USMS Ambassadors
Meet our team of ambassadors

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