Swimming
Strength, Technique, and Cougar Pride in the Pool
The AC Swimming Program supports students of all levels—from beginners gaining water confidence to experienced swimmers competing at advanced meets. Coaching emphasizes safety, technique, endurance, and personal improvement.
Our Philosophy
Our swimming program focuses on building strong technique, confidence, and healthy habits in a supportive, positive environment. We believe swimmers grow through consistent practice, meaningful challenge, and teamwork. Whether students are learning foundational skills or preparing for competition, we help them develop discipline, resilience, and Cougar spirit—both in the water and beyond.
Swimming Achievements
Our swimming program continues to grow in confidence and competitive strength, with students proudly representing Academia Cotopaxi at major events throughout the season. On October 25, our athletes delivered strong performances at the San Gabriel Swimming Festival, demonstrating improved technique, determination, and teamwork in every race. The momentum continued as we hosted the AC Swimming Festival on November 25, welcoming schools from across the community and creating a positive, spirited environment for swimmers to compete and support one another. These events highlight the dedication of our athletes and the steady development of swimming at AC.
Meet Our Swimming Coaches
Paola Braganza
Paola Braganza brings over 21 years of experience to the AC Swim Team. A lifelong swimmer who competed at both provincial and national levels, she is an active member of the Ecuadorian National Swimming Federation and the founder of Ecuador’s first artistic swimming club. Her leadership has earned national and international recognition, with several of her athletes competing around the world. Paola also leads projects in sports management and athlete development, expanding access to aquatic disciplines across the country.
Fernando Villacís
Fernando Villacís has been a swimming coach and instructor since 1998. He holds a B.A. in Physical Education from ESPE and has completed specialized swimming certifications in Brazil and Cuba, strengthening his technical expertise and coaching approach. Since 2015, Fernando has been an integral part of the aquatics program at Academia Cotopaxi, serving as a coach, instructor, and teacher aide. His experience, dedication, and commitment to student growth make him a highly valued member of our swimming team.
Carlos Espinosa
Carlos Espinosa is a lifelong swimmer with competitive experience in both Ecuador and the United States. He swam for the QTGC team and earned MVP honors at Blair High School (1988) and Arcadia High School (1990). From 1991 to 1993, he served as a Los Angeles County Lifeguard, strengthening his expertise in aquatic safety and instruction. Carlos has coached swimming at Academia Cotopaxi from 2019 to 2025, bringing passion, dedication, and valuable experience to the development of young swimmers.
Practice & Season Information
Season: September - December. January - June
Practices: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 06:30 AM - 07:30 AM. Tuesdays 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
