Meet the Team
Ted Carson,
CEO & Head Coach
Coach Carson’s career has covered over 44 years. During his career he has coached swimmers from the very beginning stages of swimming to the United States Olympic Trials.
His resume includes State Champions in all ages and over 50 High School All Americans.
Rodrigo Pereira,
Head Age Group Coach
Coach Rodrigo has more than 12 years of coaching experience and a Masters in Sports Management.
He was a 2012 American Swimming Coaches Association Fellow. During his time at COPS, he has coached several Sectionals and TAGS Qualifiers, as well as multiple TAGS Champions.
Barbara R.,
Director of Operations
After sending her own children through COPS, Barbara brought her experience in finance, IT and business management to the COPS Office.
Barbara oversees the "dry side" operations at COPS, including billing, fundraising, team events, and more. She is an active member of COPS' Masters team and is passionate about the sport of swimming.
Karen Sakalys,
Manager of Foundations
Coach Karen has been coaching with COPS since 2012. With a Masters degree in business and a passion for swimming, Karen successfully developed the Fundamentals program at COPS. Now she is heading up the creation of Foundations - COPS' newest program for beginner swimmers.
Madi Wyatt,
Manager of Fundamentals
Coach Madi is a COPS alum. She swam competitively for 15 years, including in college. She swam on two national record setting relays in high school.
She is an experienced coach, currently coaching our 10 & Under TAGS team and managing our COPS' Fundamentals Program.
Justin Bilgri,
Assistant Coach
Coach Justin was a teacher for 14 years. After developing a passion for triathlons, he transitioned into coaching.
He now coaches full-time at COPS and heads up our Lifeguard program.
An Solik,
Administrative Asst.
An has two swimmers in the COPS program. After working with COPS as a parent volunteer, An became our office manager in 2017.
An is patient and organized and ready to answer any questions you might have about COPS!
Rosemary Morales,
Assistant Coach
Steve Morris,
Masters Coach
Steve began competitive swimming in Southern California at age 11 and went on to swim in high school and college.
He is a member of the American Swimming Coaches Association, and has been coaching Masters swimming for more than 16 years.
Pete Calabrese,
Masters Coach
Pete began competitive swimming at the age of 13. He swam in high school, Division 1 College and now swims with Masters.
Pete is a certified Adult Learn to Swim instructor and an experienced, dedicated coach.