Southbay Hurricanes

My passion for swimming began at the age of nine, and it has been a central part of my life ever since. Alongside swimming, I developed a love for water polo, which allowed me to showcase my skills and teamwork. Throughout high school, I competed in varsity swimming and water polo for all four years, pushing myself to excel in both sports.

After high school, I was recruited to swim and dive for San Diego Mesa College, where I continued to grow as an athlete over the past two years. My time at Mesa College was incredibly rewarding, as it reinforced my love for the water.

In 2020, I began my coaching journey with CSTE club team in Coronado as an assistant coach for two years. This experience was incredibly fulfilling, and I quickly realized how much I enjoyed mentoring young athletes. In 2023, I transitioned to coaching at the high school level, serving as an assistant coach for both the men's and women's water polo teams in the fall. Andmen's and women's swim during the spring. It was a fantastic opportunity to help these athletes develop their skills and achieve their goals.

In 2024, I took on the role of assistant swim and dive coach at High Tech High Mesa. Working with the team there was an amazing experience, and I focused on creating a positive and encouraging environment for the athletes. Seeing their progress and enthusiasm for the sport was incredibly rewarding.

Currently, I am studying entrepreneurship at Mesa College, with plans to complete my degree in the upcomingyear.In my free time, I love working with wood and creating wooden jewelry, which I sell online through my business, ElFishArtistry.com. This creative outlet allows me to explore my artistic talents and share my unique creations with others.

My journey from a young swimmer to a dedicated coach has been enriching. I am passionate about inspiring and motivating others, both in and out of the water, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those around me. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and how I can integrate my passion for the sport into this team.

Hello, everyone! My name is Diego Angulo, one of your swim coaches! I’m a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YMCA. Whenever I'm off the stand, I cherish spending quality time with my family and friends. You'll often find me biking silver strand, swimming during my free time, taking hikes at potato chip, and, if I may add, I'm a big fan of theme parks, especially Six Flags!

I've been involved in swimming since I was just a baby, but it was in my freshman year that I began on the journey of competitive swimming and water polo. I'm currently on the college path at Southwestern College. My passion for the water started to peak during my childhood; I would frequently ask my mom to take me to our public pool. I would join my friends at the pool to swim and play, often spending hours there. It's incredible how time flies by. Now, it's my turn to teach each and every swimmer here, helping them improve their swimming technique and become the best versions of themselves.

I’ve been coaching for roughly one year and I enjoy coaching more than ever.

Coaching has been a thought that crossed my mind before, but self-doubt often held me back. Perhaps because I enjoy the water so much that I can't see myself other than in it. However, with this opportunity now right in front of me, I feel empowered to not only make a positive impact on the community but also undergo personal growth and transformation.

Danielle leads a multifaceted life filled with adventure and ambition. When she's not painting breathtaking landscapes or exploring rugged trails with her loyal German shepherd, Maverick, Danielle can be found ensuring the safety of visitors at SeaWorld and South Bay Ymca as a dedicated lifeguard. Her passion for animals extends beyond her work, as she pursues her studies at Mesa College to become a registered veterinary technician specializing in large animals. Adding to her adventurous spirit, Danielle enjoys the thrill of riding her motorcycle, embodying a zest for life that blends her love for nature, animals, and the open road. Her diverse interests and unwavering dedication reflect a dynamic personality always seeking new horizons and challenges. Danielle Hambrick's journey through the waters of competitive swimming began at a young age and flourished during her four years swimming for Mar Vista High School under the mentorship of Coach Sue. Specializing in freestyle and breaststroke, Danielle honed her skills to excel in both speed and endurance events. Her prowess was evident in the fifty freestyle, where her quick bursts of speed propelled her ahead, and in the grueling five hundred freestyle, where her endurance and determination set her apart. From learning to swim as a child, Danielle cultivated a deep-seated love for the water that fueled her dedication to the sport. Her time with Coach Sue and the Mar Vista High School swim team not only shaped her as an athlete but also instilled in her a lifelong passion for swimming and a commitment to achieving excellence in and out of the pool.

I am so excited to be a coach for the South Bay Hurricanes. I joined the Y as a swim instructor in 2024 and became a coach in 2025, leading into 2026. I am proud to be part of the Y community and value the growth, teamwork, and sportsmanship I see in our students.

I have been swimming all my life and competed in swimming and water polo during high school. Through both club and school programs, I grew to love and appreciate the sport, especially thanks to the amazing coaches who inspired and encouraged me. Now, as a coach, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back and honor the impact my coaches had on me.

Swimming, for me, is a lifestyle, a sport, and a form of exercise. I have previously managed a swim team and discovered a passion for sharing swimming with students, teaching them the ins and outs of drills and meets. My favorite stroke is breaststroke. I find it relaxing, a go to glide, and a great stretch for the muscles.

Outside of swimming, I am a college student at San Diego State University studying Business Marketing with a specialization in Integrated Marketing Communication. I hope to use this degree across many different careers, including working in a marketing firm and eventually starting my own business.

In my free time, I enjoy video games, jewelry, plants, web comics, and polar bears. Outdoors, you can find me motorcycling or at car shows. As a native San Diegan, I grew up around the ocean. While I love the sand and sea, I truly adore the mountains and forests California has to offer. I also love drinking tea, especially traditional gong fu tea style. My favorite cuisines are Italian and East Asian, but my favorite comfort food will always be classic Mexican sides frijoles, queso, y arroz.

I am excited to continue into 2026 with the Hurricanes. Go Hurricanes!