Team Sponsors

Testimonials

Coach Don,

I am truly impressed with the clarity of standards you and Ron set for your program. It appears the kids understand and value the traits and standards you expect from them. In life, perhaps when things are the toughest, they will draw upon the grit, faith and practices learned and rehearsed consistently as athletes, teammates and contributors to OA.

OA clearly is a great program - a highly successful swim team and a great place for friendships and acquiring invaluable life lessons. Awesome!

Respectfully, Allan

Thank you for sharing the positive side of youth sports and swimming especially. Your vision of what is good about people and to promote them is unparalleled. The youth of our communities and the sport of swimming are so lucky to have you!!!!!

A School Administrator

"No matter how I travel and coach, I have to say that what you guys built at OA is one of a kind."

From Kevin Lai, former coach (in Hong Kong)

Hi Don & Ron—

I wanted to drop you a quick note of thanks for allowing us some insight to the creativity you instill in your program to keep it fresh and fun. I came across your Graduation workout in Bob Steele’s “Games, Gimmicks, Challenges” book and loved the idea of it. When we had finished, they all threw their caps into the air and were telling me it was a very fun practice. They were all running over to their parents to tell them that they had just graduated. Dan

Hi Don & Ron—

"Hi coaches,

First, I want to thank you for all you do for the swimmers of our community - we have been so impressed with the OA program thus far!!! After hearing so much about high moral standards and emphasis on character, it is a real privilege to finally be part of a program that truly lives out their ideals. We have seen our child grow significantly in terms of focus, personal discipline, leadership, academic performance, etc. THANK YOU!!!!"

An OA parent

Thank you so much for all Orinda Aquatics does, I am so
impressed and always grateful.

An OA parent

I love your team! Everything was great! I am looking forward to our long-term relationship. All Cds will be mailed to you later today or tomorrow. Thank you for your help!

Dr. G (Genadijus Sokolovas)

Regarding the "Letter to the Team"

"As a final note, I wanted to send along three comments from our division staff on your end of year recap (and this does not include those who verbally said something to me)":

From Randy Julian (Randy is the Central Zone Sport Development Consultant): Just looked at this. This is really really big time great! It reads like a good book and has POWERFUL lessons all through it. How would parents NOT want their children to swim for Orinda?

From Kim O’Shea:Wow…..good stuff!

From Dave Thomas (Dave is the Southern Zone Sport Development Consultant): Outstanding. Thanks for sharing. If I am ever in that neck of the woods I would like to check the program out.

From USA Swimming Club Development Staff

Thanks you for being a fantastic example of leadership, goodwill and great swimming.

A.C. in Vermont

I wanted to let you know how impressed I am with OA! What great kids you have swimming for OA. We have been through many teams whether it be traveling basketball, or soccer, dance and summer swimming. Many of the teams focus on the here and now, and winning. OA feels very different. I know it can take many years of hard work to reach your goals, and I feel very fortunate that our child is swimming with such a positive team. Too bad OA wasn't around when I was swimming! A New OA Parent

I am proud to be associated with you...you have done so much for the Lamorinda community generally and the swimming community specifically. Well done and keep up the good work!

Rick Vandenberg

"It is said that in everyone’s life there is a transition that occurs in the latter years. This is where the focus changes from personal success to significance. Fortunately for us, you and Ron have spent your careers and lives empowering children to see their potential, as well as how to achieve it. In doing this, you have transcended coaching and been a positive influence in a lot of lives. And what could be more significant
than that."

A Fall Swimming Parent

Dear Ronnie and Donnie,

You and your entire staff of coaches have always been a huge part of my daughter’s life. You have taught her many life lessons, in and out of the pool. I believe that she is the incredible swimmer, student, and more importantly, young women that she is today because of your influence in her life as she was growing up. They say "it takes a village". Well Orinda Aquatics was definitely a huge part of "our village". You made my job as a parent so much easier. It’s hard now a days to find people that share your same values and ethics. I always felt that with you had her (and our) best interests at heart and I appreciate your support. You will always be a big part of the our life story.

XO (A former OA parent after college graduation)

Ronnie, Donnie, Matt, Marc, Kevin, and Dave

For several years....usually after the high school swim season ends or after I have read something about Orinda Aquatics or after I see an Orinda Aquatics swim practice......I’ve wanted to tell you how over-whelmed I am at what you have done for the Lamorinda Community in Aquatics.

I planned on writing this letter several times in the last 3-4 years whenever I would look through the results of NCS swimming....But I would put it off...and then thought it was a little ’corny’ to say anything...once it was 1 or 2 months after the Championship meet.

But today...when I had the opportunity to attend the 50th anniversary OMPA (ALL-ORINDA)....and then went over to the Orinda Aquatics booth and reviewed Orinda Aquatics many accomplishment....I decided ’corny’ or not I was going to tell you what I should have told you years ago.....

I am not aware of everything Donnie and Ronnie did throughout the many years they have been coaching...but I do know they had a ’vision’ of establishing a ’1st Class’ aquatics program in the area and to accomplish their vision they brought together a group of dedicated/knowledgeable coaches.

The quality (depth) of various high school swimmers (at the local high schools) speaks volumes for what all of you have done. In addition, you have provided a number of local athletes the opportunity to pursue their passion for swimming.....whether they want to become a ’nationally ranked swimmer’ or just to be part of a ’team’. You have established both.

To build a swim program from its beginning has to be a very rewarding experience. I hope all of you have the opportunity to step back and realize how significant your contributions have been......you have had a tremendous impact on so many lives (young and old).

I for one....applaud your dedication and expertise......

Bill Brown

Hi Ronnie and Donnie,

You are awesome! I just want to say thank you for the coaching that you gave me. I am now coaching swimming at Notre Dame high school in san jose. Hope you are well! :) Congrats on all of your success!

Much love,
Gina

"I appreciate the philosophy that you and Ronnie have always lived by and coached by. And I can say that the Lane Kids have benefitted from it as early as 22 years ago. Congratulations on a Dream Come True." Isabel Lane

"Of all the years, our swim years with you still remain the highlight and favorite of ours. From Meadow through OA and High School, the times will always be so dear to us as are you! Our congratulations to you and Ronnie for landing two athletes on the swim and water polo Olympic teams this year. It’s your structured, committed, disciplined model and loving approach that has mentored so many, and girls too. Our hat’s off to you two! Thank you for everything always! Sending lots of love and gratitude!" Maria Thurman

"Thank goodness for OA - you guys are such gifts to our children."

Note from Head Coach at Northwestern University: "We always enjoy getting swimmers from Orinda looking at NU and hope to find some with the right fit in the future." All the best to you and your swimmers.