Blue Ridge Barracudas Swim Team -- Coaches

Coaches

Carlos Palacian

Carlos is the head coach of the girl's swim teams at both Ballard High School and Holy Names Academy. When he is not coaching swimming he is a trainer for the YMCA of Greater Seattle and a stay at home dad. Carlos grew up in Madrid, Spain, where he was a competitive swimmer. He moved to Washington 21 years ago. He attended Washington State University where he rowed, and after college, Carlos settled in the Seattle area. Carlos and his wife Lisa have two boys, a five year old named Paco, and a three year old named Mariano.

Kaitlyn Kirby

A lifetime Seattle resident, Kaitlin graduated from the University of Washington where she played water polo and is attending graduate school at Seattle Pacific University. Kaitlin was a local swimmer since 1993 for Salmon Bay Aquatics. While at Kings High School she swam for Ballard and played water polo for Roosevelt. Kaitlin is an assistant coach with the Holy Names Academy Swim Team.

John McDonagh

John McDonagh is currently a Junior at Gonzaga University. John swam for four years at Blanchet High School in Seattle. After swimming on the Blue Ridge team for the past nine years, John is excited to be back with the team in his second year of coaching.

Laura Bulkley

Laura is a sophomore at Gonzaga University, and is studying to be an Elementary School Teacher. She has been involved with the team for many years and has been on the staff at the pool for the last five. She brings tremendous enthusiasm and energy, and we are very fortunate to have Laura join the coaching staff this season.