"I joined Tide in 2014 and I currently train in the Senior Gold group at the Princess Anne YMCA. When I was six, I started swimming in the summer for the Alanton Bolts and I still enjoy doing that! This is my first year being a part of the Tide Swim School program.

I attend Norfolk Academy and am a rising junior. I am also a member of the varsity swim team at NA. My favorite strokes are freestyle and backstroke. Some of my favorite hobbies are going to the beach, hanging out with friends, painting, and playing with my dog - a golden retriever named Kit.

I am so excited to coach Swim School this summer because swimming has provided me with so many fun and memorable experiences, so I hope that everyone will be able to have those, too."

"Hi, my name is Ella Arbuckle, and I have been swimming since I was six years old. This is my second year on Tide, at the Princess Anne YMCA. My favorite events are the 500 freestyle and the 100 butterfly. I am currently a sophomore at Granby High School in the International Baccalaureate Program.

Some of my favorite things to do include spending time with my friends, baking, and reading. Tide has been an amazing experience for me and I am super excited so share my love of swimming!”

Coach Sito joined Tide in 2022 as one of our Swim School Coaches. He is from Palmyra, Virginia, and moved to Virginia Beach in the Fall of 2020. Throughout his career he has served as Assistant Coach for Virginia Wesleyan University, Assistant Coach for Monticello High School, Assistant Coach for Charlottesville Virginia Gators, as well as Head Coach of his summer league team Lake Monticello Swim Team.

Sito earned a Communication Studies degree from Randolph Macon College where he swam competitively all four years. "I am excited to continue my coaching career with Tide while sharing my passion for swimming and working with kids to focus on perfecting technique and having fun."

"Hi!! My name is Abi, and I've been swimming competitively since I was six years old. I'm a rising sophomore, swimming (breaststroke and sprint freestyle) with Virginia Wesleyan University and majoring in International Studies. When I'm not at the pool, I love to go to the beach, play with my puppy Atlantic, and visit new areas around Virginia Beach! I'm excited to meet and teach new swimmers this summer!!

"I have been swimming for Tide for ten years now. I am currently in the National group. I love being with my family, friends, and dogs! I love the water - whether it's surfing or swimming. I am so excited to be an instructor!

"I have been swimming competitively for eight years now and on TIDE for almost two years in Senior Gold at Great Bridge. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, reading, and spending time outside. I have loved the water all my life, and I am so excited to share that love with kids!"

Amanda joined the Tide Swimming staff as Swim School Director in October 2021. After completing her Bachelor of Arts Degree at the University of Missouri in 2007, Amanda moved to the Virginia Beach area to join the YMCA of South Hampton Roads where she served in a variety of roles and positions for 13 years, most recently the Executive Director of the YMCA JT's Camp Grom.

Experience in marketing, program development, aquatic knowledge and a love of working with people are all skills she has brought to the TIDE organization. Amanda's love of the water started in her early years when she joined the Liberty Hills Gators swim team at the age of six, accepting her first coaching position at the age of sixteen. From teaching swim lessons, working swim meets, to providing safety around water or leading a team, Amanda is grateful her skills have allowed her to share this passion with others throughout her life.

Amanda enjoys working for an organization that practices achievement through hard work, consistency and diligence, as well as shows a strong commitment to its athletes, their families, and their staff team.

Coach Anna joined TIDE as a swimmer in 2016 and began coaching in 2022. She currently trains in the Senior Gold group at the Princess Anne YMCA with Coach Scott. She specializes in long-distance freestyle events and events over 200 meters/yards. Anna is a student at First Colonial High School in the Legal Studies Academy and is always challenging herself academically. She is in multiple AP classes and her hobbies include reading, being a part of SCA, and many different clubs at First Colonial High School! Anna's favorite food is anything from Trader Joe's (specifically avocados and peanut butter) and her favorite games are anagrams. Anna enjoys being a TIDE swimmer because it gives her a chance to interact with so many different people every day and learn how to be a good teammate and leader. She loves swimming competitively and is excited to share her passion with younger swimmers.