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Meet Our Swim Instructors

 Brandon Johnson

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Brandon grew up in Arizona and earned his first participation ribbon in the City Summer Swim League at age seven. Through high school he worked as a lifeguard and taught swim lessons between double practices. He continued his swim career at Lake Forest College, earning All-Conference distinctions. Brandon served as the Head Age Group Coach at Los Altos Mountain View Aquatics. In his short time, he guided developing swimmers who could barely make a legal stroke achieve their first A times. Coaching was not only a way for him to share his love for the sport, but also an opportunity to let emerging swimmers discover self-confidence, establish personal fitness goals, and find a place within a team environment. 

 

Jocelyn Chang

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 Hi! I’m Jocelyn Chang, I go to Menlo-Atherton high school and I love swimming. I have swam competitively for almost ten years at PASA Alpine Hills and have coached the summer swim team Alpine Hills Mantarays and the Los Trancos Summer Swim Camp.  My coaching philosophy is for the kids to enjoy the water, learn the correct technique and have tons of fun! Can’t wait for LRD’s swimmers to live, laugh, and love swimming! Outside of being in the water, I played indoor and beach volleyball competitively and enjoy listening to all kinds of music.

 

Reza Ojagh  

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He is a professional swim and water polo coach with over 20 years of international experience. A former member of Iran's national water polo teams, Reza competed at the highest level  before earning a Masters degree in Physical Education and transitioning into coaching.  Today, reza specializes in teaching swimmers of all levels-from beginners to advanced-to master proper technique and reach their full potential. He also trains water polo players from novice to elite levels, designing custom seasonal and yearly training programs to build skills, strength and performance.  Reza has coached at top clubs and schools across the bay area including De Anza College, Menlo Swim and Sport, Palo Alto Swim and Sport and Sharon Heights golf and Country Club. He is also the founder of Rez Sport LLC, a brand dedicated to promoting fitness and an active lifestyle.  

Passionate, experienced and committed to excellence, Reza is here to help you or your athlete succeed in swimming, water polo and beyond.  

 

Beckett Dompe

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Hi! My name is Beckett Dompe. I am a rising sophomore at the University of Puget Sound. While I no longer competitively swim, I have over 11 years of competitive experience. I have swam in California and Hawaii, both club and highschool swimming. I was a captain on my highschool swim team in my senior year. So I have some experience coaching on a team level and a one on one level. But my time at Ladera will be both a learning experience for myself and those I teach. I hope to be able to impart the wisdom, technique, and love for swimming I gained over my time as a swimmer!

 

Grace Lobdell

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Hi! my name is Grace Lobdell. I am a rising sophomore at Menlo Atherton High School. I have swum with the Ladera Dolphins for 10 years and coached for 2. I have also competed for my high schools swim and waterpolo team. I hope that LRD swimmers can learn to have fun in the water by becoming comfortable, confidant, and safe in the pool.