2025 Youth & Junior National Team Coaching Staff Announced

With an exciting Youth & Junior year ahead, USA Artistic Swimming is thrilled to announce the appointment of the 2025 Youth and Junior National Team Coaching Staff, led by a group of dynamic and accomplished coaches who are set to guide the next generation of artistic swimmers to international success. 

Junior National Team Head Coach: Megan Abarca 

USA Artistic Swimming is proud to announce Megan Abarca as the head coach of the Junior National Team. Abarca, known for her exceptional work with the 2024 Paris Olympic Games assisting duet and Silver Medal-winning team, brings a track record of success to the program. 

In 2023, Abarca led Stanford University's artistic swimming team, to multiple championships, including two event wins at the U.S. Collegiate Nationals and sweeping all events to earn the MPSF title. Abarca’s coaching accolades include the 2023 MPSF Coach of the Year award, as well as previous recognition as the 2021 USA Artistic Swimming Collegiate Coach of the Year. Abarca’s previous experience as the head coach of the 13-15 Junior National Team in 2018 and assistant head coach for multiple national teams only enhances her qualifications for this important role. 

Junior National Team Assistant Coach: Heather Carrasco 

Heather Carrasco, a decorated 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist, joins the coaching staff as an assistant for the Junior National Team. Carrasco's unparalleled experience as an athlete and her deep understanding of the sport will provide invaluable mentorship to the next generation of artistic swimmers. 

Heather Carrasco's illustrious artistic swimming career began at the age of 8 with the Santa Clara Aquamaids, and by 12, she was already competing internationally. Over her 18-year career, Heather achieved numerous national and international titles, culminating in a gold medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. She was renowned for her unique artistry, earning the Esther Williams Creative Achievement Award in 1995. After retiring, Heather transitioned into coaching, leading teams to countless victories, including being named the 13-15 National Coach of the Year and receiving the High Point Award multiple times. Currently, she continues to shape the future of the sport as the Lead Coach of the junior program at the Walnut Creek Aquanuts. 

Youth National Team Head Coach: Ludi Stsepaniuk

The Youth National Team will be led by Ludi Stsepaniuk, an accomplished coach with a remarkable career as both an athlete and performer. Born in France, Stsepaniuk's history with artistic swimming includes numerous national titles as part of the French national team, as well as a successful career in performance with Le Rêve - The Dream in Las Vegas and Cirque du Soleil’s One Drop. 

Stsepaniuk has previously served as the head coach of the 12 & Under National Team, the Youth National Team in 2021-2024, and the Junior Pan Am National Team in 2021. In 2022, she led the Junior National Team to multiple medals at the Junior Pan American Games in Colombia. Her exceptional leadership extends to her role as the head coach of the Nevada Desert Mermaids, where she has developed athletes who have achieved national team qualifications. 

Youth National Team Assistant Coach: Anna Yesipova 

Anna Yesipova, an accomplished former swimmer for the Ukraine National Team, joins as the assistant coach for the Youth National Team. Yesipova brings over a decade of experience to her coaching role, having coached at both the international and national levels. She was previously awarded USAAS Developmental Coach of the Year and was instrumental in guiding six athletes to the 2024 Youth National Team. 

Yesipova, also an AQUA-certified judge, has been a driving force behind many athletes' success, focusing on foundational skills and self-motivation. Additionally, she serves as the chair of the USA Artistic Swimming Competition and Innovation Committee and was recently appointed a World Aquatic TC. 

Youth National Team Manager/Assistant Coach: Laura Mase 

Laura Mase, a long-time contributor to USA Artistic Swimming, takes on the role of Youth National Team Manager and Assistant Coach. Mase has been involved with the sport since 1993 and has coached at all levels, developing numerous national team athletes. As the head coach of the 12 & Under National Team in 2020 and the Youth National Team Assistant Coach in 2023, Mase brings a deep commitment to coaching excellence. She currently works as a Speech-Language Pathologist while continuing her coaching at the Aquianas, where she has earned multiple accolades for her contributions to the sport. 

Bill May as Mixed Duet/Male Solo Consultant 

USA Artistic Swimming is excited to announce Bill May, a 5-time World Champion Medalist, as the Mixed Duet and Male Solo Consultant for both the Youth and Junior National Teams. May, an icon in the sport and a strong advocate for male involvement in artistic swimming, will bring his unparalleled expertise to both programs as they continue to push the boundaries of artistic swimming. 

Looking Ahead 

USA Artistic Swimming is excited for the future of the Youth and Junior National Teams under the leadership of these experienced coaches. Together, they will work to develop athletes who not only achieve success at international competitions but also embody the spirit and discipline that define artistic swimming.  

The Junior National Team will train this summer to represent Team USA at the Junior Pan American Games in Asuncion, Paraguay in August. Later that month, Youth National team plans to compete in Athens, Greece at the Youth World Championship under the guidance of this exceptional coaching staff.