Coaches

	Christian Rasmussen Head Coach Our Head Coach, Christian Rasmussen, has been coaching the Polar Bears 15 years. Christian grew up in Walnut Creek. He started swimming when he was six, swam competitively through college and now swims and competes with the Walnut Creek Masters Swim Team. Christian coached a number of recreational, high school and year-round swim teams, before joining Rancho San Miguel. We are excited to have Christian bring his expertise in competitive swimming, as well as a great sense of fun to the Polar Bears! When he is not coaching the Polar Bears, Christian offers swim lessons and competitive swim clinics at Rancho San Miguel Swim Club through his swim school Rasmussen Swimming.
	Taylor Thorsen Assistant Coach Welcome back Taylor! Taylor started swimming for RSM when she was 4 years old. She enjoyed 8 wonderful seasons before deciding to swim year round with the Terrapins. Taylor then swam for the division 1 program at University of Hawaii, and just recently graduated in May 2018. Her events were 50 and 100 free and 100 butterfly. We are thrilled to have her back with us for her 4th year as our Assistant Coach.
	Michelle Long Assistant Coach Michelle has been a swimmer all her life! She grew up with a pool in her backyard, took swim lessons at age 5, joined East County Stingrays at age 9, and swam all the way through college competively. Due to her love of swimming, she also played water polo in high school and college. Michelle also loves being able to use her swimming abilities to surf, snorkel, and of course coach and teach swim lessons. She has been a swim instructor for 15 years but is trying out her knowledge with being a first time swim coach with RSM this year. When Michelle is not in the water or on the pool deck, she enjoys being outdoors in nature, being active, and having fun!
	Naomi Jenkins Swimmer Coach This is Naomi's 3rd year as a swimmer coach. She began swimming on RSM when she was four years old and this will be her final year as a swimmer. She played year round water polo and swam for Northgate High School. Naomi loves working with children of all ages. She’s excited to be coaching again this summer and is looking forward to welcoming new and returning swimmers. She enjoys hanging out at the pool (eating otter pops) and driving around in her red Volkswagen. Next year she will be attending San Diego State University.
	Gage Mettler Swimmer Coach Currently, Gage is a junior at Northgate High school who has been swimming on Rancho San Miguel since he was four years old. He is a two sport varsity athlete, football and wrestling, as well as a part of the leadership class. Outside of school, Gage loves to go on hikes, take pictures, and adventure with his friends. He is looking forward to having an amazing season with all the Polar Bears and can’t wait for the rest of the season.
	Katharina Stahl Swimmer Coach Katharina Stahl started out swimming on RSM when she was 4 years old and has been swimming since then. At Northgate Highschool she plays water polo and swims on the swim team. Other than water polo and swimming she likes to play Frisbee and badminton. She also plays the flute in the school band.