OUR COACHES
THE MERAQUAS OF IRVINE IS PROUD TO HAVE A STRONG TEAM OF DEDICATED AND HIGHLY CREDENTIALED COACHES WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN COACHING AND JUDGING.
Candy Hipp - Head Coach
Head Coach Candace "Candy" Hipp has coached the Junior, 16-19, 13-15, and 12&Under Age Groups to the national Junior Olympic level. She herself is a 1982 United States Junior Team Champion, a Senior National Finalist, and a Masters Champion, age 35-39, in duet, trio and team. Candy's dedication to the team and her coaching approach can be seen in the video clip on the classes page.
Contact Coach Candy: candyhipp14@gmail.com
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Hyun Ae Lee - 12U Team Coach
Coach Lee joined the Meraquas in 2023, bringing more than 40 years of artistic swimming experience. A former member of the Korean National Team, she began her coaching career in 1993.
Her leadership roles have included Korean Junior National Team Coach, Korean National Team Head Coach, and Chair of Artistic Swimming in Korea. She has coached athletes who have competed at the Olympic Games, World Championships, World Junior Championships, and Asian Games, earning multiple silver and bronze medals. She has also served as a judge at both national and international competitions.
At Meraquas, Coach Lee leads the 12U program, where she emphasizes strong fundamentals, technical precision, and long-term athlete development, guiding each swimmer to reach their full potential.
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Georgia Wookey - 13-14 Youth Team Coach
A former athlete with nearly a decade at the Santa Clara Aquamaids, Coach Georgia earned national championship titles and competed at the Pan American Games and other international events. She now brings that competitive experience into a supportive, goal-oriented coaching style centered on clear communication.
Known for her patience and attention to detail, Georgia emphasizes the “why” behind each drill so athletes fully understand and develop their skills. She has been coaching at Meraquas since 2023 and is grateful for the welcoming, supportive community of athletes, coaches, and families.
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Niki Szekely - 14-15 & Acro Team Coach
Niki Szekely coaches the 14–15 team and Acro at Meraquas. A longtime Meraquas athlete, Niki trained for 11 years—nine under Coach Candy—bringing a deep understanding of the program and its culture.
A highly accomplished artistic swimmer, Niki is a multiple Junior Olympics and National champion, with titles in figures, duet and team events and a former Youth National Team member. She began coaching at the Sacramento Artistic Swimming Team while completing her degree in Nutrition Science at UC Davis.
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Rachel Rosolowski - Team Coach
Coach Rachel began swimming at age five under the guidance of her mother and continued through high school at Meraquas of Irvine, where she trained with Head Coach Candy. She went on to compete as a Division I varsity synchronized swimmer at the University of the Incarnate Word on scholarship.
Rachel has been coaching at Meraquas for over 10 years. She is also a licensed physical therapist, having graduated from California State University, Long Beach, and holds a specialty certification in strength and conditioning. She works as a physical therapist at a clinic in Costa Mesa, focusing on hypermobility, and athletes.
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Jessica Shipma - Team Coach
Coach Jessica competed with Meraquas of Irvine from 2005–2010 and was named the 2007 Synchronized Swimming Athlete of the Year at the California State Games. Fun fact: she and Coach Janina were teammates!
She returned to Meraquas as a coach in 2019 and primarily works with intermediate swimmers. One of her most meaningful moments was her 2025 wedding, where Meraquas athletes—including swimmers she once coached at the novice and age group levels—performed a special water show.
Jessica is passionate about helping swimmers build friendships, develop skills, and grow their confidence and love for the sport. Outside the pool, she enjoys playing piano and spending time with her husband and their two cats, Basil and Éclair.
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Coach Hailey
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Coach Karen
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Coach Jessie
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