The Andover/North Andover YMCA Synchronized Swim Team (ANA Synchro) is adding to their full time coaching staff. Mikayla Francese will join the team as assistant head coach starting in early August. Francese is herself a former synchronized swimmer and member of the U.S. Olympic Team training squad, having most recently served as head coach for the Lindenwood University synchronized swim team in St. Charles, MO
A 2012 graduate of Lindenwood University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Francese earned an MA in Communications in 2013. During her time at the university, she was a member of the synchronized swim team, serving as captain from 2010-2012. She was a four-year letter-winner and two-time All-American. She also served as a graduate assistant coach at the university before moving in to the head coach role. She coached in the 2016-17 season alongside former ANA Synchro Assistant Head Coach Reem Abdalazem, where they captured their third consecutive U.S. National title. ANA Synchro Head Coach Leah Pinette says Francese will round out a strong coaching staff leading a growing and talented team.
“We are thrilled to have Mikayla join the ANA Synchro program,” said Pinette. “It is an honor to attract such a talented coach with complete synchro skills to work with our athletes and coaching staff. We are looking forward to new opportunities this next season starting in September.”
Francese will join the team just in time for the team’s August clinics, which help them prepare for the 2019-20 season, which starts September 9th.