Coaches
Program Director & Head Coach
Laurel brings passion, experience, and positivity to every athlete she coaches. A lifelong diver, she began diving at age 13 in Walnut Creek, CA, competed at the NCAA Division I level at BYU, and continues to compete in Masters Diving. Her competitive accomplishments include becoming the 2023 California Junior College State Champion, winning multiple Masters National Championship titles, and earning podium finishes at several Masters World Championship events, including a World Championship title in Fukuoka, Japan.
With six years of high school coaching experience and two years coaching at Sierra College, Laurel brings a strong background in athlete development at multiple levels. She is the founder and head coach of Powerhouse Dive Club and is known for creating practices that balance fun, focus, technical growth, and confidence. Laurel believes in meeting each diver where they are, helping athletes work through mental blocks, build belief through consistent action, and discover what they are capable of both on and off the board.
Assistant Coach
Ashley Plaster attended Casa Roble High School before continuing on to American River College, where she discovered her passion for diving. She originally attended ARC to play water polo but quickly fell in love with the challenge, growth, and excitement that diving offered.
Ashley began coaching at Oak Ridge High School, where she developed her coaching style and learned how to best support athletes in reaching their goals. She now coaches and trains with Powerhouse Dive Club, giving her a unique perspective as both an athlete and a coach. Ashley enjoys helping divers build confidence, learn new skills, and grow through a sport they love.
Assistant Coach
David recently completed a season of collegiate diving at Sierra College under Coach Laurel, where he gained valuable experience and developed an even deeper appreciation for the sport. Through his time as an athlete, he has seen firsthand how diving can build confidence, discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of accomplishment both in and out of the pool.
David is excited to bring his enthusiasm for diving to the Powerhouse coaching staff and help support the next generation of athletes. His coaching approach emphasizes skill development, confidence, and creating a positive environment where divers can challenge themselves, enjoy the learning process, and continue to grow. He looks forward to helping each athlete reach their potential while developing a lasting love for the sport.
Assistant Coach
Coach Jordan Gotro will join Powerhouse Dive Club periodically, bringing an impressive background as an elite diver and former Oak Ridge High School athlete. Jordan competed at the NCAA Division I level for the University of South Carolina, where he became an NCAA All-American on platform, earned SEC Freshman Diver of the Year honors, and set the school’s six-dive platform record. He also competed at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials for 3m Springboard.
Now married and working as a firefighter, Jordan is excited to reconnect with the diving community and give back to a sport that gave him so much. He looks forward to helping develop the next generation of divers, sharing his experience and what it takes to compete at the highest levels, and watching their skills and confidence grow.
Summer Coach
Paige Vicente is excited to return to Powerhouse Dive Club as a summer coach. She has been diving for approximately six years and has trained under Coach Laurel since Powerhouse Dive Club first opened. Paige currently competes for the University of California, Santa Cruz, where she also serves as a co-captain of the dive team.
Outside of diving, Paige is majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with aspirations of becoming a pediatric surgeon. She brings enthusiasm, leadership, and a strong connection to the Powerhouse program, and she looks forward to helping athletes build confidence, develop their skills, and have fun throughout the season.
Coach
Annika Lenz is a sports medicine physician with a background in pediatrics and a lifelong connection to diving. She grew up participating in gymnastics and diving before ultimately specializing in diving alongside her sisters, competing at the club, collegiate, and international levels. As an athlete, she values diving for the way it challenges her to push beyond both physical and mental boundaries while continually striving to improve.
Having coached on and off throughout different stages of her life, Annika enjoys helping athletes recognize their potential, build confidence in their abilities, and appreciate the experience of being part of a team. She also enjoys providing perspective and supporting athletes through both the challenges and rewards of sport.
Her interests in sports medicine extend to research, particularly injury prevention and athlete well-being. Her research has examined the impact of sport specialization on youth divers, and she hopes to continue exploring ways to help young athletes stay healthy, enjoy their sport, and reach their potential.