Coaches
Program Director & Head Coach
Laurel brings passion, experience, and positivity to every athlete she coaches. A lifelong diver, she began at 13 in Walnut Creek, CA, competed at the NCAA Division I level at BYU, and now continues through Masters Diving—earning titles like 2023 CA Junior College State Champion and Masters World Champion in Fukuoka, Japan. Laurel currently leads Powerhouse Dive Club and coaches at Sierra College and Oak Ridge High School, known for her ability to connect with her athletes by bringing fun, focus, and confidence to every practice. She believes in meeting each diver where they are, helping them break through mental blocks, and unlocking their full potential with a joy-centered approach.
COACH
Coach Phil has been at UC Davis as head diving coach since 2004 after 20 years at UC Berkeley. Under his leadership, Tonne has coached every UC Davis diving record-holder and guided several teams to success at the NCAA Division I level. Notable athletes include Kristyn Chaldekas, who placed second in both events at the 2007 Big West meet, and Olympian Kristian Ipsen, whom Tonne mentored during his early years while coaching at Diablo Divers in the East Bay. Coach Phil has consistently mentored athletes of all ages throughout his career, most recently with Davis Divers and Capital Divers. In 2023, he coached 4 masters divers to multiple World Titles in Fukuoka, Japan, including Coach Laurel, who he also coached as an age group diver in the 1990’s. Coaching is where Coach Phil feels most at home. Even though he has said he is retiring for years, he just can’t pull himself away from this amazing sport!
COACH
Hi, I’m Jonah Grove, and I’m excited to continue coaching and share everything I’ve learned through years of competitive swimming and diving. I’ve been a competitive swimmer for nearly 20 years and have 4 years of diving experience. I began coaching at age 13 and have loved it ever since. My goal is to help others build confidence, develop their skills, and discover their own love for the sport.
COACH
With 10 years of coaching experience, Coach Kari has worked with divers at all levels, from beginners to collegiate athletes. She’s no stranger to the sport herself, having competed for the University of Wyoming, where she earned honorable mention All-American honors on the platform. What fuels her passion for coaching? It’s the relationships she builds with her athletes. Watching them grow, not only as divers but as individuals, is one of the most rewarding aspects of the job. For Coach Kari, it’s all about helping athletes thrive both in and out of the pool!
Coach
Hi! I’m Lucas Lehrer, and I’m excited to coach this summer and share everything I’ve learned through years of competing and training. I fell in love with diving early on, competing for four years before continuing at Cal Poly. Although our team was recently cut, I’m thrilled to stay connected to this amazing sport and community. I love diving because it’s such a unique, fun, and rewarding challenge. It taught me the value of hard work—one of the most important lessons I’ve ever learned. As a coach, I can’t wait to pass on my passion for diving, help athletes grow, and watch them discover what they’re capable of!
Coach
Coach Quinn brings over 10 years of coaching experience to the diving world, with 7 years in gymnastics and 3 years focused on diving. A former competitive gymnast who transitioned to diving at 16, Quinn combines a strong foundation in both sports to help athletes develop strength, flexibility, and control. Coach Quinn works with divers of all ages and abilities, creating a personalized and supportive environment that encourages growth. By focusing on the physics behind each dive and the power of visualization, Quinn helps athletes perform with precision and confidence. The most rewarding part of coaching for Quinn? Connecting with each athlete and helping them unlock their full potential—both in diving and in life. With a focus on building confidence, pushing limits, and fostering a love for the sport, Quinn is dedicated to helping every diver reach new heights.