Leigh Anne Methlie Stephens – Co-Head Coach
Coach Leigh Anne has been a member of the Kent Gardens Dive Team since she was 6 years old and has been coaching this team (and others) since she was 13 years old. She took over the head coaching position when she was 14 and never left. Her favorite dive to complete on the 1-Meter was an inward 1 1/2 somersault (which is probably why most of the older kids on the team have learned the dive).
Coaching is a change of pace from her day job as a scientist, but she loves it. She has carefully selected each member of the coaching staff to ensure that the team is a family and a safe / fun place for children to learn how to dive.
- Favorite Dive? 402 Inward 1-1/2 Somersault
- Why does she coach? “My passion for coaching comes from having the unique opportunity to watch divers grow on and off the boards.”
Sina Naeemi – Co-Head Coach
Coach Sina has been a member of the KGRC Dive Team for a decade now, with eleven years under his belt as a coach. Coach Sina also works as a counselor at McLean High School and just completed his Master’s degree from the college of William and Mary (Congrats!!). During his time in school, he’s been able to coach at Alexandria Dive Club as well as lead Langley High Schools team to a Virginia State swim and dive title.
- Favorite Dive? 403b Inward 1-1/2 Somersault Pike
- Why does he coach? “The best part of being a dive coach is witnessing the incredible growth and progress of your athletes. It’s a joy to see them conquer their fears, develop new skills, and reach their full potential, not just as divers, but as human beings as well!”
Emma – Assistant Head Coach
- Favorite Dive? I was a competitive diver from 2009-2023 my favorite dive was 104c – Forward 2 Somersault Tuck.
- Why does she coach? I have been coaching dive since 2020 and my favorite part of coaching is working with the divers on technique and getting to know the divers through the passion they have for the sport! Best thing about summer dive is the friendships you make throughout the season over the years.
Ziya – Assistant Coach
Coach Ziya has been a member of KGRC Dive for 8 years now and this will be her fourth year of coaching! Ziya has also taken her diving to the next level as she trains with Dominion Dive Club. She has also done amazing representing McLean High School’s varsity swim and dive team for the past four years. She can’t wait for all the fun this summer dive season has to bring!
- Favorite Dive? My favorite dive is a 203b – Back 1-1/2 Somersault Pike
- Why does she coach? I love coaching summer dive because it’s rewarding to watch divers of all ages improve and gain confidence. Seeing a young diver finally get a dive they’ve been working on or get excited about their progress makes coaching so rewarding. It’s super fun being able to help others succeed and enjoy the sport the same way I do! My favorite part about summer dive is spending time with both new and old friends.
Cate – Assistant Coach
- Favorite Dive? My favorite dive is a 403c – Inward 1-1/2 Somersault Tuck
- Why does she coach? This is my 5th summer with the Kent Gardens Dive Team, and my 3rd year as a coach. My favorite thing about summer dive is all the new friends that you can make. I love coaching because I get to see all the divers improve all the time and make lots of new memories!
Fran – Junior Coach
- Favorite Dive?
- Why do you coach?
