Our coaches
Our coaches are highly qualified and experienced in the sport of diving as both athletes and coaches. They are dedicated to providing a positive, respectful and disciplined learning environment. It is our expectation that each athlete has a rewarding experience and walks away with lifelong skills including discipline, teamwork and self- confidence.
Laurel Abernethy
Laurel recently moved to the central coast and joined the coaching staff at Cal Poly for the 2023-2024 season. She comes to Cal Poly after serving as the head development coach with BYU Cougar Dive Club and volunteer assistant coach for the BYU Swim and Dive team. As an athlete, Laurel was a member of the BYU diving team from 1990-1994 and was a 6-time conference finalist on the 1 meter and 3 meter springboards. She began her coaching career right after her athletic career, coaching many NCAA standouts. She then moved on to coach in Northern California with Capital Divers where she coached many successful high school divers, including numerous league and CIF section champions. Additionally, she assisted with the UC Davis diving team for several years.
Laurel started Central Coast Diving Club to offer training opportunities to new and competitive divers. Whether they are just getting started in the sport or have goals to dive in college, Laurel is excited to use her past club experience and her passion to help young athletes along the central coast.
Melani Meister
Melani was an All-American springboard diver from a young age in Southern California. After an injury ended her competitive career, she took to coaching and found a new and unexpected passion for the sport. She started coaching at the high school level and quickly became the head diving coach for Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo and Mission College Prep. She has coached many HS League and CIF Champions and developed many high school divers who have gone to earn D1-4 college scholarships to excel in collegiate competition.
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Before joining Central Coast Diving Club, Melani was the head coach of SLO Dive Club and ran the club for 10 years, working with children of all ages. She is enthusiastic and specializes in skill development and building fundamentals that lead to confidence and long-term success to the most competitive athletes. She has a true passion for connecting with divers and helping them build skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.