2026 Coaches
Head Coach
Coach Hector Ortiz ([email protected])
This is Coach Hector's second year coaching for the Stingrays. He brings over 18 years of experience in swimming, coaching, and education, shaping athletes and students into confident and disciplined individuals. His journey began as a collegiate swimmer in Puerto Rico, where he competed throughout his undergraduate studies while earning his bachelor's degree. After transitioning into coaching, he served as a College Swimming Assistant Coach at the American University of Puerto Rico, where he played a key role in developing championship-winning teams and coaching swimmers to record-breaking performances.
Currently, Coach Hector is the Head Coach at Life Time Swim in Houston, TX, where he develops comprehensive training programs for swimmers of all skill levels. His expertise extends beyond the pool, as he holds a Master’s degree in School Counseling and a Master’s in Sports Training, allowing him to foster both the physical and mental growth of his athletes, ensuring they excel in and out of the water.
In addition to coaching, Coach Hector is passionate about mentoring young athletes, promoting teamwork, and creating a positive and competitive environment. Outside of the pool, he works as a School Counselor and enjoys outdoor adventures, staying active, and spending quality time with his family.
Assistant Coaches:
Rachael Wharton ([email protected])
- Rachael leads our 6 and under and 7-8 year old swimmers.
- Rachael is a long-time swimmer. Growing up, she swam competitively for Blue Tide and the Sand Creek Lions and has taught all five of her children to swim
- BS in Geography: Travel and Tourism from BYU
- Mom of five Stingray swimmers
- Fun facts: Rachael loves to travel, the color purple and doing Soul Grooves at the gym
Hailey Sherrard: [email protected]
My name is Hailey Sherrard. I am a rising sophomore at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Biomedical Engineering. This is my second year coaching with the stingrays and I was a previous swimmer on the team. In my spare time I love watching movies, listening to music, and hanging out with my friends. I am so excited for this season and lets go Stingrays!
Cody Wharton: [email protected]
I’m coach Cody Wharton, a graduating senior at Summer Creek High School! A little about me in the world of swimming, I’ve been swimming since I was seven, and competitively swimming since seventh grade. I’m a four time varsity swimmer, 3 time state qualifier, 3 time freshmen record holder, 2 time school record holder, and I made the national team for club. This is my first year as a coach, and I couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity. Let’s have a great season!
Octavio "Vito" Arrambide: [email protected]
I’m Coach Vito, and I’m excited to be a coach for the first year after spending the past 12 years as a swimmer for this team. Outside of swimming, I enjoy spending time with my family and occasionally golfing with my two younger brothers. This fall, I’ll be attending The University of Texas at Austin to study Mechanical Engineering. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to coach the team that played such a big role in shaping who I am today. I can’t wait to get to know all of the fun, energetic, and spirited swimmers who make the Stingrays such a special team!
Kylie Currie: [email protected]
I’m Kylie Currie and I am one of your assistant coaches this year!! This is my first year as a coach but I have been a junior coach for the past three years and have swam with the stingrays for the last 14 years. I have been on the varsity swim team at summer creek for the last four years and a member of Eagle swimming association for the last 8 years. After graduation I will continue my academic and athletic career at Batten University in Virginia Beach. Outside of swimming, I have earned my patient care technician certification and will also earn my EMT license this summer. I also work at lifetime fitness as a swim instructor, coach, and lifeguard. In my free time I enjoy painting and playing violin. I am beyond excited to coach your kiddos this summer!!
Brooklyn Smith: [email protected]
My name is Brooklyn Smith and this is my first year coaching for the Stingrays. I am a college student studying cellular biology and I love learning about the human body and its physiology. I love to be active in the pool, gym, on a bike or running. Some of my hobbies include cooking, playing the piano, reading, and spending time with my family. I am excited for the season ahead and to get to know all of you more!
