"Coaches"
Our Amazing Staff
Crystalia Blake
Head Coach
Inspiring Champions, Empowering Futures
Crystalia’s journey into artistic swimming began with a few “try-it” lessons, started coaching in 2009, and after a significant injury, turned adversity into opportunity, founding the Aqua Angels Synchro Team in 2014. Her mission was to create a safe, nurturing environment for athletes. At the same time, she assisted the College of William and Mary’s Synchro Team by helping choreograph their routines and perfect their figures.
Leadership & Development
After three successful years coaching her Aqua Angels and relocating to Florida in 2017, she passionately led the Gainesville Gaviatas as head coach for four years. To enhance her coaching expertise, Crystalia completed an internship with USA Artistic Swimming (USAAS), conducted by premier USA coaches Ludi Perrin-Stsepaniuk and Hiea-Yoon Kang. Upon returning to Gainesville, she re-established the Aqua Angels Artistic Swimming Team with a renewed vision: to create a safe, positive, and compassionate environment for athletes, inspiring them to maximize their potential and, through her nurturing leadership, finding their “Champion Within.”
Coaching Philosophy & Team Values
A USA Artistic Swimming Certified Coach (CCP Level 3) and Level 2 judge, Crystalia has shaped her team’s core values to reflect that she is a passionate advocate for fostering an environment of positivity and harmony, which enables athletes to thrive, feel empowered, and supported.
Community Engagement
Dedicated to sharing this sport with the community, she is committed to cultivating the next generation of confident, compassionate coaches and athletes, inspiring future generations to celebrate and promote the sport within our communities.
Beyond the Pool
Coach Crystalia is pursuing her education at the University of Florida in Leadership, Sports Management, and Physical Therapy, focusing on injury prevention specific to artistic swimming. She also enjoys courses on child psychology, sports psychology and emotional intelligence. In her free time, she enjoys kayaking, reading, crafting, and event planning, always bringing her vibrant energy into everything she does.
You can reach Coach Crystalia at aquaangelsas@gmail.com
Zaira Diaz Goodwin
Lead Assistant Coach
Passion, Precision & Performance in Artistic Swimming
Zaira’s love for artistic swimming began a decade ago. Under Coach Crystalia’s guidance, she honed her technique and developed a competitive edge, unlocking the hidden “champion within,” qualifying for the National Junior Olympic Championships. After joining the University of Florida’s Synchro Team, she refined her skills and now competes in Masters events. She also performs in water shows, transforming the water into her fluid canvas as she weaves emotionally compelling stories, captivating the audiences with confidence and theatrical brilliance.
Coaching with Energy & Precision
With six years of coaching experience, Zaira brings enthusiasm and expertise as Aqua Angels’ Lead Assistant Coach. Her sharp eye for precision and muscle isolation helps swimmers refine technique and master body awareness.
Philosophy: Passion, Fun & Commitment
Zaira’s coaching philosophy is rooted in passion, fun, laughter, and unwavering dedication. She motivates athletes with energetic encouragement, a sense of fun, and uplifting camaraderie, cultivating a supportive yet challenging environment that pushes them to excel. Whether preparing for competitions, perfecting routines for water shows, or simply embracing artistic swimming for pure enjoyment, she encourages every swimmer to strive for their maximum potential.
Beyond the Pool
A USA Artistic Swimming Certified Coach (CCP Level 2), lifeguard, and swim instructor, Zaira is also pursuing a degree in natural resource conservation at the University of Florida. She tutors algebra, crafts jewelry, and enjoys a good book.
A Mentor & Leader in Our Community
More than a coach, Zaira is a mentor, role model, and inspiring leader. Join us in welcoming Coach Zaira to Aqua Angels!
You can reach Coach Zaira at aquaangelsas@gmail.com
Kathy Canev
Assistant Coach
A Passion for Artistic Swimming
Kathy’s journey in artistic swimming began in fourth grade when she first dipped her toes into the synchro world by becoming a recreational swimmer. Under Coach Crystalia’s guidance, she evolved into a dedicated competitor, refining her technique and growing in confidence. Now, she captivates audiences with dynamic water show performances, blending elegant theatrical artistry with powerful routines.
A Mentor Who Uplifts and Supports
With five years of coaching experience, Kathy remains a dedicated Assistant Coach for the Aqua Angels, guiding athletes toward excellence with expert techniques and strategic methods. She helps swimmers refine their form, enhance their artistry, and build confidence. Her keen eye for detail, vibrant energy, and uplifting motivation empower athletes to reach their goals while elevating their showmanship, endurance, and performance skills.
Coaching Philosophy: A Balance of Compassion and Discipline
Kathy has shaped a well-rounded coaching philosophy—one that seamlessly blends compassion, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. She emphasizes a focused mindset on attention to detail, ensuring athletes grow into confident performers who embrace the elegance of artistic swimming, enabling them to confidently shine as champions both in and out of the water!
Beyond the Pool
A USA Artistic Swimming Certified Coach (CCP Level 1), Kathy is pursuing a degree in biochemistry at the University of Florida. Her diverse interests include painting, baking, and astrophysics, fueling her curiosity about the universe’s wonders.
Inspiring Confidence, Discipline, and Excellence
Whether coaching on deck or dazzling in the water, Coach Kathy inspires athletes to be confident, disciplined, and excelling in artistic excellence—one graceful performance at a time.
Coach Kathy can be reached at aquaangelsas@gmail.com
Lilikoi
Part-Time Assistant Coach
Liliko’s Competitive Swim Journey
Liliko is a dedicated and accomplished competitive swimmer who has spent eight years developing her technique, strength, and artistry through rigorous training in artistic swimming, mastering intricate choreography, synchronization, and fluidity to excel in both solo, duet, and team performances. Under the guidance of Coach Crystalia, she worked tirelessly to be able to compete at the National Junior Olympic Championships.
Commitment to Training, Positive Energy & Creative Choreography
Liliko’s eight years of rigorous training have given her a deep understanding of the commitment and discipline required to excel in artistic swimming. Full of positive energy and playful humor, she ensures that every practice is both productive and enjoyable. Her choreography flourishes through exploration of movement, emotional expression, and artistic hybrids—bringing music to life through expressive choreography in a way that captivates both swimmers and audiences alike.
Coaching Philosophy & Approach
Now in her second year as an assistant coach, Liliko brings a unique blend of kindness, wisdom beyond her years, and an innovative teaching approach. She ensures that every swimmer receives personalized guidance tailored to their learning style. Passionate about creative instruction, she finds outside-the-box ways to explain techniques, helping swimmers discover what truly clicks for them. She emphasizes efficient water-grabbing techniques, assisting athletes in optimizing their form to achieve maximum height and control. With a strong belief that individualized attention makes all the difference in an athletes progress and confidence, Liliko empowers swimmers to grow as both athletes and artists.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Swimmers
With her passion for the sport and innovative coaching style, Liliko encourages athletes to push their limits while building confidence, creativity, and a lifelong love for artistic swimming, making every training session fun and engaging.
Cheyenne
Part-Time Assistant Coach
Cheyenne’s Journey in Artistic Swimming
Cheyenne’s passion for artistic swimming ignited eight years ago when she was first introduced to the sport, instantly captivated by its blend of athleticism, artistry, and teamwork. From the moment she stepped onto the competitive stage, she knew she had found something extraordinary—an outlet for powerful expression and limitless creativity in the water. Under the guidance of Coach Crystalia, she has refined her techniques and competitive skills, allowing her to thrive artistically.
A Passion for Performance
Cheyenne continues to inspire and radiate in water show performances, embracing the theatrical elements that build confidence and stage presence, as well as fun, acrobatic routines. Her unique ability to fearlessly express emotions through exaggerated facial and body movements makes her performances both powerful and captivating.
Expressing Emotion Through Art
To Cheyenne, artistic swimming is more than a sport—it’s a powerful form of self-expression. She is known for her strength in high-energy routines, commanding presence, and ability to evoke deep emotions through movement. Whether performing a strong, powerful, and dramatic piece , embodying the magic of a Broadway-style choreography, or a smooth, graceful routine, her expressiveness leaves a lasting impression. She excels in artistic themes, bringing characters to life through bold gestures, storytelling, and synchronized precision.
Inspiring Coach: Pushing Boundaries with Confidence
Now in her second year as a part-time assistant coach, Cheyenne is passionate about helping athletes embrace their uniqueness, step out of their comfort zones, and overcome mental blocks—including the fear of judgment. She guides them in performing fearlessly, building confidence in their body movements and facial expressions to enhance their stage presence. Cheyenne emphasizes that being “a little extra” in artistic swimming is more than just a style—it’s a mindset, a way to fully immerse in a performance and engage the audience, leaving them mesmerized.
Building Loyalty, Teamwork, and Lifelong Bonds
Cheyenne encourages the values of loyalty and teamwork, emphasizing the importance of supporting teammates through life’s challenges, competitions, and water show performances. She cultivates a spirit of collaboration, trust, and camaraderie, teaching athletes to strive for excellence together while building friendships that genuinely look out for one another, strengthening the bonds that last a lifetime.
A Vision for the Future
Cheyenne’s journey as both an athlete and mentor has reinforced her belief in the transformative power of artistic swimming. She hopes to continue inspiring young swimmers to embrace their individuality, push artistic boundaries, and perform with passion and authenticity.
Molly
Part-Time Coach
Molly’s Journey in Artistic Swimming
With a strong foundation in dance, Molly seamlessly transitioned into artistic swimming, where she quickly discovered her passion for the sport. Eight years ago, she met Coach Crystalia, and under her experienced and compassionate training, she honed her skills and thrived in competitions. This culminated in a memorable journey to compete in the National Junior Olympic Championships, where she proudly showcased both her technical precision and artistic expression.
A Dynamic Performer
Now in college out of town, Molly remains deeply connected to the sport. When time allows, she steps in to coach, may compete in Masters, or may grace the stage with her presence, delivering stunning performances at our water shows. Her mastery of acrobatic routines continues to captivate audiences, leaving them in awe with her fluidity, strength, and grace.
Coaching & Mentorship
Beyond her competitive achievements, Molly is passionate about supporting young athletes, offering guidance when she returns to the pool deck. Her experience enables her to help swimmers refine their technique while fostering creativity and confidence in their performance. In her coaching, she teaches outside-the-box choreography incorporating unique figures and transitions. She places special emphasis on flexibility, posture, maximum height, and the ever-important pointed-toes! Molly’s approach encourages swimmers to push boundaries and embrace artistry while perfecting their technical skills.
Continuing to Inspire
As a part-time assistant coach for the past two years with the Aqua Angels, Molly has helped young swimmers refine their technique while fostering creativity and confidence in their routines. She emphasizes creative acrobatic artistry, discipline, and athletic excellence, helping each athlete expand their skills and push their boundaries in the water.
Whether competing in Masters or electrifying spectators with her acrobatic artistry, she continues to elevate the sport and inspire by sharing her expertise, ensuring that artistic swimming remains vibrant and innovative for future generations.
Patti Tucker
Treasurer
Patti’s Journey in Education, Fitness, and Community Engagement
After dedicating 30 years as an elementary school teacher and twice earning the title “Teacher of the Year,” Patti retired in 2012 but remained committed to learning and physical activity. Urged by her personal trainer, she earned certifications in Pilates Mat, Reformer, and Barre.
Discovering Artistic Swimming
In 2016, Patti was introduced to artistic swimming when the daughter of a close friend joined a local team. She quickly realized how much she missed engaging with young people and found artistic swimming to be the perfect fusion of athleticism, creativity, and community.
Volunteer Service and Engagement
Since 2017, Patti has volunteered as treasurer. With sharp organizational, financial, and administrative skills, she ensures the team remains on solid ground. She possesses a warm, approachable nature, complemented by strong communication skills that shine through in her interactions with parents, athletes, and fellow volunteers on and off the pool deck.
Building Strength, Creativity, and Community
Like synchronized movements in a beautifully choreographed routine, Patti’s dedication to education, fitness, and volunteerism blends seamlessly with the artistry of the sport, and her passion and leadership ripple through the community, leaving waves of impact.
You can contact Patti at aquaangelstreasurer@gmail.com
Part-Time Coaches
Lilikoi
Jr Assistant Coach
Liliko’s Competitive Swim Journey
Liliko is a dedicated and accomplished competitive swimmer who has spent eight years refining her craft in the water. Under the expert guidance of Coach Crystalia for seven of those years, she worked tirelessly to develop her skills, earning an impressive 13th-place ranking at the Junior Olympics for her solo performance.
Commitment to Training & Coaching
Her years of rigorous training have given her a deep understanding of the commitment and discipline it takes to excel in the sport. Now stepping into a coaching role, Liliko brings a unique blend of kindness, wisdom beyond her years, and an innovative teaching approach. She thrives on finding creative ways to explain techniques outside the box, taking the time to tailor her guidance to each individual swimmer’s learning style rather than rushing through instruction. She firmly believe that personalized attention makes all the difference in an athletes progress.
Positive Energy & Creative Choreography
Full of positive energy and quick wit, Liliko ensures that every practice is both productive and enjoyable. Her creativity in choreography has flourished, thanks to Coach Crystalia’s encouragement in exploring movement, emotional expression, and hybrid techniques that enhance the artistry of a performance. She knows how to bring music to life through choreography, emphasizing the emotional peaks of each song in a way that captivates both swimmers and audiences alike.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Swimmers
With her passion for the sport and her innovative coaching style, Liliko continues to inspire swimmers to push their limits while making every training session fun and engaging.
Cheyenne
Jr Assistant Coach
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Molly
Assistant Coach
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Reviews
Our coaches fun-loving personalities
shine while sharing their values of
respect and integrity,
helping every athlete feel valued,
as evidenced in these testimonials.
Reviews
Our coaches fun-loving personalities
shine while sharing their values of
respect and integrity,
helping every athlete feel valued,
as evidenced in these testimonials.
Our Values
Enriching our community
by teaching artistic swimming in a
nurturing environment,
guiding athletes in goals
with the spirit of excellence,
encouraging loyalty to teammates
through teamwork!
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Inspiring your Inner Champion today!
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