About Masters Swim
One of the largest Masters swim teams in Northern California, Menlo Masters has a rich history of healthy competition and community. We welcome swimmers of all abilities, age 18 and up, who are interested in regular structured workouts. Previous experience in competitive swimming is not necessary. Masters swimmers include beginners, triathletes, former collegiate athletes, nationally ranked competitors and everything in between — all ages, shapes, and sizes. Menlo Masters offers 19 coached workouts per week. Every workout is different and you’ll learn something each and every time. Along with ongoing conditioning at workouts, the team provides stroke instruction, intra-club activities, competitions, and social events throughout the year. We focus on developing swimming skills, enhancing the enjoyment of swimming through regular workouts and professional instruction, and the promotion of lifetime fitness through swimming.
Workouts
Menlo Masters workouts are fun and challenging, full of camaraderie and high heart rates. You’ll hear a lot of laughter as well as a few groans. You’ll test yourself against high energy teammates and have some early mornings. So show up and see what happens!
The Pool
The pool is 11 lanes, 25 yards. We use some lanes or all of them depending.
Coaching and the sets
Menlo Masters workouts are all coached with well-defined sets. The whole pool does the same workout, just with longer intervals and fewer yards in the slower lanes. Each workout starts with a warmup and then the lane is given the first of the main sets. When you’re done with that, the second set is introduced, and so forth. Workout emphasis varies. You may do drills, strokes, or sprints. Or long distance free, pulling or kicking. We keep meets and open water swims in mind, providing opportunity to build up to those events. And look out for those relays! Check the calendar for upcoming workout focus. If you wish to swim on your own, please do so during designated lap swim times, available 7 days a week. You may add unlimited lap swim to your Masters membership.
Gear
Please use gear on the sets that require it. Workouts are designed to train your stroke mechanics and fitness in specific ways, so gear versus no-gear swims are purposeful.
Have fun!
Workouts are meant to be challenging but enjoyable. Communicate with your lane mates, ask questions, and get the most out of your training by putting good effort into the sets. With Menlo Masters, you’ll find that every workout is different and you learn something every time. Swimming is good for the mind as well as the body!
Subscribe to the Workout Email Reminder List
Check out the following team events. Details for these events can be found in recent newsletters (email) and in our Facebook group or WhatsApp group. Looking forward to seeing you at one or more of them!
- Mar 22, Bay Area Senior Games – For team members over 50, this brief meet at Rinconada (so near by!) is a great way to test the benefit of all those February yards. Register right away – sign-up closes this Thursday, Mar 12 at 5pm.
- Apr 10-12, Pacific Masters Short Course Champs – Held at the Miwok Aquatic Center in Marin – a beautiful facility – this is a great meet to attend, whether for just a few events on one of the days, or all three days. And there are plenty of relays! Join us – registration is open through April 1.
Not receiving Menlo Masters newsletters? Email Tasha to get on the list or to request specific links mentioned above.
Schedule & Pricing for Masters Swim
Schedule
| Mon–Sat: | 6:00am – 7:00am | Burgess Pool |
| Mon–Sat: | 7:00am – 8:00am | Burgess Pool |
| Mon–Fri: | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Burgess Pool |
| Saturday: | 8:00am – 9:00am | Burgess Pool |
| Sunday: | 7:00am – 8:00am | Burgess Pool |
Pricing: Learn more about workouts how we run our sessions.
Menlo Park Resident
Monthly Membership: $102
Senior Membership (60+): $91
Drop-In: $20
*Annual Team Fee: $30
Non-Resident
Monthly Membership: $138
Senior Membership (60+): $123
Drop-In: $24
*Annual Team Fee: $30
Masters memberships cover Masters practices only and do not pay for lap swimming.
SwimFit Promotion
Menlo Park residents (ages 18+) with an active Menlo Swim & Sport membership can enjoy FREE monthly access to the City of Menlo Park’s Fitness Center. That’s aquatics + fitness, all included in your membership at no extra cost! The Fitness Center is located at the Onetta Harris Community Center, right next to Belle Haven Pool. To learn more about this promotion and to see details, check out our SwimFit page!
Bundling Programs
If you are a current member of Menlo Masters, you can add a Lap Swim Membership or purchase Lap Swim drop-ins for 50% off. For these discounts, please contact the Service Center.
*Team Fee
Masters memberships require an annual $30 team fee. Annual team fees are payable upon registration.
USMS membership
Menlo Masters is part of the US Masters Swimming association. Your USMS card is required to participate in Masters swimming events and you receive the benefits of regional and national news about Masters swimming. You may register directly on their website at www.usms.org/reg/
Our Master Swim Coaches
Tim Sheeper / Founder and Head Coach
For over 20 years Tim Sheeper has coached athletes of all ages. He has and is currently coaching the beginner, intermediate and elite level athlete. In that time he has led more than 4,000 athletes through more than 20,000 training sessions, and has become one of the most prolific triathlon coaches in the country. Tim has been competing in triathlons for 25 years and has been racing in running competitions since the age of 8. His passion for building community among multi-sport athletes resulted in founding a triathlon team in the mid 1990’s, which is now called Team Sheeper. Tim’s mission in life is to encourage and motivate people to live a life full of activity, strengthening the body and the mind, and discovering we are capable of doing much more in life than once thought possible. Tim also makes family a priority. He has three children who are active in sports and his wife Lisa is herself a champion swimmer and team advocate. Tim’s interest in developing whole-person athletes extends to families in aquatics and outdoor activities while supporting members’ personal commitments.
Becky Seelos / Swim Coach
Becky has been in and around water since she was a baby. She started swimming competitively at age 6 and by the time she reached high school she was ready for something new; water polo stole her heart instantly! She has been playing water polo for 10 years, on a nationally ranked team at CSU Bakersfield (position: driver), and for fun with a masters team after college. In addition to Masters, Becky coaches our Menlo Mavericks Youth Water Polo team.
Stephanie Couch / Swim Coach
Stephanie started swimming and racing at the age of 5 on a summer swim team. Her love for the water and swimming has been a constant in her life. She was a triathlete in her 20’s racing as an amateur and then as a Pro. After that she raised three daughters and used swimming as a reprieve. She started teaching kids to swim in 2007 and has enjoyed sharing her love of the sport ever since.
For the past decade she’s been Head Coach of Swimming for Woodside High School. Stephanie loves racing in open water swimming and pool competitions, and is a strong advocate for growing our Menlo Masters racing team!
Reza Ojagh / Swim Coach
Reza Ojagh’s love for swimming started when he was 8 years old. He quickly grew to love the water and focused on improving his stroke and playing water polo. At 18, he was picked up by Iran’s National Water Polo Team. In 1997, he took part in his first international water polo tournament and was a member of Iran’s national team until 2006. After spending nearly a decade with the national team, Reza focused on education and completed his Master’s degree in Physical Education in 2008. This marked the beginning of Reza’s career coaching professional water polo. Over the next 5 years Reza collected a vast amount of experience from world-class coaches and went on to lead the Junior National Iranian Water Polo team. In 2013, Reza moved to the states where he’s coached both swimming and water polo with DeAnza College, Menlo Swim & Sport and SOLO Aquatics while concurrently teaching an average of 2500 personal swim lessons a year.
Judy Strauss / Swim Coach
My childhood revolved around water. I grew up in a community surrounded by lakes and ponds. In the summer we swam daily and in the winter we would skate on the ponds. I swam on the local YWCA team in high school and competed in college my freshman year and a little my junior year. I worked as a lifeguard and instructor in high school and college.
I have been swimming masters for the last 40 years and have had the absolute pleasure of coaching on and off for the 30 years. I am inspired by the swimmers, seeing adults be active as we move through life. I also love the community and camaraderie that I see every time I’m in the pool or on the deck.
Aleksei / Swim Coach
Aleksei brings over 25 years of experience in competitive sports, including professional swimming and triathlon. A former member of the Russian National Junior Team (2010-2012), Aleksei is a 12-time NCAA Division II All-American with school records at both Fresno Pacific University (FPU) and Nova Southeastern University (NSU). His achievements include being named Best Athlete by the Pacific Collegiate Swim Conference (PCSC) during the 2018-2019 season and earning multiple medals at the 2023 Nationals Masters Swimming in Irvine.
Aleksei’s coaching philosophy emphasizes technical precision, hard work, and fostering personal growth through sport. As the CEO and Head Coach of the First Youth Triathlon Team, Aleksei is dedicated to developing athletes of all levels, from beginners to elite competitors, in a supportive and disciplined environment.
Policies
Reoccurring Payments
All payments are non-refundable. Each billing period is 30 days from the day the membership starts. There are no pro-rated refunds for mid-month cancellations.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation requests must be submitted by the last day of current cycle (month) to terminate recurring payment/membership for the following billing cycle (month). Please fill out this form if you’re looking to cancel your membership. You may also cancel your membership in person with a Service Center representative.
Conduct Safety
Please help ensure a great experience for everyone. Before you send your young swimmers to the pool, be aware that we wish to maintain high standards for conduct with emphasis on safety. We encourage behavior that is respectful and mature, and our guards will enforce safety rules with regard to running on deck, roughhousing and courtesy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I pay for my Menlo Masters membership?
A: At this time we are only offering monthly Masters memberships which you can sign up for here. These memberships will renew automatically each month until you cancel your membership.
Q: How do I cancel, suspend, or change my membership?
A: If you would like to cancel your Menlo Masters membership completely, please fill out the online Cancellation Form. Cancellation requests may also be emailed to customerservice@menloswim.com. Cancellation requests must be submitted by the end of the current billing cycle to terminate recurring payment/membership for the following month.
Q: What is the annual Team Fee used for?
A: The fee is used for awards, food, intramural event production, and team extras — all things that go into improving the quality and value of the team.
Q: What is USMS Membership?
A: To swim with Menlo Masters, you must register for a Menlo Masters membership and pay the annual team fee with Menlo Swim. Once you have registered with Menlo Swim and Sport, you must also register with U.S. Masters Swimming. Since Menlo Masters is part of USMS, all members must be registered with USMS for insurance purposes. You may register directly on their website.
Q: Do I register with USMS directly or does Menlo Swim and Sport do so?
A: You must renew your USMS membership directly with USMS. Once you have registered with USMS, please let us know so we can update our records.
Q: I still have questions, who should I contact? (click on the link to email)
A: General information about Menlo Masters
Membership and billing inquiries
Pool Rules
General Pool Rules
- No swimming allowed unless a lifeguard is on duty.
- Children ages fourteen (14) and under must be supervised by an adult at all times while at the pool facility.
- Children 5 years and under must have a parent/guardian in the pool, within arm’s reach at all times.
- Roughhousing, shoving, and dunking are not allowed. No pushing or pulling into the pool, hitting with noodles or other objects.
- No spins, flips, belly flops, back dives, or back jumps.
- No long breath holding, hyperventilating, or extended underwater swimming is allowed.
- No playing, swinging, jumping, or diving on stairs, ladders, or railings.
- No diving into the Instructional/Recreation Pool. Jump in feet first, facing forward only.
- Water wings and other inflatable devices are not allowed. Only Coast Guard approved flotation devices are permissible and must be provided by the patron.
- Non-toilet trained children must adhere to the double diaper policy. They must wear a water-proof diaper and a diaper cover; a swim suit over the diaper counts as a diaper cover.
- Swimmers must wear proper swim attire at all times.
- No glass or ceramic containers are allowed anywhere in the facility.
- No running or skipping on deck. Walk at all times to avoid accidents.
- No unauthorized swim lessons or coaching.
- Please do not visit with or distract the lifeguards. If you have questions, inquire inside at the Front Desk.
- Only lifeguards who are properly trained are allowed on lifeguard chairs.
- No sitting on, pushing down, or swimming over lane lines.
- Kickboards, pull buoys and fins provided by Menlo Swim and Sport are for lap swimming only. They are not allowed in open swim areas.
- Starting blocks are for use by competitive programs only when directly supervised by a qualified coach.
- No smoking (including electronic cigarettes), alcohol, or drugs allowed in the facility.
- No food or drink on the pool deck. Eating is permitted on tables, benches and grassy areas.
- Bicycles, skateboards, in-line skates, and other vehicles are not allowed to be operated in the pool area and must be walked while on deck.
- No dogs or other pets are allowed in the facility except service animals.
- Persons currently having active diarrhea or who have had active diarrhea within the previous 14 days shall not be allowed to enter the pool water.
- Changing clothes on deck is not allowed.
- In the event of an emergency, follow directions from the staff.
- Any action or behavior that is deemed unsafe or inappropriate by the aquatics staff will not be allowed. All aquatics staff have full authority over guests using the pool area and as situations warrant, they may enforce rules not listed.
- The Pool Manager on Duty may close the entire pool complex or any portion(s) of the pool complex, for any safety or maintenance reason.
- Please respect the rights of others to feel safe and secure.
- Please refrain from using profanity or offensive language, loud conversations or music, inappropriate public display of affection, or any other disruptive behavior
- Admission price is for one entry only. No in and out privileges.
- Menlo Swim and Sport, Team Sheeper, Inc. and City of Menlo Park are not responsible for any lost or stolen personal items and assume no liability for the loss or theft of a patron’s personal belongings.
- Lockers are provided to secure personal belongings; guests may bring locks for use on lockers. All locks must be removed at the end of the day.
Facility Rules
- Locker rooms will close 20 minutes after the pool closes.
- Emergency doors are to remain closed and be used in case of emergency only.
- Emergency doors, facility doors, storage areas, and safety equipment are not to be blocked by guests or objects.
- Please dispose of all trash in receptacles provided.
- Restrooms and locker rooms may not be used for loitering or other unintended uses. Cell phone use in locker rooms is prohibited
- Offices and areas marked as “Employees Only” are not for use by the general public unless approved by staff.
Masters Program
- Only participants who are registered for a class or program may attend.
- Siblings of a participant may not join any class or program without registering.
- During a class or registered program, parents must wait in designated areas. Please respect the instructors, counselors, or coaches, as well as the other participants of the class by avoiding any interruptions.
- Participants and parents must follow all specific class and program policies unless otherwise specified.
- For programs that require parents to sign in and out their children, ONLY a parent or designated guardian (over 18 years old) will be allowed to pick up and/or drop off the child unless otherwise communicated with staff.
Thank you for helping keep our swimming pool safe and enjoyable for everyone!
Upcoming Events
Lots of team events with many ways to participate: at Burgess Pool, in swim meets and open water swims – something for everyone!
| January | Swimmer of the Year Brunch (Jan 25) |
| February | Can Do Challenge (All month) |
| March | Bay Area Senior Games, Rinconada (Mar 22) 100-min Hustle Challenge (All month) |
| April | PacMasters SCY Champs, Novato (Apr 10-12) |
| May | Pyramid Scheme Challenge (All month) |
| June | Summer Team Gathering (TBD) |
| July | Tour de France Natation Challenge (Jul 4-26) PacMasters LCM Champs, Moraga (Jul 17-19) |
| August | Donner Lake Open Water Swim (TBD) USMS LCM Nationals, Sacramento (Aug 5-9) |
| September | La Jolla 10 x 1 Mile Relay (Sep 27) |
| October | Killer Quad 1 – Halloween — Lite, Half-hour swim (Oct 30, all workouts) — Classic, 1-hour swim (Oct 31, all workouts) |
| November | Killer Quad 2 – Thanksgiving — Lite, 25 x 100 (Nov 25) — Classic, 50 x 100 (Nov 28) |
| December | Killer Quad 3 – Christmas — Lite, 37.5 x 100 (Dec 23) — Classic, 75 x 100 (Dec 26) Killer Quad 4 – New Years — Lite, 50 x 100 (Jan 4) — Classic, 100 x 100 (Jan 2) |
Plus our Weekend Warrior Challenge – swim all 4 scheduled workouts one weekend each month of 2026. 3 on Saturday, 1 on Sunday.
2026 Results from Team Events
January – Swimmers of the Year, 2025 Killer Quad and Year-Rounder Finishers
2025 Killer Quad Lite finishers:
Ann Burton, Bob Crockett, Carol Mathews, David Crankshaw, Don Johnston, Edith Collin, Elizabeth Watson-Semmons, Jeff Starr, Joan Caldwell, Jonathan Taylor, Judith Schwartz, Ken Fine, Laura Webb, Michele Kastelein, Michele Santilhano, Mike Ross, Sue McGlennon
2025 Killer Quad Classic finishers:
Ann Heike, Anna Lippi, Anne Young, Bob Anderson, Cameron Wessel, Cami Johnson, Celine Deb, Clara Dye, Cory Luellen, Crick Waters, Daniel Roitman, Daniel Tom, Diana Acosta, Dirk Lueth, Emily Keough, Eric Kinney*, Geoff McCavitt*, Harvey Fishman, Helen Waters, Jeff Child, Jessica Urioste, Jo Singh*, John Higgins, Kathleen Liston, Kim Freitas, Lanshin Yang, Louise Feeley, Margaret Cumming, Robin Teague, Sarah Eisner, Scott Saywell, Stephane Mouradian, Stephanie Couch, Tom Still, Tony Spencer
* Finished both Lite and Classic!
2025 Year-Rounder finishers:
Abby Bergman, Alix Gallagher, Anna Lippi, Cami Johnson, Emily Keough, Eric Kinney, Jo Singh, Kim Freitas, Sarah Eisner, Stephanie Couch, Tony Spencer
Outgoing Swimmers of the Year Sarah Eisner and Eric Kinney, introduced the new Swimmers of the Year: congratulations to Daniela Barnea and Daniel Tom!
Menlo Masters Team Records
We keep records of the fastest time swum by a Menlo Masters swimmer at a swim meet – all 18 individual events and the standard relays for Short Course Yards, Long Course Meters and Short Course Meters. These swims must be logged in the USMS database as part of the official meet results. Check our team’s amazing swims via the links below!
[Note: Files for individual records will print on 8.5 x 14 paper. Relay records print on 8.5 x 11 paper.]
Short Course Yards
(updated with swims as of Sep 16, 2025)
Short Course Yards Men’s records
Short Course Yards Women’s records
Short Course Yards Relay records
Long Course Meters
(updated with swims as of Sep 16, 2025)
Long Course Meters Men’s records
Long Course Meters Women’s records
Long Course Meters Relay records
Short Course Meters
(updated with swims as of Jan 20, 2026)
Short Course Meters Men’s records
Short Course Meters Women’s records
Short Course Meters Relay records
Swimmers of the Year
Every year, Menlo Masters presents a Swimmer of the Year award to two exceptional individuals on the team. They are chosen for their personal, behavioral characteristics as well as for their athletic achievements and team contributions.
While many team members may be worthy of this award each year, these athletes are singled out because of the way they elevated themselves in achieving ordinary to outstanding results during that year. And more importantly, they have improved our already thriving team culture by their actions and demeanor.
In the end, our team would just not be as successful without the involvement of these individuals. Congratulations to our winners!
2025: Daniela Barnea and Daniel Tom
2024: Sarah Eisner and Eric Kinney
2023: Abby Bergman and Mike Fero
2022: Jean Gillon and Mike Dorsey
2021: Margaret Cumming and John Collin
2020: Cami Johnson and Keith Wilson
2019: Meredith Rohr and Stephane Mouradian
2018: Nancy Prouty and David Crankshaw
2017: Anna Lippi and Andy Chan
2016: Stacy Fredericksen and Scott Kaloust
2015: Stephanie Couch and Matt Messmer
2014: Louise Feeley and Brett Bannan
2013: Barbara Breen and Harlan Pinto
2012: Marianne Brems and Kent Stietzel
2011: Judith Schwartz and Dave Gildea
2010: Barbara Jones and Carl Mortensen
2009: Miki Armstrong and Bill Dawson
2008: Sandy Dutro and John Sulzbach
2007: Sue McGlennon and John Goldman
2006: Lisa Sheeper and Murray McLachlan
2005: Juliette Applewhite and Peter Shepherd
2004: Jana Matena and Phil Arcuni
2003: Tasha Capen and Jim Kemp
2002: Ann Kay and Al Humphrey
2001: Frances Reneau and Scott Marshall
2000: Whitney Wood and Dave Quincy
1999: Rebecca Pinto and Dick Bennett
1998: Jane Burks and Sherman Hall
1997: Judy Strauss and Ed Owen
1996: Ginny Langmuir and Rick Peterson
1995: Gail Roper and Brian Kohlmeier
About Local Legends
In the world of masters swimming, it’s not just about speed or distance. It’s about heart and community. We are swimmers who return to the water day after day, year after year, through injury, illness, and setbacks.
Local Legends is our collection of stories about those who embody this spirit: athletes who have chosen to swim, not just for the competition, but for the sheer love of the sport and the power it has to transform lives.
Some have been in the water since childhood, while others discovered the sport as adults. Some chase records and perfect their technique, while others enjoy the freedom of swimming long distances or exploring water around the world.
All share one thing—longevity. Not only in their swimming careers but in their health, mindset, and passion. Whether they are training, competing, or meditating in the water, they’ve made Masters a better and more interesting program.
We hope that as you read these stories, you’ll be inspired, and discover that you share a lane with a Legend. It’s never too late to dive in and keep swimming.
So, when will we tell your story?
Local Legend Stories
Eric Kinney, December 2024
Ann Kay, December 2024
Daniela Barnea, January 2025
David Gildea, February 2025
Judy Strauss – March 2025
John Sulzbach – June 2025
John and Edith Collin – August 2025
Sig Paulazzo – September 2025
Sue McGlennon – September 2025
Marianne Brems – October 2025
Lorie and Sam Sinnott – December 2025
Remembering Teammates
Tim Sheeper / Founder and Head Coach
I am fortunate to have the privilege of being the coach of such a wonderful group of people known as the Menlo Masters. What has allowed me to keep busy at the “coaching craft” for nearly 3 decades is the quality individuals who I am fortunate to interact with on a daily basis. Our Menlo Masters care deeply about their well being as evidenced by their dedication to swimming and they also care deeply about their fellow team members whom they share a great deal of time with in their swimming immersion.
Strong bonds and relationships are built between swimmers and these ties can be everlasting. We cherish each other and value these friendships.
We always keep in mind the teammates who have left our world and we choose to honor them every Memorial Day with a dedicated team workout.
Menlo Masters Social
Keep in touch with team members about team events and other happenings team members may be attending.
Menlo Masters Smugmug Page (event photos)
Menlo Masters Linked In Group
Menlo Masters Facebook Page (private group)