Sydney Hanks - Head Coach

Sydney started her swimming career as a Gator at Four Hills.  She swam on three different club teams; Charger Aquatics (2005-09), VAST (2009-12) and Lobo Aquatics (2012-16). She completed her first year of swimming for the University of Incarnate Word where she trained as a sprint freestyler under head coach Phillip Davis. Sydney is studying Business Marketing with a minor in accounting and will be attending UNM in the fall. Sydney attended Eldorado High School and was a four-year letterman, breaking two school and state records on relays. Sydney was the team captain her senior year and an All-American on a relay. Sydney loves coaching and is known for attention to detail, with energy and charisma around the pool deck. With summer fast approaching she is excited to be back to her roots as a Canyon Club Gator!

Assistant Coaches

Ben Waterman and Julia O’Connell.

Ben has been swimming in New Mexico for 13 years. He specializes in butterfly, mid distance free style and the IM. In 2017 Ben was High School State Champion in the 100 fly and is an All-American in that same event for the second year in a row. Ben is also a former state record holder in 50 fly and a current state record holder in the 100 IM. Julia O’Connell has been swimming for the Gators since she was 10 years old. Julia was a member of Eldorado High School’s swim team for four years and was a 2017 team captain. She has experience teaching swim lessons and was an assistant coach for Albuquerque Triton Aquatic Club (ATAC) in 2016-2107. Both assistant coaches are ready to bring high energy and fun this summer!