Cheryl began her synchro career at the age of 8 in Houston, as a member of the Shamrock Hilton Corkettes. When she was 16, in addition to competing, she coached the Corkettes 10 & under team. While at the University of Texas, she formed a competitive synchronized swimming team and they competed at the US Collegiate National Championships, placing in finals.
While her official title is Head Coach of the Austin Angelfish Synchronized Swim Club, to Angelfish families Cheryl Cook is far more: a den mother, cheerleader, drill sergeant and mentor who leads with strength, empathy, and an uncommon knack for helping those around her maximize their potential. As she completes her 29th year as team leader of the Angelfish (30,000+ volunteer hours), her enthusiasm for the sport through mentoring and teaching shows no signs of slowing.
Coach Cheryl began synchro as an adult and joined the Austin Angelfish Masters team in 1992. She became an Angelfish coach over 24 years ago and has donated countless thousands of hours of her time. Cheryl continues to compete at the US Masters Artistic Swimming Championships. In addition to coaching the team, Coach Cheryl has taught the beginner class at the Town Lake YMCA for over 24 years!
Coach Anne was introduced to Synchro when her college roommate swam for their school's club team. Anne would run the lights for their annual show and do some synchronized dives with her teammates at intermission. When her daughter joined the Angelfish, Anne used the knowledge she gained from dancing and from competing in and coaching gymnastics and diving to help out with land skills. She helped train athletes for Grade Level land skills and National Team Trials land skills, and watched countless hours of figures practice. So, when Coach Cheryl asked if she would be willing to become a judge, she said yes. Then, when the Angelfish began to grow in 2018, the team needed more coaches, so Anne helped coach the intermediate team. It was so much fun, that she decided to continue coaching and has coached our Jr Team since 2020.
Coach Kira joined the Angelfish at the tender age of five, in 2000. Competing throughout high school, Kira medaled at many local, regional and zone level competitions. Her love of synchro has been a driving force for her since she graduated and she has been coaching the Angelfish ever since! Kira is now the main coach of the 13-15 Team.
Coach Kristy began her Synchro career in South Florida, competing for 12 years at the local, zone, national and international levels. Some of her fondest memories and accomplishments include being appointed to the USA Junior National Team in 2011, and placing top 8 in several Solo, Trio, Team, and Combo National events over the years. Once her competition days were behind her, she took her talents to show biz! Kristy has been performing with Aqualillies for the last 10 years entertaining in private events as well as on screen. These days, she is thrilled to be coaching our 12U and Intermediate swimmers and she’s excited to share all her expertise and enthusiasm with them.
Katrena is an Angelfish graduate and has returned to share her knowledge with our younger swimmers. During her eight years as an Angelfish, Katrena competed at countless Zone championships, Jr National Championships and National Jr Olympics, Katrena is excited to be able to continue participating in synchro and giving back to the team! Katrena is now coaching our 12U/Intermediate Team.
Coach Erin joined the Angelfish at the young age of six, in 2004. Competing throughout high school, Erin medaled at many local, regional and zone level competitions. Missing her Angelfish family, Erin returned as a coach in 2022, renewing her passion for synchro and her love of working with young swimmers. Erin is coaching our 12U Team.
Lauren started synchro at age 9 and swam for the Arizona Desert Dolphins through high school. She continued her synchro career in college, competing for the University of the Incarnate Word. Throughout her 13 years competing in synchro, she served as team captain for 4 years, competed at numerous National Championship events with 10, top 3 finishes, and also competed in 2 International Competitions representing the United States. Recently, along with fellow Angelfish coach, Nevada, she competed in a duet at Masters Nationals and took home first place in the tech and free event. She has been coaching athletes of all ages and skill levels from novice to National team members for 8 years. In addition to coaching synchro, she also works in Civil Engineering and competes in crossfit!
Nevada Ulmer began her artistic swimming career at the age of 8 in Vancouver, Canada as a member of Vancouver Pacific Wave. She moved to Calgary in her last years of highschool and competed with the Calgary Aquabelles where she won a Canadian national championship. Nevada continued her swimming career at the University of Incarnate Word where she swam all four years representing the university. She is currently working as a Civil Engineer and has recently returned to competing in artistic swimming as a Master. She and fellow Angelfish coach Lauren competed in the 20-29 age group at the 2022 USA Masters Championship where they won gold in both free and technical duet! Nevada is now assisting with our Junior Team.
My name is Heather Wykrent and I am so happy to have the opportunity to share in this wonderful year of growth, confidence and personal development in the sport of Artistic Swimming with you and your child. I grew up swimming on the Austin Angelfish Synchronized Swimming team with my sister, Erin, and officially fell in love with the sport at age 10. I learned so many incredible life skills from my experience as an athlete on this team and from my amazing coaches (who are still coaching and involved in this sport!). I am delighted to have the opportunity to provide the same positive and nurturing experience for your athlete. I am a certified elementary school educator, flight instructor and artistic swimming coach. Teaching is my passion. Prior to having my own children, I taught PreK - 2nd grade in Leander ISD and taught pilots to fly at a flight school in Georgetown. Currently, I enjoy serving children in a volunteer capacity at my church, local schools and on our team.
When I am not driving one of my 3 daughters to school, band or swimming, I enjoy being outside, swimming,and flying with my dad and sister. I am a UT Alumni, was born and raised in this beautiful city…and never left!
