SAM HOEKSTRA
Associate Head Coach
With Sam Hoekstra, participants truly get the best of both worlds. As an active athlete in training, Sam understands the daily grind of competitive swimming from a firsthand perspective. Coupled with his extensive coaching experience as a Head Club and High School coach and many years spent as an Elite Clinician for Fitter and Faster Swim Tour, Sam brings a unique balance of athlete and mentor to every session. His dedication to studying the sport and discovering innovative ways to improve himself and others defines his approach at every level.
Sam’s journey in aquatics began as a diver and water polo player, but his natural speed in the water led him to swimming in 8th grade. Sam quickly embraced the sport and never looked back. While natural talent initially set him apart, Sam soon learned the valuable lessons of hard work and attention to detail.
“I entered the game relatively late. I was someone who didn’t have to earn his speed at first, but I soon realized that natural talent can only go so far. To make it to the highest level, you need a combination of talent, work ethic and most importantly, an intense attention to detail. Swimming has taught me that there are no shortcuts, and I’ve been able to carry that lesson throughout my life.”
Sam is passionate about helping swimmers achieve those pivotal “light bulb” moments that can transform their training and performance. His ability to tailor feedback to the unique needs of each swimmer sets him apart as a coach.
“One of the greatest challenges I’m faced with is finding a way to explain something so that everyone understands, because everyone learns differently. It’s so rewarding to see an athlete finally understand something, and then you watch it happen in the pool. That synergy is what I love the most.”
As a true student of the sport, Sam focuses on subtle, impactful corrections that make significant differences on race day. One notable example was his work with an Olympic Trials qualifier. By analyzing the swimmer’s underwaters, Sam identified a small issue with knee bending that, once corrected, led to measurable improvements in power and performance.
Emphasizing stroke count, body line, and propulsion, Sam believes in optimizing every aspect of a swimmer’s technique. Known for his keen eye for detail and concise, clear delivery, Sam’s coaching is enhanced by his approachable personality. On deck, swimmers feel encouraged to take risks, explore new techniques, and focus on incremental improvement.
“Each practice is an opportunity to get 1% better than the day before,” Sam explains,
urging athletes to stay curious and embrace growth. By cultivating a comfortable and
engaging learning environment, he ensures every swimmer leaves the pool with newfound confidence and skills.
Sam Hoekstra’s unique blend of expertise, enthusiasm, and dedication makes him an invaluable asset to the swimming community and a favorite among those he coaches.
Career
Sam Hoekstra is a standout NCAA Division 1 swimmer whose collegiate career has been defined by exceptional performances in freestyle relays and individual events. A versatile athlete with a history of success at the national and conference levels, Sam has consistently excelled in the pool while earning recognition for his achievements.
Highlights:
Senior Year(Louisville):
● Key member of the freestyle relay teams, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.
● At NCAAs:
○ Split 19.25 on the 200-free relay that placed 10th, earning NCAA All-American honors and setting a school record.
○ Split 42.80 on the 400-free relay that finished 4th, setting a school record and earning All American Honors
○ Split 1:36.23 on the 800-Free relay that placed 14th
● At Big East Championships:
○ Split 1:36.32 on the Championship winning 800-free relay
○ Placed 4th in the 50 Free
○ Placed 3rd in the 100 Free
○ Split 19.39 on the Championship winning 200-free relay
○ Placed 7th in the 200 Free
○ Split 43.44 on the Championship winning 400-free relay
Junior Year (Louisville):
● Key member of the freestyle relay teams, qualifying for the NCAA Championships in the 200- and 400-yard freestyle relays.
● At NCAAs:
○ Split 19.70 on the 200-free relay that placed 8th, earning NCAA All-American honors and setting a school record.
○ Split 43.42 on the 400-free relay that finished 10th.
● BIG EAST Championships:
○ Helped the 200- and 400-free relays win conference titles, setting BIG EAST and school records with splits of 19.27 and 43.90. Both times were NCAA B-cuts.
○ Placed 4th in the 50-free and won the consolation final of the 100-free (44.25), achieving NCAA B-cuts in both events.
● Recognized as a two-time All-BIG EAST performer. Freshman Year (Michigan):
● Qualified for the NCAA Championships, contributing to a 12th-place finish in the 200-free relay and placing 45th in the 50-free.
● At the Big Ten Championships:
○ Part of the 200-free relay team that placed 3rd with a time of 1:18.54.
○ Finished 10th in the 50-free and 19th in the 100-free.
High School Achievements
Sam attended Grandville High School in Michigan, where he set records and gained recognition as one of the state’s top swimmers.
● Named Division 1 Michigan Swimmer of the Year.
● Achieved 15 All-America honors, along with four all-conference and all-state selections.
● Excelled in water polo as a three-time all-state performer and 3-time All-American goalie and Field player.
● Also competed in baseball and track and field, showcasing his athletic versatility.
Personal Life
Born on October 28, 1990, Sam is the son of Allen and Yvonne Hoekstra. He has been married to his wife Lauren for 13 years and they have 3 beautiful daughters. Living in the midwest his whole life, Sam is really looking forward to the Southern California Lifestyle.