Coronado Swim Team Elite
Coronado Swim Team Elite (CSTE) has announced the hiring of Sam Hoekstra as its new Head Coach, following a nationwide search led by International Swimming Hall of Fame inductee and four-time U.S. Olympic Coach David Marsh.
Hoekstra is a former NCAA All-American at the University of Louisville and a University of Michigan swimmer.
He has built a reputation as a detail-driven, innovative coach, most recently serving as Associate Head Coach at The Race Club under Gary Hall Sr., where he worked with elite athletes on performance optimization.
Since 2013, Hoekstra has guided multiple club and high school programs in Michigan, including Byron Center High School, Byron Center Aquatics, and West Ottawa Swim Club. He has also served as an Elite Clinician with the Fitter & Faster Swim Tour, recognized for helping swimmers achieve breakthrough results through precise technical instruction.
His coaching philosophy centers on quality over quantity, focusing on event-specific training, integrated stroke analysis, mental preparation, and keeping practices engaging and fun.
Building an Elite Coaching Network
Hoekstra will work alongside a strong daily staff that includes Jon Burkett and Anna Bai, with administrative support from Mel Eisenhamer. CSTE has also assembled an extended consulting network of coaches that includes:
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Peter Linn, longtime Eastern Michigan Head Coach and technical leader.
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Javi Sossa, former UNC Associate Head Coach with international coaching experience.
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Rachel Klinker, U.S. National Team member and Cal Berkeley All-American, joining CSTE this fall.
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Marko Djordjevic, UC San Diego Head Coach, collaborating on athlete development pathways.
Together, this staff positions CSTE as one of the most experienced and innovative swim coaching environments in the country.
Training at Premier San Diego Facilities
CSTE continues to train at two of the region’s best aquatic centers:
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UC San Diego’s Canyonview Aquatic Center, featuring two outdoor Olympic-size pools.
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Coronado Community Aquatics Center, with a 50m pool overlooking the bay and Coronado Bridge.
About Sam Hoekstra
As a swimmer, Hoekstra earned NCAA All-America honors and set relay records. He has expertise in stroke efficiency, underwater technique, body line, strength training, nutrition, and recovery. He also has a notable water polo background, becoming the only player in Michigan history to earn All-American honors both as a field player and as a goalkeeper.
Originally from Michigan, Hoekstra studied Exercise Science at Louisville. He and his wife Lauren, along with their three daughters, relocated to San Diego earlier this year.
About David Marsh and CSTE
David Marsh alongside Cal Head Coach Dave Durden
David Marsh is one of the most decorated coaches in swimming history, having guided Auburn to 12 NCAA Titles, coached more than 60 Olympians, and led the U.S. Women’s Team at the 2016 Olympics. He currently serves as Associate Head Coach at the University of California, Berkeley, and continues to serve as professional advisor to CSTE.
Coronado Swim Team Elite is San Diego’s premier competitive swim program, supporting athletes from entry-level to international stages. Guided by Marsh’s vision and Hoekstra’s leadership, CSTE is committed to innovation, high performance, and building a program that aspires to be among the Top 10 USA Swimming clubs nationwide.
