Pleasant Hill Aquatics

Use the Swim Lessons tab to find links or more information about private lessons with each coach.

Sarah Stretch - Head Coach

A Pleasant Hill native, I began swimming at Pleasant Hill Aquatics at the age of 5. While at Acalanes High School, I competed in cross country, soccer, swimming, and water polo, receiving the Most Valuable Athlete award. A middle-distance freestyler and backstroker, I competed at North Coast Section (NCS) throughout high school. In college, I competed for the Chico State water polo team and received the Chico State Most Valuable Award, and was part of the Collegiate Water Polo Associations All-Conference Team.

I received a B.A. in Physical Education from Chico State and an M.A. in Kinesiology from San Francisco State. I have coached competitive swimming since 1997, starting my coaching career at PHA and then onto many recreational swim programs in the area. While completing my master’s program I coached at Acalanes High School and helped lead the Dons to top ten NCS finishes, coaching All-American individual and relay teams additionally, assisting the varsity girls’ water polo team toward their NCS Championship bids.

Most recently I coached at Laney College in Oakland in both water polo and swimming and diving programs, coaching individual and relay teams to the California Community College State swim meet and receiving Bay Valley Conference Swim Coach of the Year honors twice.

I am passionate about swimming and love developing swimmers in the water and out. It makes me happy to come back and contribute to the success of the team that gave so much to me.

Sarah Dolphin

Head Assistant Coach

Woohoo, hello PHA Penguins! I look forward to another great summer spent primarily with the best team & swim phamily around!

I started swimming at PHA myself at the age of 6... and have been around for most spring/summers ever since! As a 15-18 on the PHA Penguin team in 2005 I began coaching Emperors, then joined the swim team deck after graduating as an 18 yr old Penguin in 2007. After learning alongside some incredible coaches, I took over as the Head Coach in 2012, and was in that role until Aug 2018. Simultaneously, since 2012 I have been coaching at College Park H.S on & off as my teaching schedule allows.

I received a B.A. in Sociology from Gonzaga University in 2012 and an M.A.T/Elementary Education credential in 2013 from the University of San Francisco. I work at Springhill Elementary School in Lafayette, where I teach 5th grade.

I am passionate about swimming technique, stroke foundations as well as the overall ‘swim team experience’ of developing teammates into friends with good sportsmanship, and guiding athletes into becoming well rounded & kind people! I am stoked to be returning home to the PHA pool deck this summer!

Donny Mata

Head Assistant Coach 

Passionate aquatics coach and former competitive swimmer who is dedicated to helping athletes grow in confidence, character, and skill. With experience across all levels in both Swimming and Water Polo - I focus on building strong fundamentals while guiding athletes towards their individual goals.

I am here for the vibes and want to help contribute towards building a positive and structured environment where athletes feel challenged but supported. I emphasize discipline, teamwork and personal accountability - helping athletes succeed both in and out of the pool.

My goal is always to make the sport an experience that not only builds better athletes, but strong & motivated individuals.

Noah Voegtly

Assistant Coach

Noah has been part of the PHA family for over 18 years. He acts as both a junior coach, and a senior lifeguard. At the moment, he works hard to create a fun and spirited environment for the fellow penguins around him. Although spending most of his summer at the pool, he never seems to ever get tired of the next opportunity to be with his fellow penguins! If you're looking for someone to flip your cap, cheer on the team, or even play a friendly game of ping pong, your pal, Noah, is your man!

ooking forward to a great summer! Go Penguins!

Victoria Hargrave

Assistant Coach

I have been swimming for 13 years! I spent a couple of those years at Aquabears swimming year-round, and currently swim for Diablo Valley College and PHA! I was ranked 4th in the nation for breaststroke while competing year round, and still hold records at multiple pools! I started coaching when I was 12, and can’t wait to continue my journey at PHA this year! Outside of swim I love animals, dancing, and learning new things!

Conor Halley-McCarty

Junior Coach

Hey Penguins!

I’m beyond excited for this summer and the opportunity to work with you all! I’ve been swimming competitively for 15 years, including four years at De La Salle High School. My passion for the sport goes beyond just the pool—it’s in the cheers, team events, and the incredible energy of this team.

I love this team, and I can’t wait to help everyone get faster, have fun, and make this an unforgettable season. Whether it’s racing, cheering, or just hanging out on deck, I’m always ready to bring the energy and make the most of every moment. Let’s make this summer the best one yet—Go Penguins!

Caroline Swanson

Junior Coach

Haley Nelson

Junior Coach

Hello my name is Haley Nelson and I have been swimming for 11 years. I swam for Morgan Valley Pool until I switched over to PHA during COVID. I am a sophomore at Carondelet where I also swim during the high school season. I am very excited for this season!

Bella Voegtly

Junior Coach

Hi, I'm Bella Voegtly! I am 15 years old and have been at PHA for as long as I can remember! Recently, I have switched over to Terrapins, but this coaching position has still made it possible for me to STILL be a Penguin! All my best friends swim at PHA! My brother Noah and Morgan are a real inspiration me. Morgan has been lifeguarding for almost 5 years now, and Noah has been coaching and lifeguarding for a while. I have always wanted to coach kids, and have always enjoyed being an In-Water helper! I look forward to working with the younger kids on the team, helping them focus on their strokes, and getting them even PHASTER! Looking forward to an AWESOME season!!