Coach Mia Llamas
Assistant Swim Coach
COACHING PHILOSOPHY
“Great Coaching is About Creating an Environment Where Swimmers Feel Supported, Challenged, and Motivated.”
Coach Mia combines competitive swimming knowledge with hands-on leadership to help young athletes build confidence, improve technique, and reach their full potential. Having experienced the demands of collegiate swimming firsthand, she understands the importance of hard work, consistency, goal setting, and perseverance.
With experience coaching swimmers ages 5–18, Mia especially enjoys working with age-group and middle school athletes, helping them develop strong technical foundations and a love for the sport. She believes that individual improvement is just as important as team success and takes pride in watching swimmers discover their potential.
Athletic Background & Training
- Collegiate Swimmer at The Master's University, competing in the NAIA program under Coach Curren Bates.
- Former NCAA Division I Swimmer at California Baptist University.
- Brings firsthand elite training insight and deep collegiate athlete development knowledge.
- Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management (Expected graduation Spring 2028).
Career Accomplishments
- Head Swim Coach – Galax Summer League (2025 & 2026).
- Guided 95% of swimmers to personal best times during the 2026 championship event.
- Managed large sports tracks of over 20+ competitive swimmers per practice block.
- Three years of proven background experience as an assistant summer aquatics coach.
- Current Private Swim Instructor with Sunsational Swim School in Southern California.
Complete Athletic & Coaching Timeline
Early Experience – Lifeguarding & Aquatics (2019–2023)
Mia began her aquatics career in Fall 2019 at the Galax Recreation Center in her hometown of Galax, Virginia. Starting as a lifeguard, she developed a strong foundation in water safety, responsibility, and working with the public. Her experience also included assisting with pool parties and supporting recreation center operations.
Developing as a Coach – Assistant Swim Coach (2021–2023)
While attending high school, Mia began coaching summer league swimmers as an assistant coach. Over three summers, she gained valuable experience working with young athletes, teaching swimming fundamentals, developing technique, and helping swimmers prepare for competition.
Collegiate Swimming – California Baptist University (2023–2024)
Mia continued her athletic journey at California Baptist University, competing in its NCAA Division I swimming program. Following a shoulder injury that required surgery and time away from competition, she made the decision to transfer and pursue a collegiate experience better suited to her academic and athletic goals.
Head Coach – Galax Summer League (2025–2026)
Returning to her hometown pool, Mia stepped into the head coaching position for the Galax summer league team. She took full responsibility for organizing practices, coaching the entire team, managing meet entries, communicating with parents, coordinating team apparel orders, and organizing championship awards. Her leadership produced outstanding results, with 95% of her swimmers achieving personal best times.
Collegiate Swimming – The Master's University (2025–Present)
Mia transferred to The Master's University in Fall 2025, where she continues her collegiate swimming career under Coach Curren Bates in the NAIA program. She is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Sports Management, combining her academic studies with her passion for competitive swimming and athlete development.