Coach Ezra Sisk hails from Visalia, California. Attending high school at El Diamante High School, he swam all 4 years and played Water polo his last two years, before continuing his swim career at College of the Sequoias. There, he was a an 8 CVC Conference Champion, including the 2023 500 Freestyle, earning All-Conference awards in 2022 and 2023. He was also a 2022 and 2023 CCCAA State Qualifer, and CCCAA All-American in 2023.
Starting his coaching career in 2022, Coach Ezra was the Head Boy’s Coach at Mt. Whitney High School, producing a WYL Championship in the 200 Medley Relay and 100 Breaststroke. In 2023, He assisted at Mt. Whitney and helped them produce another WYL Championship win in the 200 free, 50 Free, 100 Free, and 400 Freestyle relay.
After his swim career at COS, he joined along as an assistant coach at College of the Sequoias in 2024, leading the Mens squad to a CVC Team Championship. He is the Sprint Coach at College of the Sequioas and runs academic counseling and social media. He is also currently finishing his Master's degree in Kinesology and Excerise Science.
SOVA TULARE SITE COORDINATOR (Head Coach)
Josh has been swimming competitively for 15 years, since he was 8 years old. He started at a rec swim team in Visalia, and quickly found a love and passion for the sport of swimming. While in high school, he competed in both swim and water polo. After high school, he went on to become a CCCAA state champion while at COS. He then attended the university of Nevada, Las Vegas and swam for their division 1 program.
His coaching achievements include 5 years of private swim lessons, being the head coach of the Visalia Waves for 3 years, and being one of the first coaches for SOVA swim. Josh’s passion is working with kids, and he will be continuing his education to become a pediatrician.
SOVA Learn to Swim Coach - Lauren Pelayo
Lauren has been passionate about swimming since the age of three, but her competitive journey began in high school. A graduate of El Diamante High School, Lauren excelled as a multi-sport athlete, swimming competitively for four years, playing water polo for three years, and actively participating in the dance department for four years. During this time, she also volunteered at a local elementary school in Tulare, showcasing her dedication to working with children.
Currently, Lauren is furthering her education at College of the Sequoias, where she is a proud member of the Swim and Dive Team. Her athletic achievements are complemented by her growing coaching career, which began in 2023. She has taught Cheer and Dance through an enrichment program at Sundale School, working with students from transitional kindergarten through eighth grade. In the summer of 2024, she expanded her teaching experience by providing swim lessons through the City of Visalia.
In the fall of 2024, Lauren joined the coaching staff at SOVA Swim Club, focusing on the Learn to Swim Group. She also contributed to the SOVA Middle School Water Polo Program during its fall session. Lauren’s blend of athletic skill, teaching experience, and commitment to mentoring young athletes makes her a valued coach and leader in her community.
SOVA Stroke Development Coordinator and Age Group Coach - Sophie Terry
Sophie’s swim career began at the age of 4 with the Buccaneers Swim Club. She swam competitively at Redwood High School for four years before continuing her athletic journey at College of the Sequoias, where she achieved notable success. During her time at COS, Sophie became a conference champion and set a school record in the 1650 Freestyle.
After graduating from Cal Poly, Sophie returned to her hometown of Visalia to share her expertise and passion for swimming and water polo. She began her coaching career with El Diamante High School’s girls water polo and swim programs. Currently, Sophie serves as the head girls swim coach at her alma mater, Redwood High School.
In addition to her high school coaching roles, Sophie has been a dedicated coach for SOVA Swim since its inception in early 2023. Her experience as a swimmer and her commitment to developing athletes make her an integral part of the Visalia swim community.
Age Group Coach - Quinn Rea
