Meet The Coaches!
HEAD COACH - Julee Lashley
Julee has been involved in Synchro since the age of 7. She began swimming with the San Diego SweetWater Dolphins, coached by her mother Julie Howell (on the left), the founder of the team. Julee has coached Synchronized swimmers from levels of Novice to International rankings.
She continues to challenge her athletes to pursue excellence and achievement through daily conditioning, lifelong training, and (always through) commitment of mind, body and soul.
"Synchronized Swimming is life, love and learning! Always stay committed and pursue excellence."
Coach Julee (Right Side)
HEAD COACH - Kirsten Nichols (Hutzler)
San Diego born and raised, Kirsten competed in synchronized swimming for 13 years, starting at the age of 10 with San Diego Coastal and then transferring to the Sweet Water Dolphins at 12; which is now the San Diego Sea Stars. She competed in multiple national and local meets at both the Club and Collegiate levels. In her college synchro career, she achieved a Collegiate National Championship and 3-Time US National Championships with her Lady Lions at Lindenwood University (LU) in St. Charles, MO. Today, she has been coaching athletes of all ages and skill level for over 6 years on the Sea Stars.
" My Coaching Philosophy is not only to simply teach the sport of synchronized swimming and develop elite athletes, but to teach them life long lessons of integrity, humility, sportsmanship, and empowerment through mental and physical strength. "
Coach Kirsten
Meet The Coaches!
ASSISTANT COACH - Emily Gortner
Emily started swimming at 7 years old on a small team in Iowa. Later, she moved to Colorado and competed at various local and national meets with the club Rocky Mountain Splash. She has had the privilege of coaching swimmers of all ages and skill levels and is thrilled to have joined our coaching staff as of 2019.
"Synchronized swimming combines limitless possibilities of athleticism and expression, where the water becomes your home. Nothing is more fulfilling than sharing the love I have for the sport and helping athletes become the best people they can be."
Coach Emily
ASSISTANT COACH - Cloie Collier
Cloie competed with the San Diego Sea Stars for 8 years and 1 year with the Cardinals at the University of Incarnate Word (UIW). She has competed in multiple national and local meets at both the Club and Collegiate Levels. Cloie has also recently been hired onto the Aqualillies; a professional synchronized swimming/dance company. Her major strengths include flexibility and choreography. The Sea Stars are excited to have this talented young woman back in San Diego and joining our coaching staff as of 2019.