Meet Thess, Masters Swim Coach and Decorated Athlete

Ever heard of Masters Swim? It’s a coached program for adults 18+ who want to strengthen their swim skills and endurance for fitness, competition or personal enjoyment. While they may not know it when they register, the Masters swimmers at the Greenbrier Family YMCA quickly discover that their coach is a true champion. 

Maria Theresa "Thess" Espinosa is a record-breaking swimmer. Originally from the Philippines, Thess competed in international competitions in the 70s and 80s and was a sure shot for the 1984 Olympic Games. Also an athlete, Thess’ father competed in shooting at the 1972 Olympics in Munich. Having witnessed the horrific terrorist attack that took place in the Olympic Village during those games, he worried about his daughter's safety at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles when the Soviet Union boycotted the games. He convinced her not to compete in the trials, and she missed her chance. However, her passion for swimming led her to a career in coaching.

Now in her 60s, she coaches elite athletes in the US and the Philippines, including many Iron Man and Triathlon competitors; impressive athletes ranging in age between 20 and 75. Thess’ daughter, Mary, followed in her mother’s footsteps, competing at a high level (even swimming against Katie Ledecky). On most days, you can find both Thess and Mary on the pool deck at the Greenbrier Family YMCA, where Mary is the Aquatics Director, and Thess continues to change lives…stroke by stroke.

You can check out more about Masters Swim here!