Coach: Hilary Goldschlager 
Hilary began her career as a USA Swimming coach following a successful run as a multi-sport athlete swimming and playing water polo. Her experience from all over the Bay Area includes Ladera Oaks, BAC, Alameda Islanders, Golden State Water Polo/Swim, Aquatics Director at the Palo Alto JCC, & Skip Kenney’s Nike Swim Camps before joining PASA 10 years ago. Hilary has coached dozens of swimmers to Pacific Swimming Zone Championships, Zone All-Stars, Junior Olympics, Far Westerns, CCS, and US Olympic Trials. Since taking on the 8&under Coaching position at Rinconada, she has had 100% success improving swimmer’s times in every race.
When not on the pool deck, Hilary stays busy with her other profession—Emergency Medical Response. As a Paramedic, she is heavily involved in developing & teaching Aquatic Safety & Rescue protocol, teaching Search & Rescue techniques, and instructing CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Basic Life Support, First Aid, & Wilderness Medicine. To date, she has had thirteen personal saves in the field.
Hilary is also a three-time alumnus of Outward Bound & NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) courses in Death Valley, 30-day Rock Climbing course in Joshua Tree, 30-day backcountry expedition in the Eastern High Sierras, and Baja Sea Kayaking. She has also instructed numerous courses and programs in outdoor sports: climbing, rappelling, waterskiing, & wakeboarding. She teaches boating safety courses through the US Coast Guard Power Squadrons & currently ranks in the Top 10 Female shooters worldwide.
Coach Hilary believes her success with PASA’s 8U program can be directly attributed to the Coaches with whom she’s fortunate to work; “to be able to shape these young kids from novice level to national competitors as they matriculate through our program…wouldn’t be possible without the wealth of experience, the vested interest & vision that the Rinconada Coaches have—it’s truly invaluable.”
Minnows • 5-8 year olds
Minnows is the first level designed to introduce swimmers to Palo Alto Stanford Aquatics team in a pre-competitive setting. This is for those swimmers age 6 and up (5 with approval) who have summer league or lesson experience and intend to swim year round in a competitive program. Emphasis will be on Freestyle and Backstroke with the introduction to Breaststroke kick.
Minimum entry requirements are:
Unassisted 25 yard swim and kick, independent front float, independent back float, basic survival skills (i.e., returning to wall, climbing out of pool), proper straight leg kick and ability to hold a submerged breath for 10 seconds.
Swimmers must be able to get along with others, listen to the Coach, follow instruction without disruption, and try their best. Equipment required: proper swim suit, goggles, fins, cap.
Turtles • 6-8 year olds
Turtles are new or younger 8+U swimmers. The emphasis in Turtles is the refinement of Freestyle and Backstroke and the completion of Breaststroke. Butterfly is introduced. Turtles continue to learn training and competition skills, and are expected to work within a group. In addition to the requirements for Minnows, Turtles must be able to dive from the blocks and hold a streamline. Race focus is on the 25’s & 50’s for each stroke. Competition is expected at team-wide meets as well as Pacific Swimming meets.
Although attendance is not mandatory at every practice, swimmer progress at this age is directly related to their attendance.
Dolphins • 7-8 year olds
Dolphins are returning 8 +U swimmers with “A” times (race experience required.) Emphasis is on continued stroke work, intro to drill progressions, racing dives from the blocks, pace clock training, and competing at meets in all 8+U events. Swimmers are expected to leave the wall in the appropriate manner & follow instruction while treating others with respect. Advancing to Sharks (space permitting) requires official times in all stroke 50’s,100 Free & IM, as well as the ability to complete the Sharks workout with intervals.
Swimmers are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible. The minimum attendance in order to keep up with the group is typically three times per week.
Dolphins are expected to attend swim meets regularly (approximately 4-8 meets per year).
Scholarships
Scholarships are offered on a case-by-case basis and based on your ability to pay. To inquire about scholarship opportunities, please directly message Head Coach Tony Batis, at [email protected]