Coaches
Coach Olivia Zhang has been leading Scottsdale Synchro (SAZ) to new heights since she took the helm as Head Coach in July 2016. Under her expert guidance, the team has achieved numerous accomplishments:
• Coached 8 SAZ swimmers who competed against top-ranking teams from North and South America.
• Received the National Coach of the Year award in 2025.
• Led the team to win 3 Gold and 1 Silver medals at the 2024 Pan American Championship in Lima, Peru, and secured the Senior category's overall high point.
• Achieved 2 Gold and 2 Bronze medals at the 2021 Pan American Championship in Aruba.
• Garnered 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 3 Bronze medals at the 2021 US Nationals, as well as 5 Gold, 1 Silver, and 1 Bronze medals in 2022, 1 Gold, 2 Silver, and 2 Bronze medals in 2023, and 4 Gold medals in 2024.
Her exceptional coaching skills have led to her selection for prestigious positions:
• Assistant Coach for the 2022 Youth National Team, which competed against 20 countries and won 1 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze medals, and Overall High Points.
• Coach of the 2018 Olympic Development Camp in Mallorca, Spain.
• Two-time recipient of the USA Artistic Swimming Coach of the Year at the US National Championships.
• Coach of the 2022 US All Star Camp.
Mar started synchro at 6 years old with Arizona Desert Gems. She joined Arizona Aqua Stars in high school and medaled in state through international meets in all events (solo, duet, trio, team, and combo). She did synchro in college briefly at ASU and taught private lessons at a gym in California. Mar returned to coach ADG and AAS swimmers 12U, Youth, and Jr/Sr as well as swim herself with the SwimDevils and Masters synchro. Over her 28 year career she has achieved Grand Master, Coaches and Athletes Representative, and advocates for lifelong enjoyment of the sport. She currently coaches all age groups with Scottsdale Synchro in addition to Assistant Managing with the City of Scottsdale.
Katie has coached with Scottsdale Synchro since 2010. She swam with recreational, club, and collegiate teams prior to her coaching career. Katie is an Arizona native with her husband and two young boys.
Hello! My name is Teresa Salamone. I moved to Arizona from Connecticut in June of 2023. I completed my masters program for Criminology and Criminal Justice at ASU in May 2026. I have been a synchronized swimmer since I was seven years old. I was on the New Canaan Aquianas until I was thirteen. While in high school I trained with my good friend and former teammate Emma Baranski over the summer. In college I swam for Penn State Synchro my freshman and sophomore year (unfortunately I was not able to continue in college due to the pandemic.) While in college I placed 12th my freshman year for solo, 13th in solo my sophomore year, and 13th in team my sophomore year. Since we were a club team at Penn State, I was also doing a little coaching of my team as well. I really missed being involved in the sport and I am excited to be a coach.
Hi! I’m Sophie, a Senior, who’s been a part of Scottsdale Synchro since 2016. I’m on the Junior/Senior age group team, and I’ve been coaching the 12 & Under Duet for two years. Sometimes, I also help out with the 12 & Under team.
One thing I love about coaching is creating routines. I’m so proud that the duet I coached placed 2nd at Nationals with a routine I choreographed!
My name is Mona Schwickert. I have been an artistic swimmer for the past 12 years, starting at the age of 4. I am a World Champion and currently a member of the 2025 Junior Nationals Team. I am driven to share my knowledge and experience to future athletes.
I joined Scottsdale Synchro in 2019 and i have been an active member ever since. I began my coaching journey at the age of 10, helping with the summer mermaid camps. I began coaching the novice team in 2024.
Currently, I am a member of the Youth team and have had the opportunity to travel internationally with my team. Being a part of this team has allowed me to not only grow as an individual but also contribute to the success and growth of others.
Hi! I'm Brooklyn! I have been doing synchro for almost 7 years now. I am currently swimming for Scottsdale Synchro’s Junior/Senior age group team. I have competed Nationally every year since I have joined this sport and have loved every second of it! I am really excited to coach younger swimmers and help them find their passion within this beautiful sport.
My connection to the water began early at just eight weeks old and never truly stopped. Over the years, I trained and competed with Hubbard Family Swim School, AFOX, Arizona Desert Gems, Scottsdale Aquatic Club, and as a varsity swimmer for Pinnacle High School. My final competitive seasons were spent at Swim Neptune where I also met my better half. While I retired from competition prior to college to focus on professional goals, swimming has always remained a central part of my life and is a discipline I still practice multiple times a week.
Hi, I'm Paige! I have been a swimmer at Scottsdale Synchro for about 6 years, competing nationally each year since I began. I am currently a member of the Junior/Senior team. Over time, my passion for this sport has continued to grow, and it has become such an important part of my life. I'm excited to continue coaching and help younger swimmers build their skills, gain confidence, and enjoy the sport as much as I do. I am dedicated to creating a fun, supportive environment where every swimmer feels encouraged to improve and be a part of the team.
What's up, it's Soraya!
I have been doing synchro for 7 years now, and I wouldn't trade it for the world! I've competed on national levels countless times.
I started coaching in 2025 and don't plan on stopping anytime soon! Sharing my love and knowledge that have gained about the sport through my years in the pool with younger swimmers is very special to me!
