, high-performance culture, Thad is committed to athlete growth and organizational excellence. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.

Natalie Loredo - Alto Team Manager
Natalie plays a crucial role in ensuring Alto’s success by guiding and supporting team families, facilitating communication, and assisting the Alto coaching staff in all areas. Natalie was born and raised in the Bay Area, grew up playing recreational sports (soccer, softball, basketball, gymnastics), and later competed in varsity softball and competitive cheerleading. Natalie graduated from Foothill College with an A.A in Kinesiology and joined the Alto staff after five years working at the management level in the customer service and food industries. Natalie is a tremendous resource for our Alto team families.