Seattle Synchro Hall of Fame

The Seattle Synchronized Swim Team has produced many fine athletes and coaches over those years, including athletes who have competed internationally for the United States. Thank you to all the great athletes and coaches that have been a part of this team!

🌟 Seattle Synchro Hall of Fame: Coach Yuki 🌟

Coach Yuki is a cornerstone of Seattle Synchro, with a legacy that spans continents and generations. As a world-class athlete and an extraordinary coach, her passion, skill, and dedication have shaped synchronized swimming in Seattle and beyond. We are proud to honor Coach Yuki as a distinguished member of the Seattle Synchro Hall of Fame.

🏊 Athletic Career

Coach Yuki began her synchronized swimming journey in Osaka, Japan in 1970, quickly rising to national prominence. Between 1974 and 1979, she was part of the Japanese national championship-winning team for six consecutive years.

🌍 International Competitions

• 1974 Pan Pacific Championships – Hilo, Hawaii: 3rd place (Team)

• 1976 Pan Pacific Championships – Nagoya, Japan: 3rd place (Team)

• 1977 Pan Pacific Championships – Mexico City, Mexico: 3rd place (Team)

• 1979 Pan Pacific Championships – Christchurch, New Zealand: 2nd place (Team)

• 1978 US Nationals – City of Commerce, California: Competed in Solo, Duet, and Team (as a foreign athlete)

• 1982 Swiss Open: Assistant coach for legendary Coach Masayo Imura

Coaching Career

Coach Yuki's coaching career is as remarkable as her time as an athlete. She has worked with athletes of all levels—from age group beginners to national team hopefuls.

• 1979–1982: Coach, Home Club in Osaka, Japan (Junior Olympic 13–14 & Junior Elite Levels)

• 1983–1984: Volunteer Assistant Coach, Seattle Aqua Club

• 1991–1996: Team Coach, Seattle Aqua Club (Led multiple teams each season)

• 1996–2018: Team Coach, Seattle Synchronized Swim Team (Produced Age Group National Finalists and National Team Qualifiers)

• 2018–Present: Figures & Assistant Coach, Seattle Synchro (All levels)

• Also coached the Seattle Cascades Masters Team weekly for over 10 year.

 Recognition

In 2006, Coach Yuki received the USA Synchro National Merit Award as Age Group Coach of the Year, recognizing her outstanding impact on the development of young athletes.

Personal Life

Yuki and her husband Zen reside in South Seattle. Her daughters, Mari and Sachi, swam for Seattle Synchro beginning in 1991 and went on to compete for Stanford University and the University of the Incarnate Word. Both were U.S. Open champions, and Sachi was named to the U.S. Senior National Team

Coach Yuki's legacy continues to inspire athletes and coaches alike. Her unwavering commitment, quiet strength, and deep knowledge have made Seattle Synchro what it is today. Thank you, Coach Yuki, for your incredible contributions to the sport and to our community.

2024 Olympics

Keana Hunter and Audrey Kwon were standout athletes who swam with our club for 8 and 6 years, respectively. Both made the USA National Team at just 12 years old, progressing through the 12U, 13-15, and Junior categories. Their dedication and talent eventually led them to move to California to join the Senior National Team, where they went on to win a silver medal at the Paris Olympic Games, marking the first USA medal in artistic swimming in over 20 years.

2008 Olympics

Jillian Penner, 2008 Olympian

Seattle Synchro swimmer Jillian Penner started swimming with our club when she was nine years old. Ten years later, and after two years on the U.S. Junior National Team, two years on USA National Team 1, and competing in Switzerland, Japan, Russia and Australia, Jillian was named to the 2008 USA Olympic Team!

1984 Olympics

Tracy Ruiz-Conforto and Candy Costie-Burk, 1984 Olympic Gold medalists

USA National Team

Keana Hunter: 2019 Junior National Team. Paricipated at the first 13-15 World Championship in and placed within the top 20 athletes in the world. 

Amy Wang and Margaret Zhu: 2019 12U National Team

Audrey Kwon: 2018 12U Natinoal Team

Past US National Team Members include: Margaret Zhu, Amy Wang, Audrey Kwon, Lorraine Hack and Sydney Sprinkle, Emily Drew, Akira Baysinger, Lilly Cao and Lianne Lovitt.

Brazil National Team

In 2004/2005, Seattle Synchro hosted two swimmers from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Branca and Bia Feres swam for Brazil's National Team, but for one season they swam for us on our 14 and over Junior Team while also attending Roosevelt High School in Seattle. They swam the team routine and a duet, as well as a trio with Jillian Penner. They also helped coach the younger girls before returning to Rio and once again swimming for Brazil on the Brazilian National Team.