AARON MIKUNI - HEAD COACH

This will be Aaron’s fourth year coaching the Valley Vista Swim Team. Aaron grew up swimming for Ygnacio Woods and the Terrapins Swim Team. Aaron graduated from Ygnacio Valley H.S. and earned his bachelors degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he was also a member of the swim team. He went on to finish his teaching credential in Physical Education at Chapman University. Aaron was head coach of the Rudgear Estates Swim Team for four years, and coached there for seven seasons. He's also coached on the Terrapins swim team and Punahou Aquatics team in Honolulu. Away from the pool, Aaron enjoys surfing and golfing. He is finishing his third year teaching physical education at Diablo View Middle School in Clayton.

MICHAEL ZAMOLO

Michael began swimming for Valley Vista as a 6 & under. He holds many team records. He swam for Alhambra High School's varsity team for four years where he was a North Coast Finalist. For many years, Michael has been a great role model for our younger swimmers both by his superior swimming example and his encouraging personality. His long standing dedication to Valley Vista makes him a great asset to the coaching staff. Mike was co-captain for the state champion swim team and an All-American water polo player while at DVC. He was the girls JV water polo coach at Northgate this past fall. Mike currently attends UCSB where he continues to play club water polo for the school.

MICHELLE McCONNELL - ASSISTANT COACH

Michelle brings a fantastic mixture of swimming and coaching experience coupled with an education geared towards athletics. Michelle grew up swimming for Ygnacio Wood. She attended Ygnacio Valley H.S. gathering awards for scholarship leadership and citizenship. Michelle was the first athlete in the school’s history to earn 12 varsity letters. Michelle graduated BYU in December 2003 and earned her Master’s degree at Berkeley. Michelle coached Ygnacio Wood for six years, three as head coach. She coached Ygnacio Valley H.S. swim team for four years. She was a physical education instructor at Ygnacio Valley H.S. 2004-2006 and is now an Elementary Physical Education Teacher at Creekside Elementary School in Danville, and Neil Armstrong Elementary School in San Ramon. Working with just the 8 and under groups this season, she and her husband, Jason, are enjoying spending time with their daughter, Mia.

ANTHONY PENNISI - ASSISTANT COACH

Anthony has been swimming for VVST since the age of 10. He qualified for the county meet every year and placed in the top eight in his events many times. Anthony holds several team records and was County Champion in the 100 yard butterfly. While attending Northgate High School he was a North Coast Section qualifier for three years. In his senior year at Northgate High School he was a North Coast Section finalist in the 100 yard Butterfly and was a member of two All-American relays. Anthony continued his swimming career while attending DVC where he was an All-American for two years and was a co-captain of the swim team for one year. Currently, he is enrolled at the University of California at Santa Barbara.