Today on the SwimSwam Podcast we’re joined by Lucas Sallas-Cunha, head coach of Quicksilver Swimming in Santa Cruz.
Lucas has spent his career building champions in the pool, but his latest chapter is about something bigger: access to competitive swimming and growing the sport. He recently expanded his program into Watsonville, California, a largely Hispanic/Latino community where swimming participation and water safety skills have historically been limited. To truly understand the cultural and structural barriers, Lucas earned his Doctorate in Education and centered his dissertation on the topic:
“Understanding Water: Values, Viewpoints, and Behaviors That Influence Swimming Participation in Watsonville, CA.”
Lucas’ career reflects both breadth and depth. He’s been recognized throughout the sport, nominated for Pacific Swimming Coach of the Year in 2016 and 2017, ASCA Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2018, and most recently the ASCA Impact Coach of the Year in 2022. Over the years he has guided athletes at every stage, from first-timers just to Olympic Trials qualifiers, and he’s helped produce champions at the Junior Olympics, Far Westerns, Sectionals, and Futures meets. Coaching runs in his blood; he comes from a family that has played a role in guiding two Olympic gold medalists.
See Lucas Salles-Cunha’s Dissertation
In the SwimSwam Podcast dive deeper into the sport you love with insider conversations about swimming. Hosted by Coleman Hodges and Gold Medal Mel Stewart, SwimSwam welcomes both the biggest names in swimming that you already know, and rising stars that you need to get to know, as we break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.
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Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com
Opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the interviewed guests do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of the hosts, SwimSwam Partners, LLC and/or SwimSwam advertising partners.
Good job, Lucas! I think the last time I saw you was when your kids were in my swim school. Great job on your efforts.
yeah this one isn’t it. Sorry Mel