About Us
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to provide high-quality aquatics training and competitive opportunities to youth from underserved communities, empowering them with the skills, confidence, and discipline to excel both in and out of the pool. Through a supportive and inclusive team culture, we aim to foster a lifelong love of aquatics while also promoting health, wellness, and personal growth. We are committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and diverse environment that values teamwork, respect, and perseverance and that celebrates the unique talents and perspectives of each athlete.
OUR COACHES
At Royal Aquatics, safety is our number one priority. All of our Royal Aquatics coaches are well-versed in aquatics training and water safety. All coaches are required to continually attend coaching clinics, camps, and conferences. They are also certified in lifeguarding fundamentals, basic life support, advanced cardiac life support, first aid for sports, and suicide prevention.
Program Director/ Founder
Zion Thomas "Coach Z"
Coach Zion has over 7 years of swim instruction and coaching experience. He began competitive swimming with the Ponderosa Piranhas in 2010. Soon after, he competed with the Lone Star Swim Club and then Cypress Creek High School. While at Cy Creek, Zion led his swimming and water polo team to new heights, making numerous playoff appearances and obtaining All-District, All-Region, and All-State accolades. Zion also played club water polo with the Cypress Fairbanks Water Polo Club. While competing for the CFWPC he made the SWZ Olympic Development Team for three years. He currently plays varsity water polo at Augustana College and helped lead his team to the program's first MPSF conference championship.
Royal Blue Head Coach
DeBorah Thomas "Coach D"
Coach DeBorah has been involved in water and land athletics throughout her entire life. She swam for the Ponderosa Piranhas for 8 years and ran track at Cypress Creek High School. While at Cy Creek, she served as the water polo team manager for the cougars, helping them make numerous state appearances and regional finals games. She's super excited to meet all of you!
Navy Blue Head Coach
Cassie Castaneda "Coach Cass"
Coach Cassie has been in aquatics for over 10 years, swimming for the Champions Eagles Swim Team and Fleet Swimming before joining the water polo team at Cypress Creek High School. While at Cy Creek, she played on the basketball team for three years before playing water polo. She quickly became a leading contributor for the Cougars, helping them make a state appearance.Â
Orange Head Coach
Lilia Hayduchok "Coach Lilia"
Coach Lilia grew up in a family full of swimmers and water polo players and has a lifelong passion for aquatic sports. She began swimming competitively with the Norchester Swim Team, where she also began her coaching career. She also played club water polo for the Cypress Fairbanks Water Polo Club where she made three appearances at the Junior Olympics. While at Cypress Creek High School she led her team to three state appearances, and a regional championship. Lilia was also a two time captain for her team. She also boasts All-District and All-Region. accolades.