USMS Ambassadors
Meet our team of ambassadors
Lynn Fahey
I’m a USMS swimmer and super fan based in Southern California. I was a swimmer my whole life through the beginning of college and then took a very long break from the sport to focus on life. Now, Masters swimming has been a great outlet for relieving the stress of focusing on life too much. I travel a lot for work and love to drop in with as many clubs as I can when on the road. My approach to swimming is fun and fitness first, and I love to go to meets. My favorite events are distance freestyle and, of course, relays.
Instagram: socialynnfluence
Caitlin Gagnon
I have been swimming since 2000 at the club level, college, and now Masters! When I finished college swimming, I was heartbroken to leave the sport that had meant so much to me. My club coach persuaded me it was time to join Masters almost as soon as I graduated. Masters swimming has introduced me to so many amazing people and taken me to amazing places, but it has also given me an encouraging and positive place to love this sport. Now I volunteer for USMS and tell everyone I meet that they should try Masters swimming.
Instagram: confusenthuse
TikTok: @glamourswammer
David Guthrie
Growing up in rural locations limited my opportunities to swim competitively until I attended college. But my delayed start in the sport only deepened my appreciation and fueled my appetite. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to break a lot of records, but my true motivation is to elevate, expand, and sustain my quality of life in every respect, both on a daily basis and long term. When you find something that you love, that continually challenges you, teaches you lessons, provides a community, and dependably brings positive and interesting things into your life, you’re wise to stick with it. Now approaching my mid-60s, swimming has been one of the constants of my adult life that I’m most thankful for. And as a Level 3 coach, I’m hoping to share some of what I’ve learned along the way.
Instagram: @swimtelligence
Emily Huffer
After finishing four years of Division I swimming at the University of New Mexico, I'm lucky to be part of the few post-college swimmers who have fallen back in love with the sport. From swimmer to swammer and back to swimmer again, I'm thankful that each morning I get to swim with friends, be surrounded by great coaches, push my body, and get an awesome workout in (all before 7 a.m.)! I've learned that there is nothing else that is as good for my mental health and my overall well-being as swimming. You can't keep me out of the water.
Instagram: @EMILYNHUFFER
TikTok: @EMILYNHUFFER
Jing Li
I grew up swimming competitively, swam at Georgia Tech, and now live in the San Francisco Bay Area. After college, I needed to take both a mental and physical break after competing and training intensely for so many years. I started traveling a lot for work and eventually found my way back to the pool with the vibrant community at San Mateo Masters. When pools shut down during the pandemic, I discovered a new world of open water and marathon swimming with the South End Rowing Club. I love swimming - whether it's out in the wild like dipping into lakes or cruising in the ocean, pushing myself in 1-hour virtual swims, or racing the mile off the blocks at Masters meets. I'm also a new mom who swam all the way through my pregnancy including completing a double Alcatraz crossing, 10-plus-mile "Bay to Breakers," and the Trans-Tahoe relay. Swimming is my happy place, and I hope to share my love for the water with the world!
Instagram: @jingchik
João Mescolote
João Mescolote is a graduate assistant coach for the Ball State University swim team after spending the previous season in the same role at Concordia University Irvine, California. A native of Presidente Prudente, Brazil, and a former member of the Brazilian National Junior Team, Mescolote was a three-time Brazilian Olympic Trials qualifier (2012, 2016, 2021), as well as a multi-time national medalist and record holder in a variety of different age groups and events. In addition to his international experience, Mescolote was a four-year letterwinner at LSU from 2014-18. He finished his career as the program record holder in the 200 medley relay and owned the 10th-best individual 50 freestyle.
Instagram: swimcoachjoao
Ralph Porrazzo
I grew up swimming competitively (high school and college) and reached Olympic trials and can’t see myself “retiring” thanks to Masters Swimming. I love the structure and peace swimming brings. I’m always looking for new ways to play in the water. My swim coaches are some of the greatest mentors in my life. The lasting friendships you make in this community are priceless. I’m grateful to wake up and hop in a pool to do what I love most. You can always find me by a pool, either swimming or coaching in Southern California. I'm looking forward to sharing my content with you, and I'll see you poolside.
Instagram: @poolsideguru / TikTok: @poolsideguru
Atiba Wade
I'm a swim coach, fitness coach, and nutrition coach who has spent virtually a lifetime competing and performing at a high level of athletics. I was a two-time U.S. Olympic Team Trials qualifier and NCAA All-American at the University of Georgia and am a former National Age Group record holder. Outside of the pool, I'm the creator and owner of H2GO FITNESS. I'm also a certified free-diver, certified scuba diver, videographer, photographer, visual artist, and SAG-AFTRA stunt performer.
Instagram: @awade360
TikTok: @H2GOFITNESS
Cherie Wiser
I swam competitively growing up and had an opportunity to swim on a small college team but went to a different university. Still, I swam religiously on my own while there. I was obsessed until a disabling back injury stopped me. I hung up my goggles for 15 years until my daughter decided she wanted to be a swimmer. I had to get back in the water and help her get ready for tryouts. I found moving in water again therapeutic for my back and my mental health. I slowly started to incorporate swimming into my back exercises, and I was hooked. Indy Aquatic Masters started a new location near me at a perfect time. I went to the first practice and fell in love. What I lack in speed and power I make up for in enthusiasm for swimming. The freedom of movement I have in water is so different than on land, and it’s been a miracle for my happiness levels. Masters swimming is for everyone, including people like me with limitations. I want to help spread the word.
Instagram: wholesome.ish.mom
TikTok: @wholesome.ish.mom