Get to know Westlake area swim coaches
WESTLAKE, Ohio — Get to know Westlake area swim coaches Emily Stephenson and Marisa Celeste.
EMILY STEPHENSON聽
Head coach, Westlake High School
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
A lifetime of laps
Started swimming at 5 years old
Founding member of Westlake Waves Swim Team
Swam year-round from age 8 until graduating from Westlake High School
Four-year varsity swimmer at WHS
Senior captain and four-time district qualifier
Coaching for her home team
9 years at WHS – 4 years as girls assistant coach, 5 years as head coach
7 summers coaching Westlake Recreation team
3 summers for the Cleveland Yachting Club
2 years at Lakeshore Swim Club
Proudest moment
“When my first swimmer as a head coach made it to states. Last year at the Northwest District, Luke Heberle placed 2nd in the boys 100 Freestyle, making him an automatic qualifier to States and breaking the Westlake High School team record. The pure joy on his face and his teammates’ faces makes it all worth the early morning practices and the all-day weekend meets.”
Most memorable meet
“Every season, our team participates in the Bay Rocket Relays. During our 2019-2020 season, the boys won the meet against many tough teams, including our rivals, Rocky River. It came down to the last relay, I don’t think I have ever heard a pool so loud before. It was a sight to see!”
“Working at my high school alma mater always brings back my own high school memories and how much I loved Westlake High School.”
MARISA CELESTE聽
Head coach, Westlake Waves
Getting her start
Started swimming at 6 years old for Rocky River Recreation summer team
Swam with Lakeshore Swim Club for 3 years
Continued swimming in high school for Gilmour Academy
Getting her education
Specialized in breaststroke and sprint freestyle at Hiram College
Earned a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration from Cleveland State University while working at Goldfish Swim School and Rocky River Rec league
Proudest moment
“In practice or at a meet when I see swimmers helping each other with techniques for their race or helping each other mentally prepare. That鈥檚 the atmosphere I want to create. Swimming is very much an individual sport as much as it is a team sport and I never want to lose that aspect of working together.”
Most memorable meet
“Bringing swimmers to my first 7th and 8th grade swim meet. It was a tri-meet and at a small pool. The swimmers were relieved to not be overwhelmed by a huge pool and numerous other swim teams. Surprisingly, most of them had some of their best swims. I was happy to share that empowering experience with them.”
Life lessons from the pool
“Swim your own race. Don鈥檛 ever compare yourself to others because that鈥檚 where your energy will be focused. You鈥檙e distracting yourself from what you need to work on. I want my swimmers to know and learn that they have their own strengths and weaknesses.”
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