Meet Our Coaches
The RAQ Swim Club coaching staff is comprised of coaches who come from a variety of athletic backgrounds including Synchronized/Artistic Swimming, Water Polo, Swim, Soccer, Volleyball, and Dance. All RAQ Swim Club coaching staff has up to date background checks as well as CPR/First Aid, as swimmer safety is a priority to our team.
Shannon Kelly Jones
Artistic Swimming Head Coach
​Shannon Kelly Jones is a distinguished artistic swimmer and coach, known for her elite athleticism and creative vision. Her career includes performances in music videos for LL Cool J, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Lady Gaga at Hurst Castle. As head coach of the Riverside AQuettes, Shannon inspires young athletes with a philosophy emphasizing confidence, discipline, teamwork, and joy. She is a respected choreographer, creating innovative routines that showcase her swimmers’ strengths, and led her team to the 2025 California State Games Championship. With a career that bridges competitive excellence and artistic expression, Coach Shannon continues to elevate artistic swimming and inspire the next generation of athletes.
Sue Nesbitt
Artistic Swimming Consultant
Sue Baross Nesbitt is an internationally renowned Artistic Swimming coach, consultant, and athlete whose influence spans more than five decades. Sue is a highly respected artistic swimming consultant with over fifty years of experience as an elite athlete, Olympic coach, and national team advisor. As a competitive swimmer, she helped the Santa Clara Aquamaids secure their first World Team title in 1973, earned numerous national and international medals, and was inducted into several halls of fame. Transitioning to coaching, Coach Sue led teams in Canada, Australia, and the U.S. to championship success, including the Riverside Aquettes’ 2006 National Junior title. Sue has also contributed to artistic swimming projects in media and returned to competition in 2018, winning multiple Masters World titles. Sue brings an unmatched blend of historical perspective, elite performance, insight, and athlete-centered coaching philosophy to her role as an Artistic Swimming Consultant for the Riverside Aquettes, inspiring her love of the sport and the newest generation of Artistic Swimming.
Ryleigh Hicks
Swim Coach
Hello, my name is Coach Ryleigh! I have over 12 years of experience in club swimming and 3 years of high school swim experience. I have 8 months of coaching experience with RAQ, along with 2 months of summer coaching at Riverside Aquatics Association. I am currently attending Riverside City College, where I am majoring in Elementary Education and continuing to grow as a coach with the RAQ organization. I am passionate about coaching and enjoy mentoring young athletes, building strong relationships, and helping swimmers develop their skills and confidence in a sport I have loved throughout my life.
Laura Richards
Volunteer Artistic Swim Coach
Coach Laura volunteers as an artistic swim coach for the club. She competed nationally with RAQ for 6 years, and now her daughter is also an artistic swimmer with RAQ. In addition to helping with practices and choreography, Coach Laura has trained to become a Level 2 DTC judge representing our club at competitions. She enjoys mentoring the next generation of artistic swimmers whenever possible.