Orinda Aquatics: A legacy of Excellence

National & Historical Impact

Orinda Aquatics has built an unparalleled history of competitive success for a program averaging under 150 swimmers, demonstrating that a culture-driven environment can perform consistenly at the highest national levels.

National / Development Team 2025 - 2026 report
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    #1 Nationally Ranked Program (2025)

    Named the #1 team in the nation by the American Swimming Coaches Association (ASCA) for programs under 200 swimmers.

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    2 Decades of VCC Dominance:

    Recognized as the highest-scoring team over the past 22 years in the USA Swimming Virtual Club Championships for clubs under 200 swimmers.

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    Club Excellence Honors

    Perennial Silver and Bronze Medal Club in USA Swimming’s Club Excellence Program.

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    30 Years High Level Athlete Development

    Developed over 250 national-level swimmers, High School All-Americans, and 30 Olympic Trial qualifiers—including 12 athletes competing at the 2008 Trials and Olympic medalists Kim Vandenberg and Peter Varellas in Beijing.

Academic & Collegiate Achievements

The program’s "Character First" philosophy supports high-level academic performance and a extensive collegiate footprint, in terms of performance and leadership.

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    Senior Group Average GPA

    Near 4.0 (across 90 swimmers)

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    Active Collegiate Swimmers

    35 to 45 graduates competing on college teams annually

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    Collegiate Team Captains

    60+ Orinda Aquatics alumni selected to lead their university programs

Championship & Travel Milestones

From local championships to legendary travel dynamics, the team thrives collectively in high-level team competitions.

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    2019 Championship Sweep

    Won the Long Course Western Zone Senior Championships for both the Men's and Women's teams.

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    2012 National Performance

    Finished 3rd overall at the Long Course/Summer Junior Nationals in Indiana in 2012, and 2nd at NCSA Junior National Championships in Stanford in 2004.

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    2000 Historic Year

    Swept titles at Junior Nationals West (Anchorage, AK), Far Westerns, Sectionals, and Long Course Junior Olympics.

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    The Art of Team Travel

    Renowned for managing large-scale travel (up to 100 swimmers across two full charter buses) with zero chaperones, relying entirely on athlete accountability and impeccable sportsmanship.

High School & Summer League Dominance

Orinda Aquatics coaches have set historical benchmarks across California high school and recreational leagues.

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    25 North Coast Section (NCS) Championships

    Led by coaches Ron (20) and Don (5) Heidary, securing the most successful record in NCS history alongside more than 75 top-three finishes, one of the most competitive high school sections in the nation.

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    National Public High School Championship (2013)

    Achieved by Campolindo High School with Orinda Aquatics swimmers, breaking 9 out of 11 standing NCS records. In 2026, Campolindo High School, led by Orinda Aquatics won the California State Women’s Chamiponship.

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    Record-Breaking Performances

    Features historic milestones such as Steven Stumph breaking the National Public High School Record in the 100 Breaststroke, and Kim Vandenberg breaking the National Record in the 100 Freestyle.

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    Summer League Dominance

    Coach Ron Heidary with Matt Ehrenberger stands as the winningest coach in Contra Costa County Championship history with 9 county titles and 12 OMPA Championships, with Don Heidary at Meadow winning addtional 7 OMPA Championships.

Coaching Leadership & Industry Acclaim

The leadership behind Orinda Aquatics represents the pinnacle of professional swim coaching and character education.

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    ASCA Level 5 Certification

    Held by both Don and Ron Heidary, representing ASCA’s highest classification for USA Swimming and High School coaching.

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    National Double-Goal Award

    Honored by the Positive Coaching Alliance (only three awards presented nationwide).

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    Executive Contributions

    Served 5 years as the President of the American Swimming Coaches Association, alongside leadership roles on the boards of USA Swimming, the World Swimming Coaches Association, and Pacific Swimming.

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    Published Authors

    Developed an ASCA Life Skills Course, authored the Character First training manual, and authored the WSCA official coach education manual, The Professional Swim Coach, and regular contributors Swimming World Magazine.

To learn more about the foundational principles behind these achievements, watch this Coach Don Heidary Interview on Culture and Character, which outlines how prioritizing values and culture drives elite athletic and academic performance.

Watch Full Interview