I started competitive swimming at eight years old in Seal Beach California. At 10 I was ranked in the top 10 in the nation for breaststroke. By that time I was swimming at senior and international meets.  I also received my first top 20 and the world ranking at the age of 11. I then swim for my high school in Huntington Beach California my freshman and sophomore years. I am moved to Colville Washington on a ranch at the age of 15. I did lifeguarding and taught swim lessons. At the age of 18 I became the head coach of Colville swim team. I have been coaching for 40 years, receiving the coach of the year award in 1999 from snake river Swimming and started coaching at Elko Swim Team.